Zanzibar Gem Plant
The ZZ, plant widely sold as an indoor plant, commonly called the Zanzibar Gem Plant, the botanical name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia.
This is a tough indoor plant widely used in commercial buildings as well as favorite in many homes, available for sale from indoor plant specialists.
This is a slow growing plant with foliage similar to Zamia furfuracea, however these are a very different plant.
Why is this plant so tough and why does it grow so well indoors inflow light, with little water ?
This little plant that resembles a cross between a fern and a cycad grows naturally in dry shaded areas, the only way you can kill it is to over water it or let it get to cold.
Originally from eastern Africa, it is grown as a tropical foliage plant. Zanzibar Gem works well as indoor plant cooler areas and grows well in pots or containers. The sap of the plant is toxic, so keep cats away from the plant as they do have a tendency to eat green things at times.
How to Grow Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Indirect or filtered light is required, as is a free draining potting mix, try a potting mix that is free draining similar to an orchid mix.
A little slow release fertilizer once or twice a year or a foliar fertilizer. Use a pot that is not to large as larger pots can end up providing to much moisture.
Divide and repot when the plant becomes to big. Propagation by division simply involves cutting the rhizome into 2 or 3 and replanting.
If it actually gets to dry, and that has to be a severe drought it simply goes underground and reappears when it gets a little moisture.
Detailes Growing Conditions
Light
– Prefers medium to bright indirect light .
– Tolerates low light extremely well (even fluorescent office lighting or windowless rooms), but growth slows dramatically and stems may become leggy or pale.
– Avoid direct sunlight—it scorches leaves (brown, crispy patches).
– For best results: Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth, similar to snake plants.
Watering
– The #1 killer is overwatering. ZZs store water in rhizomes and leaves, so they handle drought far better than excess moisture.
– Water only when the soil is completely dry throughout (check 3–4 inches down with your finger or a moisture meter; often every 2–3 weeks in bright conditions, 3–4+ weeks in low light or winter).
– Soak thoroughly until water drains out the bottom, then empty the saucer—no standing water.
– Signs of iProblems:
– Yellowing/soft/mushy leaves or black spots: Usually overwatering/root rot.
– Drooping, wrinkled, or thinning stems/leaves: Underwatering (but rare; they bounce back quickly).
– Use room-temperature water; bottom watering works well to avoid crown issues.
Soil and Potting
– A free draining mix is essential to prevent rot— A Cactus/succulent mix is suitable OR try standard potting soil with 50% perlite/pumice/sand for aeration
– Ensure Pots have good drainage holes; terracotta is great for wicking excess moisture.
– Repot sparingly—every 2–5 years or when severely rootbound (roots bulging/cracking pot or emerging from holes). They prefer slightly cramped roots and grow slowly anyway.
– Upsize only one pot size when needed (spring is best).
Fertilizer
– Low fertilizer needs—feed sparingly during growing season (spring/summer) with balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer (e.g., half-strength every 2–3 months).
– Do fertilise in dormancy autumn/winter.t.
– Over-fertilizing causes tip burn or salt buildup.
Temperature and Humidity
– Ideal: 18–27°C (65–80°F) ; consistent room temps.
– Tolerates lower temperstures but avoid prolonged cold or drafts (near vents, doors, windows in winter).
– Average household humidity is fine—no misting needed (they’re drought-adapted).
Summary
- Best grown in a container in all but tropical climates.
- Use a free draining succulent potting mix.
- Strong filtered light is best, deep shade will slow down growth.
- Regarded as drought tolerant once established. Many problems with Zamioculcas zamiifolia are related to over watering.
- Fertilize in spring and again in summer with a slow release type fertilizer.
- Reduce watering to zero in winter.
- Keep temperature at 14C or above at all times of the year.
Where To Buy
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
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www.gardenexpress.com.au
Indoor Plant specialists for Melbourne. - Ph : 0435 677 428
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www.garnerstore.com.au
601 Sunnyholt Road Parklea NSW 2768
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www.diacos.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
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www.tesselaar.net.au