ZZ PLANT (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) ZZ plant, also known by its scientific name Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is native to the dry grasslands and forests of eastern Africa, specifically in Tanzania and Zanzibar. ZZ plant has dark green, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that grow upright on long, slender stems from a thick bulb-like rhizome. It’s known as one of the easiest plants to care for any plant parent. ZZ Plant is a perfect, low-maintenance houseplant for any living space. Our healthy plants come directly from California to you. Upon receiving your plant, simply open the box and position it on a well-ventilated, sunlit windowsill. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. POTTING AND REPOTTING To ensure your plant thrives and remains healthy, it's essential to prioritize proper drainage and soil aeration. Select pots made of materials like concrete, terracotta, or ceramic that have drainage holes at the bottom. These holes allow excess water to escape and prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water, which can lead to root rot. Enhance soil aeration through weekly shovel probing, fostering air pockets that enhance the roots' ability to absorb water, nutrients, and oxygen. Consider repotting your plant every 1-3 years, particularly when it outgrows its current pot. The exact time to repot depends on the growth rate of each plant and its pot size. Aim to repot during the growing season using a pot that is only one size larger than the original. Utilize fresh, clean, well-draining soil, and inspect the roots for any signs of damage or disease before repotting. DORMANCY When the temperature drops below 40°F in winter, ZZ plant might go into a state of dormancy. During this period, it is recommended to reduce the amount of water by half and place the plant in a location that maintains a steady temperature, away from both cold drafts and heating sources. It's essential to avoid fertilizing the plant during dormancy as it can result in root damage. PROPAGATION ZZ can be easily propagated by stem cutting. Here is how you can do it: Start by selecting a healthy, mature stem from the parent plant that has several leaves on it. Ideally, the stem should be at least 4-6 inches long. Using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node. Remove any leaves or buds from the bottom 2 inches of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder or liquid (available at most garden centers) to encourage root growth. Plant the stem cutting in a small pot filled with moist potting soil, making sure that the bottom 2 inches of the stem are buried in the soil. Place the pot in a bright, warm location (but out of direct sunlight) and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Propagation should be done during the growing season (spring/summer). CARE GUIDE Light ZZ plants can thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions from low to bright indirect light but grow best in bright, filtered sunlight.Keep in mind that direct, direct scorching sun will burn its leaves. Bring your plant to a shady spot in the afternoon.Lack of sunlight can cause slow growth and leggy plant.For best results, keep your Polka Dot plant near a north-facing window, where it’ll receive bright, but not harsh, morning sunlight.You can also use artificial lighting to supplement natural light, particularly during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Water ZZ plant is a resilient houseplant and can survive without water for a long period. It is recommended to water your plants once every 2-3 weeks and allow them completely dry out between waterings.Water deeply, but don't let the plant sit in standing water. When you water your plant, give it enough water so that it drains out the bottom of the pot, but be sure to empty any excess water that collects in the saucer or tray beneath the pot. Waterlogging may cause root rot.Adjust your watering schedule based on the time of year and environmental conditions. Reduce watering in the cold months.It is recommended to use only rainwater or distilled water Temperature ZZ Plants are relatively adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions.Its ideal temperatures are between 65 - 75 Fahrenheit degree.ZZ Plants don’t require high humidity and can thrive well in average home humidity (40%-50%).If the indoor environment is dry, increasing humidity levels can be done by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier. Soil The ideal soil for ZZ plants is well-draining and slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0-7.0. A good soil mix can be made by combining 2 parts all-purpose potting mix, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part perlite or pumice.A good potting mix for this plant should be loose and porous, allowing for good airflow and water drainage while still retaining moisture.The best fertilizer for this plant is a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer directly to the soil, not the fronds or plant center.Dilute the fertilizer and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilization and root damage. FAQ Q. Is this plant toxic to humans and pets? ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is considered to be mildly toxic to humans and pets. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and inflammation in the skin, mouth, throat, and digestive tract. It is important to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children and handle it with care to avoid sap contact. If ingested, it is advisable to seek medical assistance immediately. Q. What are some common problems with ZZ Plant? One of the most common problems of ZZ Plant is overwatering which can cause yellow leaves and root rot. Insufficient light, heat, over-fertilizer, and low humidity can cause brown leaves. These issues can be addressed by adjusting lighting, watering, checking for pests, providing good air circulation, and using natural insecticides or fungicides when needed. Q. How do you pack the plants? Your plant will be shipped bare-root in a sturdy box to ensure its safety. If you want to receive the plastic pot & soil, please leave a note in your order. When opening your package, some soil may be loose in the box. If you live or have an order being shipped to a location with temperatures that reach below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, we strongly recommend purchasing a winter heat pack to ensure your plant(s) arrive safely and without damage caused by winter temperatures. Q. What should I do after receiving my box? If your succulents arrive potted with dry soil, you can leave the plants in the nursery pot and wait 2-3 days before watering them. When watering, please give them a good soak. If your succulents arrive potted with wet soil, the first thing you need to do is to check their leaves and roots' condition. If the succulents look over-watered (yellow, transparent, and soggy leaves), remove the soil from the succulents' roots, and let them air dry for 1-2 days before re-potting it in a suitable pot. If the succulents look healthy, you can leave them in the nursery pots and water only when the soil is completely dry. Q. What to do if there is an issue with my order? We will gladly offer a replacement if your plants arrive broken/ dead. We always try our best to accommodate you :)
