Zanzibar Gem ZZ Plant

Zanzibar Gem ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Zanzibar Gem') is a glossy, leathery indoor plant that forgives almost any neglect. It grows 45cm to 60cm tall, with dark leaves arranged in a neat herringbone along arching stems. It copes with shade and long gaps between waterings, which is why it suits offices, hallways and shaded rooms.

Why you'll love it

• Glossy, sculptural foliage. Dark, leathery leaves line arching stems in a herringbone pattern, and the shine looks good in a modern interior.
• Easy to look after. Water it occasionally and let it dry out between drinks, because overwatering is the main way to lose one.
• Happy in shade. It grows well in shade or part shade, so a dim corner is no problem.
• Indoors or out. It can also be planted outside in subtropical and tropical gardens.
• A manageable size. At 45cm to 60cm it sits comfortably on a floor, a bench or a shelf.

Where it works best

Living rooms, offices and hallways. Put it in a pot with a drainage hole, in bright indirect light or shade. It tolerates low light better than most houseplants.

Shaded gardens in the subtropics and tropics. In frost free subtropical and tropical gardens, plant it 50cm apart under verandahs and trees, out of direct midday sun, which can burn the leaves.

Homes with pets and children. ZZ plant is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Place it out of reach and wash your hands after repotting or pruning.

Growing Zanzibar Gem ZZ Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or part shade. Direct midday sun burns the leaves. It is frost tender, so grow it indoors or in a pot in southern and inland districts, and outdoors only where winters are frost free.

Soil. A free draining potting mix in a pot with drainage holes. The thick underground stems store water, so soggy mix is the main thing to avoid.

Water and feed. Water occasionally and let the mix dry out between waterings. Water less in winter and when the plant is growing in low light. A diluted liquid feed once or twice in spring and summer is plenty.

Pruning. Very little is needed beyond cutting off any yellow stems at the base. Indoors, take the plant outside now and then for a rain shower, and wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them glossy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Zanzibar Gem ZZ Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and as single 300mm pots. ZZ plants grow slowly, so the larger pots give you a fuller plant on day one while tube stock is the economical way to start several.

The tube comes from our grower, who does not always have it. When the tube shows as sold out, the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse indoor plants
• More low light indoor plants
• The best low light plants for your home
• How to keep your indoor plants alive

Common questions

How often should I water it?

Only when the mix has dried out, which is often every two to three weeks indoors and less often in winter. If in doubt, wait another few days.

Is it safe for pets?

No. ZZ plant is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or eaten, and the sap can irritate skin, so keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Can it grow in a room with no direct sun?

Yes. It grows well in shade or part shade, although growth is slower in low light.