Zanzibar Gem 200mm

$30.00

🌿 Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)

Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Common Names: Zanzibar Gem, ZZ Plant, Emerald Palm, Aroid Palm
Family: Araceae
Origin: Native to Eastern Africa, particularly Tanzania, Kenya, and Zanzibar

đź“Ź Physical Description

  • Growth Habit:
    A rhizomatous, evergreen perennial known for its upright, symmetrical growth and ability to thrive on neglect.
    Grows 60–90 cm tall (2–3 feet), though can grow taller over time.

  • Stems & Leaves:
    Features thick, fleshy stems with dark green, glossy, oval-shaped leaflets.
    Each leaflet is about 7–15 cm long, giving a lush, feathered look.
    The overall appearance is tropical, sculptural, and highly ornamental.

  • Rhizomes:
    The plant stores water in large potato-like underground rhizomes, making it extremely drought-tolerant.

🌱 Care and Cultivation

  • Light:
    Extremely adaptable. Prefers bright, indirect light, but tolerates low light and fluorescent lighting—ideal for offices or indoor rooms.
    Avoid direct hot sun, which can scorch leaves.

  • Watering:
    Water sparingly. Allow soil to completely dry out between waterings.
    Infrequent watering is better than too much—overwatering is the most common cause of failure.

  • Soil:
    Requires well-draining soil. A mix of potting soil with added sand or perlite works well.

  • Temperature:
    Thrives in 18–26°C (65–80°F).
    Keep away from cold drafts; doesn’t like temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

  • Humidity:
    Tolerant of most humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity.

  • Feeding:
    Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

  • Repotting:
    Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot.

âś… Quick Care Summary

RequirementDetailsLightBright indirect to low lightWateringLet soil dry completely between drinksSoilWell-draining, aerated mixTemperature18–26°C (no lower than 10°C)FeedingMonthly during spring/summerGrowth HabitUpright, sculptural; 60–90 cm tall

âś… Uses

  • Excellent for offices, homes, and indoor spaces with poor light

  • Grown for architectural foliage and air-purifying qualities

  • Great in decorative pots, planter boxes, or grouped with other tropicals for lush impact

⚠️ Common Issues

  • Yellowing leaves: Usually caused by overwatering—check for soggy soil

  • Drooping stems: Can indicate either overwatering or root-bound plants

  • Pests: Rarely affected, but may occasionally get mealybugs or scale

⚠️ Toxicity

Toxic if ingested – contains calcium oxalate crystals.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.

🪴 Display Tip for Brisbane:

Thrives indoors in bright, shaded spots—perfect for modern interiors or shaded patios. Combine with snake plants, peace lilies, or pothos for a hardy, green indoor garden with minimal maintenance.

🌿 Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)

Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Common Names: Zanzibar Gem, ZZ Plant, Emerald Palm, Aroid Palm
Family: Araceae
Origin: Native to Eastern Africa, particularly Tanzania, Kenya, and Zanzibar

đź“Ź Physical Description

  • Growth Habit:
    A rhizomatous, evergreen perennial known for its upright, symmetrical growth and ability to thrive on neglect.
    Grows 60–90 cm tall (2–3 feet), though can grow taller over time.

  • Stems & Leaves:
    Features thick, fleshy stems with dark green, glossy, oval-shaped leaflets.
    Each leaflet is about 7–15 cm long, giving a lush, feathered look.
    The overall appearance is tropical, sculptural, and highly ornamental.

  • Rhizomes:
    The plant stores water in large potato-like underground rhizomes, making it extremely drought-tolerant.

🌱 Care and Cultivation

  • Light:
    Extremely adaptable. Prefers bright, indirect light, but tolerates low light and fluorescent lighting—ideal for offices or indoor rooms.
    Avoid direct hot sun, which can scorch leaves.

  • Watering:
    Water sparingly. Allow soil to completely dry out between waterings.
    Infrequent watering is better than too much—overwatering is the most common cause of failure.

  • Soil:
    Requires well-draining soil. A mix of potting soil with added sand or perlite works well.

  • Temperature:
    Thrives in 18–26°C (65–80°F).
    Keep away from cold drafts; doesn’t like temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

  • Humidity:
    Tolerant of most humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity.

  • Feeding:
    Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

  • Repotting:
    Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot.

âś… Quick Care Summary

RequirementDetailsLightBright indirect to low lightWateringLet soil dry completely between drinksSoilWell-draining, aerated mixTemperature18–26°C (no lower than 10°C)FeedingMonthly during spring/summerGrowth HabitUpright, sculptural; 60–90 cm tall

âś… Uses

  • Excellent for offices, homes, and indoor spaces with poor light

  • Grown for architectural foliage and air-purifying qualities

  • Great in decorative pots, planter boxes, or grouped with other tropicals for lush impact

⚠️ Common Issues

  • Yellowing leaves: Usually caused by overwatering—check for soggy soil

  • Drooping stems: Can indicate either overwatering or root-bound plants

  • Pests: Rarely affected, but may occasionally get mealybugs or scale

⚠️ Toxicity

Toxic if ingested – contains calcium oxalate crystals.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.

🪴 Display Tip for Brisbane:

Thrives indoors in bright, shaded spots—perfect for modern interiors or shaded patios. Combine with snake plants, peace lilies, or pothos for a hardy, green indoor garden with minimal maintenance.