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ZZ Plant for Easy Care and BeautyThis Glossy-Leaved Interior Plant Takes Little Water, Has Few Pests
This striking newcomer to interior plantscaping is a favorite accent piece that thrives on neglect.
The ZZ plant gets its common name from its botanical identification: Zamioculcas zamiifolia. While relatively new to the world of decorative indoor plants, it’s become very popular, and not surprisingly. Its deep green, glossy leaves are striking and can look fresh and new despite missed waterings and scanty light. Its thick, rounded leaves grow along a hefty stock that is swollen at the base. In warm climates it can grow outdoors, but it is generally seen as an interior plant in North America. WateringZZ plant doesn’t need much water. It stores water in an underground tuber as a hedge against drought in its native Africa. A good drink every two weeks or even once a month, depending on pot size, is usually enough. Too much water will cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant will eventually die. It should be allowed to dry out before the next watering. A ZZ plant should never be left in standing water. Any overflow should be emptied from the drip tray. ZZ can survive even if an occasional watering is missed. It doesn’t take much fertilizer either: light feedings during the summer or the active growing period are sufficient. LightingZZ can grow and remain healthy in very low light. In brighter light it will thrive. It should be kept away from windows receiving direct sun, however, to avoid burning the leaves. These plants are slow growers and not likely to outgrow their spot in the home décor for some time. Pest-FreePests are seldom found on ZZ plants, making them doubly easy to care for. Dusting regularly and wiping the leaves with a damp cloth will keep them healthy and bring out their natural gloss. These plants are a member of the Araceae family, which also includes philodendron and peace lily (spathiphyllum). Though they bear little resemblance to their cousins, it is the flowers they produce occasionally that tie them to the Araceae family. The flowers consist of a spathe, or cape-like bract that wraps around a spike called a spadix, similar to the abundant flowers produced by the peace lily. Many growers and plant fanciers see more of a resemblance between the ZZ plant and the Cycad group of plants. While the Cycads include tropical plants with the more succulent look of ZZ, they bear cones or cone-like seed cases rather than flowers. But the resemblance is noted by the “Zami” prefix in the scientific name of the ZZ that comes from the Zamiaceae family of Cycads. Keep Away from KidsIf ZZ plants have a fault, it may be the fact that all parts are poisonous if eaten or chewed. For that reason, they should be kept away from children and pets. Resource:Miracle-Gro Guide to Growing Healthy Houseplants, project-editor: Kate Carter Frederick, Meridith Publishing Group, Des Moines, IA, 2005. Information on plant families and naming for this plant can be found in Wikipedia.
The copyright of the article ZZ Plant for Easy Care and Beauty in Houseplants is owned by Linda McDonnell. Permission to republish ZZ Plant for Easy Care and Beauty in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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