ZZ plants, scientifically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a popular indoor plant. Not only does it give your home a touch of greenery, but it has other benefits as well.
In this article, we will discuss the remarkable features of ZZ plants and what makes them a great addition to your indoor space.
ZZ Plants in a Nutshell
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Origin: East Africa and South Africa
Size: Up to 2 to 4 feet tall
Light: Medium to bright indirect light
Water: Water every 2–3 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out between each watering session
Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets
Air Purification
Scientists have been studying how indoor plants can purify the air for a long time. In 1989, the NASA Clean Air Study found out that different parts of plants, like their leaves, roots, and soil, can get rid of pollutants in the air.
These pollutants include cigarette smoke and chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. Plants are also good at lowering carbon dioxide, which is not good to breathe in in high amounts.
Recent research also shows that plants are air purifiers, especially ZZ plants.
In a study from 2014, scientists studied 15 different indoor plants to see which one was best at removing a chemical called xylene from the air. ZZ plants turned out to be the best among these.
Low Maintenance
ZZ plants can thrive with very little attention. They are an excellent choice for beginners and experienced gardeners who want to have low-maintenance plants.
Here’s why:
- Watering Simplicity: ZZ plants are exceptionally resilient to drought conditions. You will only have to water ZZ plants once the soil has completely dried out.
This typically translates to about every two weeks, though this can vary depending on the environment they’re in.
- Light Adaptability: ZZ plants can thrive in low light conditions, making them ideal for rooms with limited natural sunlight.
They’re equally comfortable in bright, indirect light. This adaptability sets them apart from other houseplants that may require specific light conditions to flourish.
- Minimal Fertilization: ZZ plants don’t demand frequent fertilization. However, if you want to provide additional nourishment, you can fertilize them every six months or even monthly in their growing season.
Stress Reduction
Aside from enhancing the look of your living space, plants actually have the power to boost your happiness as well.
Scientific research indicates that being surrounded by greenery and working with plants can effectively reduce stress and anxiety, uplift one’s overall mood, and decrease feelings of depression.
Indoor plants can increase productivity, foster positive attitudes, and ignite creativity.
For instance, research done by the University of Exeter conducted in a workplace setting discovered that the introduction of plants led to a notable 15 percent increase in feelings of well-being and creativity.
This can happen to you and your co-workers as well!
Add ZZ plants to your workplace. They’re not only an excellent choice for enhancing the look of a space, but they can also help alleviate stress, improve mood, and stimulate inspiration.
Natural Decoration
ZZ plants offer more than just practical benefits; they are also remarkably visually appealing.
Their glossy, dark green leaves, combined with their unique architectural structure, make them an incredible choice for enhancing the aesthetic of your living space.
Here’s how you can use them in various design styles:
- Traditional: In traditional settings, ZZ plants offer a breath of fresh air. Their vibrant green foliage softens the space and adds a touch of nature to classic decor.
They can complement ornate furniture and rich color palettes to create a balanced and elegant atmosphere.
- Modern: ZZ plants bring a sleek and contemporary touch to modern interiors. Their glossy, dark green leaves and minimalist structure seamlessly blend with clean lines and the simplicity of modern decor.
The result is a harmonious fusion of nature and contemporary design.
- Minimalist: ZZ plants are the perfect choice for minimalist environments. Their low-maintenance, unobtrusive presence adds a hint of greenery without overwhelming the simplicity of the design.
Their architectural structure complements the clean lines and neutral color schemes often found in minimalist spaces.
- Bohemian: ZZ plants can also find their place in bohemian interiors. Their lush, dark leaves bring an earthy element to the eclectic mix of patterns and textures typically found in bohemian decor.
They add a touch of natural beauty to spaces that celebrate free-spirited creativity.
- Industrial: ZZ plants provide a beautiful contrast to the rough textures and raw materials often found in industrial design.
Their vibrant foliage softens the harshness of the industrial aesthetic and adds a touch of freshness and balance to the space.
- Cottagecore: For those who love the cottagecore style, ZZ plants offer a dash of countryside charm. Their deep green leaves evoke the spirit of nature and rural living, complementing cozy, nostalgic decor.
Feng Shui
The ZZ plants are sometimes referred to as the “fortune tree” in feng shui. They are associated with growth, luck, and stability.
They are believed to bring wealth and good fortune because their glossy leaves resemble the gleam of gold coins.
Their growth patterns are also connected to the symbolism of luck and fortune. Its leaves and stems grow in an upward direction while its foliage is evergreen.
Here’s where you can place ZZ plants to maximize their benefits based on feng shui:
- East: Place your ZZ plant in the east or family corner of your living space to encourage positive relationships with your family and friends.
- Southeast: Position your ZZ plant in the southeast or wealth corner of your home to boost financial prosperity and abundance.
- North or Northeast: Enhance career growth and success by placing your ZZ plant in the north or northeast corner of your living area.
- Entrance: For a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, consider placing your ZZ plant at the entrance or reception area of your office.
Easy Propagation
If you want more ZZ plants in your collection, you’d be happy to know that they are quite easy to propagate. The simplest method to propagate them is through division.
How to Propagate ZZ Plant
When repotting, carefully divide the rhizomes and then replant them into new containers. Alternatively, you can propagate them using stem cuttings.
While this method takes a bit longer, approximately six to nine months, it’s not overly complicated.
- To begin, sterilize plant snips and prepare a clean jar filled with water. Trim an entire stem including its leaflets.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem, and place the stem in the water-filled jar.
- Place the jar in an area with room temperature and indirect light exposure. Remember to change the water at least once a week to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- In about six to nine months, you should notice the development of roots. At this point, you can put the plant in a container with the appropriate soil mix.
