The resilient indoor plant often searched for as the “Izzy Plant” is correctly known as the ZZ Plant, an abbreviation for its scientific name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia. This tropical perennial is popular due to its extreme tolerance for a wide range of indoor conditions and its low-maintenance nature. It is a forgiving selection for both novice and experienced plant owners seeking durable indoor greenery.
Identifying the ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is easily recognized by its distinctive, glossy foliage that gives it a polished, almost artificial appearance. Its leaves are thick, waxy, and a deep, dark green, growing in a symmetrical, pinnate fashion along upright stems.
The plant’s resilience is rooted in its native environment of Eastern Africa, where it evolved to survive long periods of drought. Below the soil line, the ZZ Plant develops thick, potato-like structures called rhizomes, which function as subterranean water-storage organs. These rhizomes allow the plant to draw on its own reserves, making it incredibly drought-tolerant and contributing to its reputation as an easy-care houseplant.
Low-Light Care and Watering Needs
The ZZ Plant’s ability to store water in its rhizomes makes overwatering the single most common cause of plant failure. Deep but infrequent watering is the proper approach, as the plant is designed to withstand drought, not constant moisture. The soil must be allowed to dry out completely between watering sessions, which can mean watering only every two to three weeks, or less frequently during the cooler winter months when growth slows.
To ensure the plant does not sit in saturated soil, it must be potted in a well-draining medium, such as a cactus or succulent mix, and placed in a container with a drainage hole. Root rot occurs when the rhizomes are submerged in perpetually damp soil, leading to mushy stems and yellowing leaves. When watering, it is best to thoroughly soak the soil and then drain any excess water from the saucer immediately.
While the plant can tolerate low-light conditions, it will not thrive or grow quickly without adequate light. Placing the ZZ Plant in a location that receives medium to bright, indirect light will encourage more vigorous growth and a fuller appearance. Direct, intense sunlight, however, can scorch its glossy leaves, so a spot near a bright window shielded from the harshest rays is ideal. The plant prefers average indoor temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Growing New Plants Through Propagation
Creating new ZZ Plants is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through a few different methods, though the rate of new growth will be notably slow. The most reliable method is division, which involves separating the rhizomes of a mature plant during repotting. To propagate by division, the plant is gently removed from its pot, and the root ball is carefully pulled apart into sections, ensuring each new section has at least one set of stems and a healthy rhizome attached.
For a slower but equally effective method, stem or leaf cuttings can be used, with leaf cuttings being the slowest. When taking a cutting, first allow the cut surface to dry out and form a protective callus. This callousing process, which takes a few hours to a day, helps prevent the cut end from rotting once it is placed in the rooting medium.
The calloused cutting can then be inserted into a well-draining soil mix or placed in water, where it will eventually develop a new rhizome and roots. While it may take several months for a new shoot to emerge from a leaf cutting, the small, potato-like rhizome will form first beneath the soil, indicating the propagation was successful. Regardless of the method used, new plants should be placed in bright, indirect light to encourage the eventual development of a full new plant.
Toxicity Concerns for Pets and People
The ZZ Plant, like many other members of the Araceae family, contains calcium oxalate crystals in its sap, which makes all parts of the plant mildly toxic if ingested. These microscopic, needle-shaped crystals act as an irritant when they come into contact with soft tissues.
If a pet or child chews on a leaf or stem, the crystals can cause immediate, localized symptoms, including a painful burning sensation in the mouth and throat, excessive drooling, and swelling. Ingestion can also lead to vomiting and gastrointestinal upset. Due to this irritant quality, it is a sensible precaution to keep ZZ Plants out of reach of curious children and household pets. When handling the plant for maintenance, such as repotting or propagation, wearing gloves is a recommended safe handling practice to avoid potential skin irritation from the sap.