The ZZ plant, scientifically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a popular and hardy houseplant known for its attractive foliage and ease of care. It is native to Eastern Africa and is characterized by its shiny, dark green leaves that grow on multiple fleshy stems.
ZZ plants are well-suited for indoor environments and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including low light and infrequent watering. They prefer bright, indirect light but can also thrive in low light conditions. It’s best to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
In terms of temperature, ZZ plants prefer average room temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and should be kept away from drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C). They are also relatively pest-resistant, but can occasionally be affected by mealybugs, fungus gnats, or aphids.
ZZ plants are slow-growing and can reach a height of 2-3 feet when grown indoors. They are also known for their air-purifying qualities, making them a great addition to any home or office.
Varieties of ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Golden ZZ Plant
This variety has golden-yellow foliage. Golden ZZ Plant’s care requirements are similar to those of the standard ZZ Plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions. However, direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
Raven ZZ Plant
Commonly known as the Raven ZZ plant has deep purple-black leaves.The leaves start as a bright green and gradually deepen to an almost black hue as they mature. Originally discovered in 2015 and introduced to the market in 2019. This plant retains the hardy and low-maintenance nature of the typical ZZ Plant, thriving in low light conditions and requiring minimal watering.
ZZ Zenzi Plant
It has a bushy appearance with leaves densely packed together. Leaves are shorter and more curled than the conventional ZZ plant. The deep green foliage has smooth and glossy finish. Like the traditional ZZ Plant, the Zenzi stays small, to not even half the height as a traditional ZZ Plant.
ZZ Lucky White
It features wide, succulent leaves that are larger and more elongated than those of other ZZ plant varieties. The leaves have a glossy, waxy texture and are a bright green color with white or pale yellow variegation. The stems of the plant are robust and grow in a zig-zag pattern.
ZZ Lucky Giant
The Lucky Giant features larger, narrower, dark green waxy leaves that are smooth and glossy. These leaves are arranged in a pinnate pattern along thick, upright stems. Compared to regular ZZ plants, the Lucky Giant has broader, more substantial leaves. This variety typically grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall. It can take three to five years to reach its full size, although it may grow faster under optimal conditions.
ZZ Super Nova
The ZZ Super Nova has deep, dark green leaves that can sometimes appear almost black. These leaves are glossy and have a slight metallic sheen. New growth on the Super Nova starts bright green and matures to a rich, dark hue, sometimes appearing almost black. The leaves grow in a pinnate pattern, with each leaf composed of 6-8 pairs of leaflets. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide.
ZZ Albino
The ZZ Albino is similar to the White Variegata variety, but it differs in that its leaves are a solid white or pale yellow, without any green spots. Like other ZZ plants, the Albino variety is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels.
ZZ Chameleon
This plant was discovered by Michael Kerry Rimland in a plant nursery in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2017. The ZZ Chameleon plant stands out from other ZZ plants due to its color-changing leaves. The leaves emerge a bright shade of golden yellow before maturing to a rich, deep green. The Plant is adaptable to different light conditions, but it thrives best when placed near a window to receive medium to bright indirect light.
ZZ Jungle Warrior
The ZZ Jungle Warrior is a slow grower, taking three to five years to reach its full size. It can grow up to two to three feet tall and wide. It features deep, dark foliage that starts off as a vibrant bright lime color in its youth and gradually transitions to a rich emerald green as it matures. The leaves grow on smooth, shiny leaflets.
ZZ Zamicro
The ZZ Zamicro plant is a houseplant that requires specific lighting and watering conditions to thrive. It thrives in a moderate range of 60°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C) and can tolerate both low and high humidity levels. It features lush, glossy leaves with a deep green hue and its stems grow vertically, supporting the thick, oval-shaped foliage. This variety has smaller stature and denser leaf growth.
Midnight ZZ Plant
The ZZ Midnight plant has almost completely black leaves. These leaves start as a deep green color and gradually darken to an ink black as they mature. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and grow alternately on the stem. This plant is well-suited for low-light environments, as its black leaves absorb more light than traditional green leaves. The ZZ Midnight plant thrives in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and average room humidity.
ZZ Speckle Plant
The ZZ Speckle Plant has variegated yellow and green leaves, which makes it stand out in any space. The leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, arranged alternately along the stem. The plant grows to about 2-3 feet tall. When it comes to temperature, the ZZ Speckle Plant prefers a range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 45°F (7°C), but it’s best to keep it away from cold drafts.
ZZ Whipped Cream
This variety is characterized by its cream-white leaves that have a whipped cream-like appearance, hence the name. It can reach a height of 2-5 feet, with herbaceous stems that are slightly elongated. The plant has a perennial growth habit, meaning it can live for many years. The plant also prefers a temperature range of 65-80°F (18-26°C) and a humidity level of 40-50%.
ZZ Bitkisi Plant
The ZZ Bitkisi plant is a unique variety of ZZ plant that features red streaks on its leaves. It is renowned for its resilience and ability to thrive in various environments, earning it the nickname “the eternal plant.” The ZZ Bitkisi plant, like other ZZ plants, prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions.