Zamioculcas zamiifolia, more commonly known as the Zanzibar Gem, is a tropical plant native to Eastern Africa. This popular houseplant is beautiful, low maintenance and thrives in most indoor environments.
If you are looking for a plant that is easy to care for and adds that special touch of elegance to your home, then the Zanzibar Gem is the perfect plant for you! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about caring for and growing this beautiful plant.
Zanzibar Gem Plant Profile
The Zanzibar gem is a tropical plant that originates from Eastern Africa. It’s a member of the diverse Araceae family, which includes plants such as the Golden Pothos and Lilies. This plant grows from large, thick rhizomes that look like potatoes. These rhizomes hold onto water, which is why the zamioculcas are drought-tolerant (so do well when you forget to water them)!
This slow-growing perennial can reach a width and height of two to three feet. Not only do the attractive, wide, dark-green leaves reflect sunlight to brighten up your home, but a NASA study also found the zamioculcas acts as an air purifier! Add one of these beauties to your rooms and filter toxins such as benzene, xylene and toluene.
Special Note: Whilst these plants are fantastic air purifiers, they are toxic to pets and people. Be mindful of where you are growing them and wash your hands after handling them.
Will theZanzibar gem flower?
You may find your zamioculcas flowers mid-summer to early autumn, however, it is primarily a foliage plant and the blooms appear infrequently. If they do grow, they are tiny yellow or white flowers at the base of your plant. You may not even notice when it blooms!
The varied faces ofzamioculcas.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia is also called:
- Zanzibar Gem
- ZZ Plant
- Eternity Plant
- Heirloom Plant
- Welcome Plant
Different types of ZZ plants:
There are several types of Zanzibar Gems, with each as stunning as the other.
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ has eye-catching dark purple-maroon foliage
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Lucky Variegated’ has green foliage with white and yellow variegation.
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Zamicro’ is a dwarf version with smaller leaves and shorter stems.
Whatever you call it, and whichever type you choose, the zamioculcas plant is super easy to care for and will make a stunning addition to your home (or office) decor.
Zanzibar Gem Care 101
ZZ plants are low-maintenance and easy to grow so you don’t need a green thumb to care for this beautiful plant! Learn everything there is to know about how to care for your ZZ plant below.
Light: The Zanzibar Gem does best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. The best place to grow your Zanzibar gem indoors is near a window where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect light. You can grow it outside, but choose a sheltered spot that doesn’t receive direct sunlight.
If your plant is not getting enough light, you will notice the leaves becoming smaller and the stem stretched out and leggy. Simply move your plant to a brighter location but avoid direct sunlight as that can cause burns to the leaves.
Water: One of the best things about theZanzibar gem is that it is very drought-tolerant thanks to the rhizome roots. It can go several weeks without being watered so you won’t need to find a plant-sitter if you go away, or simply forget to water these little gems!
Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out completely before watering. Give your plant a good soaking until the water is dripping out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Then let it dry out completely again.
Cleaning: The naturally shiny leaves of thezanzibar gem can become dull due to an accumulation of dust. All you need to do to restore its shine is use a damp washcloth or a feather duster to gently wipe away the dust! Make sure you don’t use commercial cleaners on the plant as they can damage the leaves.
Temperature: Zanzibar gems do well in average household temperatures, but do not tolerate the cold at less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing your potted ZZ plant in a drafty or cold spot in your home and it will thrive!
Soil: The Zanzibar Gem is not choosy when it comes to soil, although it does best in a well-draining potting mix. You can add perlite or sand to the regular potting mix to improve drainage, but it is not necessary.
Fertilizer: TheZanzibar gem doesn’t require regular fertilizing, unless you want to speed up the growth of your plant. If that’s the case, use a regular indoor fertilizer at half strength once or twice during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune your Zanzibar Gem as needed to remove yellow or dead leaves and encourage new growth. This plant is pretty slow-growing and won’t need regular pruning, if at all.
Repotting: A ZZ plant only needs to be repotted if it has outgrown its current container. Look for these signs to know when it is time:
- the rhizomes can be seen pressing up under the soil.
- the rhizomes are pressing against the edge of the container
- the container shape becomes warped.
- if your plant is showing signs of stress that could be caused by its roots being bound.
Pests and problems: The Zanzibar gem is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but mealybugs can be a problem. These are small, white insects that feed on the sap of plants. If you notice mealybugs on your plant, remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If you have a serious infestation, you may need to treat your plant with insecticidal soap.
How to grow Zanzibar gem plants
If you want to buy a Zanzibar Gem, you can find them at most garden centers or online. Once you have an established plant you can easily propagate it to fill your home with this gorgeous air-purifying plant.
Propagate through division:
This is the simplest method to grow Zanzibar gems. The next time (or the first time) you repot your ZZ plant, separate the rhizomes and replant them in separate containers.
Propagate through stem cuttings:
This takes a lot longer than the division method and has many more steps involved:
- Step 1: Cut off a stalk with atleast two leaves from your established plant.
- Step 2: Remove the bottom leaves from the stem.
- Step 3: Place the stalk in a jar of fresh water.
- Step 4: Place the jar in an area with indirect light.
- Step 5: Change the water at least weekly to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Step 6: Watch for the growth of roots – this can take six to nine months!
- Step 7: When there is substantial root growth plant your new zanzibar gem into a pot.
The introvert of houseplants!
The ZZ plant prefers to be left alone, with only the occasional attention needed to keep it thriving. Water it infrequently, keep it out of direct sunlight and occasionally dust the leaves and your zanzibar gem will thrive! The zanzibar gem truly is the introvert of houseplants.
