If you don't already have one in your collection, the ZZ plant is a must-have for your houseplant collection. It’s one of the easiest houseplants to care for (right up there with snake plant and pothos), so you don’t have to fuss over it. Its bulbous rhizomes retain water, making it a great plant if you're forgetful about watering.
Plus, ZZ plant, short for Zamioculcas zamiifolia, looks good in almost any room of your house with its glossy green leaves and dramatic, upright form. The green leaves are eye-catching, but there's also a handsome variety called 'Raven,' which has dark foliage that is nearly black.
First propagated in the 1990s, it’s a tropical perennial native to dry grassland and forest in eastern Africa. “This is the go-to plant for those who don’t have a lot of light or a ton of time,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising and resident plant dad, 1-800-Flowers.com. “It’s one of the toughest choices around for beginners.”
ZZ Plant Basic Info:
Common Name: ZZ plant, Zanzibar gem
Botanical Name:Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Plant Family: Araceae
Type of Plant: Perennial, houseplant
Native Origin: Africa
Sun Exposure: Shade outdoors, indirect light indoors
Mature Size: 2 to 4 feet tall and wide
Toxic to pets: Yes
Here’s what else you need to know about how to grow and care for a ZZ plant:
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What Kind of Light Does ZZ Plant Need?
Unlike many tropical plants which require bright light, ZZ plant is much more forgiving. “It will grow anywhere from low to bright light levels,” says Palomares. “It even tolerates low-light conditions, such as dark corners of offices and homes.”
But don’t think that low light means no light. It needs some illumination. Don’t stick it in a room without windows, or it will struggle.
It also does not do well in direct sunlight, which will cause it to get “sunburned.” So, keep it a few feet away from sunny spaces, or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
How Do I Water ZZ Plant?
Because it's native to dry regions of the world, ZZ plant can tolerate periods of drought— even if the drought is caused by you forgetting to water it.
That means you'll only need to give it a drink every few weeks. If it’s in bright light, you may need to water more frequently or less frequently in low light, says Palomares.
But before watering, stick your finger in and feel the soil. When the top 2 inches or so feel dry, give it some water. If soil sticks to your finger, wait a few days and try again. The surest way to kill this plant is to overwater it because it will not tolerate super-soggy soil.
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Should I Feed My ZZ Plant?
It's not entirely necessary because, of course, plants make their own food through photosynthesis. But if you want to give it a little boost, feed with a regular houseplant fertilizer once or twice a year in spring or summer, says Palomares. It's not necessary in winter when plant growth slows down.
Is ZZ Plant Toxic to Pets?
Unfortunately, ZZ plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating to pets. If you have a nibbler, keep this plant out of your pet’s reach, and call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested it.
Expert consulted: 
