Zamioculcas zamiifolia image • Photo: Author User:WeFt• GFDL
Zanzibar Gem
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a tropical herbaceous perennial plant with glossy, dark green, pinnately compound leaves that grow 40-60 cm long. It features 6-8 pairs of leathery, elliptical leaflets per leaf and stores water in its stout, potato-like rhizome, enabling drought survival. The plant grows slowly to 2-4 feet tall and wide, maintaining evergreen foliage except during extreme drought. Its architectural form and waxy leaf surfaces make it distinctive among houseplants.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light, tolerates low light temporarily
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Infrequent watering (allow soil to dry completely between waterings)
Humidity Needs
low humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
60-85°F (15-29°C), minimum 60°F (15°C)
Native Climate
Native to Eastern Africa (Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe)
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining, sandy or gritty mix with perlite or sand
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Zamioculcas zamiifolia plants
Division of rhizomes, leaf cuttings (very slow)
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Eastern Africa (Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe)
slow
2-4 feet (0.61-1.22 m) in height and width
perennial
Toxic to pets
This plant has air purifying properties.
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Bloom Season
Midsummer to early autumn
Flower Description
Small bright yellow to bronze spadix (5-7 cm long) wrapped in a yellow-green spathe, partially hidden among leaf bases
Fun Fact
ZZ plant leaves contain 91% water content and can survive up to four months without watering under low light conditions due to their water-storing rhizomes.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and foul odor from soil caused by overwatering
Leggy growth, disproportionate leaf spacing, and leaf drop
Yellowing leaves with green veins, often from nutrient deficiencies or improper watering
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Zamioculcas zamiifolia
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Air Purifying Plants Care Guide
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