Okay, let me start off by saying that this plant is not indestructible. The title was meant to catch your attention, so I left out “nearly,” as in this plant is nearly indestructible.
So what is this magnificint plant? Folks, let me introduce Zamioculcas zamiifolia. Don’t worry if you have no idea how to pronounce its name, neither do I. Just call it ‘ZZ’ everyone will know what you’re talking about. I hope.
Photo by ltrc ttec library
I need to say right off the bat, if you kill plants with too much love and attention, then ZZ is not for you. This is a plant that thrives on your extreme neglect. Water it infrequently and give it a spot with barely any light and it is a happy camper. Oh, and no need for frequent transplanting to larger pots, ZZ likes snug living quarters.
Notice that the plant in the photo above is in someone’s office cubicle. This is a great plant for the office. It’s actually a good thing that your cubicle is faaaar away from the window. A bright window might actually be too much light. According to the December/January issue of Horticulture Magazine, ZZ can tolerate as little as 25 footcandles and up to three months without water. Considering that even a very dim window gets about 100 footcandles, I am pretty sure most offices get enough light to please ZZ. And if you can’t remember to water a plant every three months…well then maybe you should consider a very nice silk plant.
For your neglect, ZZ will give you smooth, thick stems covered in dark green, glossy leaves. The plants have a nice, upright growth habit that will add a calming, fresh element to home and office alike. The only downside that I can tell is that the flowers look like an ugly step-cousin of calla lilies, but you can just cut them off if they’re not your thing.
You Might Also Like:
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
The ZZ plant is great. Another cool thing about it is that you can propagate it by simply plucking off a leaf and sticking it in some moist soil. It’s a slow process, but it works!
Zach — Even better. I love plants that are easy to propagate.
Hi Fern,
The ZZ plant is indeed a great plant for your office or your home!
One word of caution though, you had stated that the ZZ plant likes to be snug in it’s pot, but I have read that the ZZ plant can break out of it’s pot if it is forced to grow too much for too long in the same pot. I suggest that anyone who grows a ZZ plant should change the pot every now and then to avoid a broken pot or a ZZ plant on the floor!
Jordan — I have never heard that. Thanks for letting me/us know!
Gee! gee! I want a ZZ!
I absolutely love this plant, I bought a small one from Ikea a couple of years back and it’s been flourishing in my bathroom ever since.
Would have to agree with Jordan as after I repotted mine it really took off growing loads of new shoots within a few months. Also their underground bulbs/rhizomes looks pretty freaky – like something out of Day of The Triffids!
Is this plant safe for cats? I’ve found a lot of plants are toxic to kitties and I have a couple cats who’s curiosity gets the better of them and like to taste my new greenery… So between my inability to remember to water plants and curious cats… Finding nice plants can be a challenge…. Side note, another “nearly indestructable plant would be a money tree. Mine has been dug up… By curious cats… Eaten… By curious cats, moved out side, neglected, blown around my balcony by a vicious wind storm… Unpotted in the process and when cleaning my up my balcony for the winter two months after deciding this plant was finished and had stopped watering it, I saw a bit of yellow and brought it in to see what would happen if I gave it a little drink… Nearly over night I had a bright green leafy happy money plant sporting at least five new baby branches and ready to take on whatever abuse I threw it’s way!!!