ZZ Plant
Family
Araceae
Origin
Eastern Africa
Description
ZZ plant is an erect, semi-evergreen perennial plant. This plant has a slow growth rate, reaching 2 to 4 feet in height and width. The leaves on the thick stems are smooth, shiny and dark green. They are a fleshy type which are only a couple of inches in length and an inch or so wide. The plant can flower, but rarely does indoor sand. the arum-like flowers grow from the base of the plant.
Zuzu plant is capable of removing significant amounts of xylene, toluene, benzene and ethylbenzene from the air.
Environment
ZZ plant needs to be planted in partial to deep shade and highly organic or sandy soil with good drainage. It has bulbous fleshy rhizomes that give rise to glossy leaves that store water and make it highly drought tolerant.
pot it in well-drained potting soil that is watered routinely but allowed to dry out between waterings, as wet feet are not tolerated. Water it only twice a month in winter months when it goes dormant; water once a week in the summer, but only if the soil has dried out completely.
Scalding and browning of leaves can occur if the plant is placed in direct sunlight.
Fast-draining soil works best to avoid root rot. Mix 1 part good-quality all-purpose potting mix and 1 part sharp sand or perlite. Cactus mix works well, too.
Feed 4 times a year with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
Landscape Use
ZZ dark-green, shiny, waxy leaves look prehistoric, making it a great sculptural floor plant in your hallway or living room. This fascinating, uber-modern houseplant is absolutely perfect as a desk plant, guaranteed to lighten the mood, no matter how dark the office!