UNIQUE, DRAMATIC: ZZ plants attract good luck and bring harmony

Suzanne LaBrecque | Victoria County Master Gardener

May 25, 2024

Rhizomes after division, note its roots. (Suzanne LaBrecque)

“Raven” ZZ plant in its new pot. (Suzanne LaBrecque)

ZZ Plant ready for its new pot (Suzanne La Brecque)

The shiny leaves of the ZZ Plant (Suzanne LaBrecque)

My friend Linda introduced me to her new houseplant that had black, upright leaves, growing in a six-inch white pot. It was both unique and dramatic. I had to have one just like it for my indoor plant collection. This plant is the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’).

Neil Sperry refers to the ZZ plant as the “new star in town that is ZZ to grow.” It is known by many names such as Zanzibar gem, ZuZu plant, fortune plant and eternity plant. This plant originated in eastern Africa from Kenya to northeast South Africa. It can grow three to four-feet tall and wide.

ZZ plants have glossy, dark green leaves that reflect sunlight and brighten interiors. The leaves grow from the base and form an arching shape. According to

Feng Shui principles, ZZ plants attract good luck and bring harmony to homes and offices. ZZ plants make perfect gifts for new home owners or someone starting a new business venture.

Because ZZ plants are slow growers, they represent perseverance, dedication and encouragement for working hard to achieve personal goals. This plant is considered lucky if placed in northeastern direction where it will bring success and abundance to new owners.

ZZ plants need bright, indirect light and should be rotated occasionally to allow them to maintain a healthy growth all year. If they don’t get enough light they can get leggy and unattractive. Neil Sperry recommends no direct sunlight after 9 a.m.

These plants need a well-draining soil and do not need regular fertilizing.

Fertilize once a year with a high Nitrogen, water soluble fertilizer for indoor plants.

ZZ plants are drought tolerant due to their thick rhizomes that retain moisture. Water when the soil dries out, which depending on growing conditions can be about every two weeks. Wet the soil until the water drains through the pot. Avoid overwatering and remove excess water.

To boost humidity indoors, misting ZZ plants is very simple and effective.

Misting plants in the morning allows the foliage to dry out during the day. Also regular misting helps gardeners keep track of the plants health and avoid overwatering.

To keep dust off its shiny leaves, use a damp wash cloth to clean and restore its shine. Avoid commercial leaf shine products because they clog leaf pores.

When ZZ plants outgrow their containers, they need to be repotted. Spring and early summer is the ideal time to repot them. Select a pot with drainage holes that is 2- to 3-inches wider than the existing container. Remove only about an inch of soil from the root ball. Plant the root ball level with the top of the soil in the new container.

ZZ plants can be propagated by division or leaf cuttings. Division is the simplest and the one I used and recommend. Rhizomes separate easily, so the divided plant can be repotted in different pots.

Leaf cuttings need to develop a root system and this process can take six to nine months. If you have a lot of patience and want to try it, take a cutting from a mature plant with a portion of the stem and at least two leaves. Plant the stem in well-draining potting mix with the leaves above the soil. Put the cutting in bright, indirect light.

ZZ plants are hardy and not prone to pests but they can attract mealy bugs, scale, fungus gnats and aphids. Use a fungicide to treat the problem and remove damaged leaves.

Please note ZZ plants are moderately toxic to children and pets. Thankfully, I have not had any of these problems.

My ZZ ‘Raven’ plant has been a delightful addition to my indoor plant collection. Now after repotting it, I have two plants doubling my pleasure. Thank you Linda!

The Gardeners’ Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Victoria County.

ZZ PLANT VARIETIES

Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ – has dark purple-maroon foliage.
Zamioculas zamiifolia ‘Variegated’ – green foliage with yellow or white variegation that will fade without bright light.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Zamicro’ – a dwarf variety with smaller leaves and shorter stems.

WATER RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON POT SIZE