Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ Plant is built for survival, storing water in thick rhizomes beneath the soil that let it shrug off weeks of neglect. Its glossy, dark green pinnate leaves grow in stiff upright stalks that catch the light almost like plastic foliage, which is part of why it reads as so architectural in interior spaces. Native to semi-arid regions of East Africa, it has evolved to cope with drought and low light, making it one of the most forgiving aroids available to home growers. It is slow growing but essentially indestructible, tolerating fluorescent office lighting and irregular watering schedules with ease.

Native range

Native to grasslands and dry forests of eastern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa; grown globally as a low-maintenance interior plant.

Classification

Genus

Zamioculcas

Family

Araceae

Type

Wild

Growth habit

Rhizomatous, upright rosette

Morphology

Leaf shape

Pinnately compound, elliptic leaflets

Leaf length

40-60cm (whole stalk)

Leaf width

3-6cm per leaflet

Petiole colour

Pale green

Venation

PinnateVeins or lobes arranged like a feather, branching out symmetrically on both sides of a single main central vein.

Texture

Glossy, waxy

Variegation

N/A

Growth habit

Upright rosette from tuberous rhizomes