Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Plant Common Name
Aroid Palm, Arum Fern, ZZ Plant
General Description
A large, seasonally dormant perennial from eastern Africa, this curious aroid resembles a cycad or palm. It's known as the ZZ plant in the United States, as its botanical name looks intimidating to pronounce.
Waxy, feather-like, compound leaves with long upright stalks arise from clumps of fleshy cone-shaped leaf bases. The dark green leaflets alternate along the knee- to waist-high leaf stalks. Fallen or detached leaflets can root to form new plants. The foliage withers during dry seasons, but the leaf bases remain green and succulent year-round. The rarely produced flowers are borne on a small, maroon and purple, corncob-like spadix which is hooded by a yellowish green petal-like bract (spathe). Female flowers are sometimes followed by small black or purple berry-like fruits.
The notoriously slow-growing ZZ plant tolerates almost any frost-free site with well drained soil. It does best with partial sun and regular watering but accepts shade and periodic drought. It does well in containers. Over-watering often causes rot, especially in winter. Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a low-maintenance groundcover or accent for landscapes in frost-free zones, and an unusual and rewarding houseplant.
There may be health concerns associated with the ingestion of aroid plants. For more information see http://www.vet.purdue.edu/toxic/plant03.htm
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Width
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Eastern Africa, Southern Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
