So glossy it looks polished – or made of plastic. Under the soil it stores water for months. Ideal if you like to travel or forget to water.

What it does for you

The ZZ plant stores water in its thick rhizomes, and its waxy leaves lose hardly any through evaporation. That way it can go three to four months without watering¹. For you, that means: holidays, a forgotten watering can – no problem. It uses water very slowly², so it also adds little to the humidity. Its leaves are naturally so glossy that they look polished¹.

Origin & history

The ZZ plant comes from eastern Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania via Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa⁴. There it grows in dry, open savanna woodland³.

Its species name zamiifolia means "with leaves like Zamia" – a genus of cycads it isn't related to at all⁵. Clemson also links the nickname "ZZ" to its resemblance to Zamia³. In 2002 the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association named it a Florida Plant of the Year¹.

Caution

The ZZ plant contains calcium oxalate. If leaves are eaten in larger amounts, vomiting and diarrhoea can follow. For cats and dogs it is considered moderately toxic⁵ – so keep it out of reach of pets and children. Sources differ on skin contact: NC State reports no contact dermatitis, the RHS lists it as a skin and eye irritant. Wear gloves when cutting^5,6.

Care

Light. Best bright without direct sun; harsh sun scorches the leaves⁵. It copes with little light, but then grows even more slowly than it already does³.

Water. Only water once the soil has dried out completely – once or twice a month³, in winter about once a month⁵. It can't stand wet feet: too much water makes the roots rot³.

Temperature & humidity. Indoors, 20–24 °C is ideal¹. It is sensitive to cold – not below 16 °C³. Normal room air is enough for it³.

Soil, pot & repotting. Coarse, free-draining soil, about half potting compost and half perlite and sand³. As a rule of thumb, ready-made cactus soil works too, and you repot every two to three years when the rhizomes fill the pot – only one size bigger.

Feeding. Only once or twice during the growing season³.

Extras

Flowers are rare: a spike in a light green bract³. Popular varieties: 'Raven' with almost black leaves, 'Zenzi' as a dwarf form and 'Chameleon', whose leaves come out yellow³.