As the weather becomes cooler, many gardeners find themselves drifting to more indoor plants and gardens.
This practice is not only great for continuing a beneficial hobby, but it can also benefit the household environment as the plants help eliminate toxins from the air. One particularly great addition to help purify the air is the ZZ plant.
About The ZZ Plant
ZZ plants, also known as zanzibar gem, are known for their low maintenance. These plants only need adequate light and good watering every few weeks.
The plant grows from thick rhizomes that store water, allowing the plant to thrive in households with even the most forgetful owners.
Proper Care
To ensure your plant thrives make sure they are placed in well-draining soil in an area that receives indirect light. Proper care for the plant will result in potential flowering around mid-summer to early autumn.
However, these flowers are small, making the plant mostly attractive foliage.
Varieties
Unfortunately, there are only a few varieties of these perfect plants, the ‘Raven’ and the ‘Variegated’ varieties.
The Raven ZZ Plant was introduced on the market in recent years. It is known for its dark purple-maroon foliage that, in a certain light, looks almost black.
The Variegated ZZ Plant is a much more common variety that is characterized by green foliage variegated with white and yellow; gardeners should be aware that this variegation will fade if not given enough light.
Additional Notes
While these plants are disease-resistant, they are not pest-resistant. When keeping these plants, keep an eye out for common pests like fungus gnats, aphids, and mealybugs.
One final note about these plants that any prospective owner should know is that all parts of the plant are toxic; gardeners should make sure these plants are kept away from pets and children.