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Name: Zanzibar gem, ZZ plant, Zamioculcus zamiifolia.
Height: up to 1m.
Plant type: perennial.
Climate: prefers a warm, frost-free climate outdoors, but is adaptable to a variety of indoor environments.
Soil: free-draining soil when grown outdoors; well-drained potting mix (like a cacti and succulent mix) for indoors.
Position: bright filtered light outdoors and similar conditions indoors. It can tolerate lower light levels, but will grow more slowly.
Flowering and fruiting: not typically seen, but made up of a spathe and spadix, similar to a peace lily.
Feeding: use a controlled release fertiliser at the start of the warmer months. Alternatively, a soluble or liquid fertiliser is ideal throughout the growing season.
Watering: allow the top of the potting mix to dry out between each watering.Zanzibar gem grows from thick, fleshy rhizomes, which help the plant store water and tolerate periods of drought. It has tall, upright stems with glossy green foliage. As the plant develops in size, the stems grow taller and the plant will arch gently.
Zanzibar gem is naturally found in east Africa, where it thrives outdoors in forests and native grasslands. Its hardy, low-maintenance nature makes it an ideal indoor plant.
Use Zanzibar gem to bring indoor areas to life. It thrives in a warm, brightly lit spot out of direct sunlight. However, it is highly tolerant of low light areas – more than any other indoor plant – and is often positioned in rooms with minimal light. Once established, it is also drought tolerant and can withstand weeks between watering. It's the perfect plant for the beginner gardener or if you are regularly away from home regularly.
Zanzibar gem is easy to grow as it is adaptable to a range of environments. It does need a warm, frost-free climate to grow outdoors, so if this isn’t possible, consider growing in pots and bringing them indoors during cooler months.
Indoors, Zanzibar gem is at home in almost any space. It thrives in a warm, well-lit spot out of direct sunlight. You can also place Zanzibar gem in low light conditions, but it will grow more slowly and take longer to reach full size.
Zanzibar gem likes a well-drained potting mix, like a cacti and succulent mix. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes, too. Zanzibar gems's thick, fleshy roots are capable of storing water, enabling it to go without water for short periods. Take care not to overwater as it can succumb to root rot.
Once established, Zanzibar gem is tolerant of drought-like conditions. Don’t let it go too long between watering, though – drought-stressed plants will drop their leaves. For best results, water when the top 2.5-5cm of potting mix feels dry. To check, simply insert your finger into the top of the mix. Alternatively, use a moisture meter.
Feed Zanzibar gem with a controlled release fertiliser at the start of the warmer months. Alternatively, use a liquid fertiliser suitable for indoor plants regularly throughout the growing season.
There is no need to prune Zanzibar gem, but stems can be cut back to maintain size and shape if necessary. Use a clean, sharp pair of secateurs to cut stems at the base of the plant – these cuttings can be used for propagation.
Sap-sucking pests like scale may be found on the stems and leaves. For small infestations, wipe away with a damp cloth. If the infestation is severe, smother the insects with a horticultural oil. Zanzibar gem plants may be sensitive to oil sprays, so test on an inconspicuous spot and leave for a few days. If no adverse reaction is observed, proceed with a more widespread spray.
Rot can occur with poor drainage and/or overwatering, so ensure the plant is growing in a well-draining mix and water only when the mix is near dry.
Zanzibar gem can be propagated from leaf or stem cuttings, although the latter will grow into sizeable plants faster. Cut stems at the base of the plant, remove a few of the lower leaves and insert the cutting into a jar of water.
Alternatively, insert the cut stem or leaf (with petiole or leaf stalk attached) into a free-draining mix. Position in a warm spot and water regularly to keep the mix moist. Eventually, roots will form together with a fleshy, round rhizome.
Zanzibar gem can also be propagated via root division. This is best achieved with a large, mature specimen, otherwise the resulting divisions will look quite bare.
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa): a large-leaved tropical plant that’s big on impact but low on maintenance.
Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum): a hardy ornamental vine that will trail or climb, well-suited to pots and hanging baskets.
Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum): these easy-care plants are available in a range of patterns and colours.
Check out our wide range of indoor plants now and get your indoor garden growing!
Photo credit: Getty Images
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