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Have you ever seen a house plant and often mistaken it for an artificial plant? This mostly occurs when these plants look shiny and have stiff leaves which are the characteristics of most fake plants.
The zamioculcas zamiifolia also known as the ZZ plant is one of those plants that are often mistaken to be fake. The ZZ plants are perennial houseplants that are native to Africa, especially in Zanzibar of Tanzania.
Their Leaves consist of shiny, glossy deep green leaves that always make passers-by assume that they are artificial.
The ZZ plant was drought resistant before they were originally found to be in Africa, they can live for centuries and can grow up to 4 ft.
Most ZZ plants have different varieties and these also require different care for each of them. In this article, we are going to discuss ZZ plant varieties that are available and how best they can be cared for.
How Do You Identify A ZZ Plant?
Most ZZ plants are known to thrive well in grasslands and tropical areas, some of these plants have other similar characteristics that are the same for other plants. To easily identify a ZZ plant the following features should be noted.
- Has glossy green leaves
- They are evergreen plants
- They possess cream-white flowers when the plant blooms
- Some of their leaves turn black when they mature.
- The ZZ plants take a lot of time to grow, about 3-5 years
ZZ Plant Types
ZZ plants have different types that vary in size, colour, plant growth and climate conditions. Knowing these types will enable you to make the right decisions to suit your needs.
1. ZZ Raven
ZZ Raven or The Dark Beauty’s leaves change from light-green to dark-green, mimicking the black Raven colour.
After a few months, it changes to black, it is one of the most popular black indoor plants. ZZ ravens can get up to 3 ft or more in height.
ZZ Raven’s liquid contains calcium oxalate which is a bit harmful to pets and humans when they are consumed directly.
They might also cause discomfort to the eye and skin with long exposure.
Growth conditions for ZZ Raven include
- Low-light conditions like kitchen and bedroom
- The raven ZZ plants need water when the potting soil completely dries out and this should be done once in two weeks during summer.
- It needs a porous pot with drainage holes
- Should be placed on optimal room temperatures
- Regular home humidity levels
2. The Dark Zamicro
The Dark Zamicro are evergreen perennials. They have huge, water-storing rhizomes and glossy leaves split up into groups Oi of leaflets
The Dark Zamicro is closely related to Raven ZZ because its shiny leaflets are almost black. The unique detail contrasting the two is their length, The Dark Zamicro grows no more than two 2ft, while Raven ZZ can grow up to 3ft.
Their leaves are also smaller than the normal ZZ.
Growing conditions for dark micro
- Low-light conditions like kitchen and bedroom
- The raven ZZ plants need water when the potting soil completely dries out and this should be done once in two weeks during summer.
- It needs a porous pot with drainage holes
- Should be placed on optimal room temperatures
- Regular home humidity levels
- Average household humidity levels
3. ZZ Lucky Classic Plant
Unlike other cultivated ZZ plants, Lucky Classic’s leaves have a rounder and feather-like appearance.
Nevertheless, they are dark green, polished and succulent like the common cultivated ZZ’s. Its flowers might blossom during spring and summer.
Growing conditions
- It prefers a well-drained and aerated potting mix combined with cactus soil and grit
- It thrives in partial shade areas
- It is drought-resistant; therefore watering should be only when the soil is dehydrated. Once every two weeks in summer and during winter, it should be watered once.
4. Zamioculcas zamiifolia (variegated)
The variegated species is a ZZ plant cultivar that derives its name from the plant genus Zamia. Its green-creamy yellow glossy leaves are crowded, growing outwards from its rhizomes.
It can grow 2-3 ft. in length and spread. It has a drought tolerance which makes it a desirable plant for conserving water.
The ZZ Variegate comes in:
- White Variegated- They have green and white leaves rather than green and golden-yellow. Their leaves might change from cream to grey.
- Gold Variegated ZZ’s- The parts of their leaves are gold and very limited. They might require mild sunlight because they do not have enough chlorophyll on their leaves.
Growing conditions
- It needs fast-draining with good airflow and potting soil
- Watering should be carried out when the top two inches of soil is dry. Watering should occur once every two weeks during summer and in winter, for a month.
- Outdoor cultivated ZZ’s can tolerate mild sun to partial light due to low chlorophyll for photosynthesis. Indoor plants can also do well in normal sun but it should not be prolonged.
- Average indoor temperatures of 65- 85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Should be repotted when the plant outgrows the container.
5. Zenzi ZZ
Zenzi is a new type of ZZ known for its very short growing patterns, giving rise to it as a decorative plant for small spaces. Zenzi is lower than the regular ZZs, attaining a height of at least one inch. Because of its dwarf state, its shiny leaflets crowd on its leaf stalk, making it appear thicker. They rarely produce flowers if planted indoors.
Growing conditions and care for ZZ zenzi variety
- Thrives anywhere away from natural light and can withstand bright light
- Thrives better in penetrable pots. Re-pot every year for the first three years.
- Prefers fast-draining soil with proper airflow to the roots.
- Propagation is best done in spring through leaf cuttings or division of rhizomes.
- Can tolerate normal house humidity.
- Gentle watering is tolerated on dry days.
Are ZZ Plants Rare?
Although most ZZ plants are easily accessible, some are very rare, making these plants quite expensive. The availability of ZZ plants depends on the species and their importance.
How Do I Make My ZZ Plant Variegated?
To propagate a ZZ plant, cut the stem with at least 2 leaves and a few inches long stem. This is one of the most productive methods used in propagating the Variegated ZZ plant.
Ensure to cut the parts of the leaves and stem that have blotched colours and build up from there.
What Does The ZZ Plant Symbolize?
ZZ Plant has a good deal of benefits in Chinese geomancy( Feng Shu).
A lot of people love to bring this plant into their homes and offices because it is believed to be a Money Magnet i.e. to bring wealth and prosperity, it is easy to maintain and others feel like it increases the lifespan of people
Is The ZZ Plant The Same As Zanzibar Gem?
The ZZ plant is technically the same as the Zanzibar Gem. Most people find it difficult to pronounce the full name because of how lengthy it is, so it is shortened to Zanzibar Gem.
What Is The Difference Between Variegated and Non-Variegated?
| Variegated | Non-variegated |
| They occur in rare cases | They are always common |
| It can have a continuous and discontinuous pattern | They are usually continuous. |
| They have different colours and no green parts | They are mostly green foliage. |
In conclusion, zz plants are great plants to keep at homes, offices, etc. Going through the steps above will make it easier to use and like the feng shui.
