Are you looking for an elegant, robust, and ultra-easy-to-care-for plant? Is the lighting in your room not ideal for most indoor plants? The false zamia, better known by its pseudonym: ZZ plant in reference to its Latin name Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is undoubtedly the plant you need!
Even though it is a close cousin of the philodendron, it's hard to find any family resemblance. It would be more easily compared to a fern or even a palm, but the ZZ plant is actually unique in its kind, resembling no other. With its long, slender stems covered in thick, fleshy, dark green oval leaves, it adds life to any room, even the less bright ones. Some varieties like the Zamioculcas 'Raven' are really interesting: new lime green shoots turn almost black as they age. It's a cultivar to look for if you like plants that stand out. It's said to be rather difficult to find, but several Passion Jardins merchants offer them at different times of the year.
This plant is available at various stages of growth, from very small to mature. Since it's a plant that grows very slowly and has a good lifespan, you'll have the chance to see it flourish and gain amplitude year after year. At full maturity, the leaves can reach 60 to 90 cm in length.
Care of the False Zamia
Lighting
The ZZ plant tops the list of indestructible plants, right next to sansevierias or mother-in-law's tongues, if you prefer. You can place it anywhere, from your sunlit living room to your dark basement office. Of course, like all plants, it needs a minimum amount of light to survive, but it makes do with little. You can allow a few rays of direct sunlight without it being harmful to its leaves, but avoid very hot spots.
Watering
If you tend to forget a few waterings, your Zamioculcas won't hold it against you. Unlike some houseplants that appreciate slightly moist soil at all times, this plant prefers to lack water than to spend its life in wet soil. Therefore, let the soil dry halfway before watering, and it's better to delay by a few days rather than water too soon. In fact, your only way – or almost – to kill your false zamia is by overwatering it. Its roots and stems may rot if it spends too much time with its feet in water. If you leave for a few weeks, there's no need to alert the neighbors: water it thoroughly before leaving, and it will be in perfect condition upon your return. It's even said that two or three months without watering don't scare it... would you dare?
The ZZ plant is perfectly happy in the environment of our homes, with fairly stable temperatures, between 18 and 22 ºC, and relatively dry, especially in winter. It's useless to mist the foliage, as it will only stain it. If dust accumulates, clean the leaves with a damp cloth or rinse your plant under the shower. Do not use leaf shine, as the Zamioculcas is naturally shiny.
Other Care
You can fertilize your plant with an indoor plant fertilizer, from May to September, but only at half dose. Avoid feeding it in winter. Since the plant grows quite slowly, especially if placed in the shade, and likes to be a bit cramped, it’s not necessary to repot it regularly. Do it every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes too big for the pot. A hint: if the roots, underground tubers that resemble potatoes, expand and deform the pot, it's time to repot.
Is it possible to take a false zamia outside?
Since it tolerates just about everything, your false zamia will be very happy to spend the summer outside, basking quietly in the sun, in full sun if possible. Take the time to acclimate it well when taking it out to the terrace, but above all, make sure to bring it in early enough in the fall. This plant doesn't like the cold: don't leave it too long at temperatures below 15 ºC.
Visit your local Passion Jardins merchant to learn more about this versatile plant whose elegance and ease of care you will appreciate.
Tips and advice
