ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem) Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem) (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Araceae family, native to Eastern Africa, from Kenya to north-eastern South Africa. It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants shade and low water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Africa, from Kenya to north-eastern South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts, sap
Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and low water.
Questions about ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem)
- How far apart should I plant ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem)?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- Is ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
- What grows well with ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for ZZ plant (Zanzibar gem). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Stiff, upright stems of thick, glossy leaflets rising from fat underground rhizomes that store water, so it survives weeks without watering and very low light. Dutch nurseries began selling it worldwide in the late 1990s. Overwatering rots it.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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