The aroid ZZ plant is mostly in the talk for its glossy upright leaves, but its benefits surpass its look and drought resistance.
You can enjoy all these benefits if you provide a tropical environment for its growth and give as much love as possible.
Before we extend our reach to the care guide, let’s see ZZ plant benefits.
Table of Contents Show
Overview of ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, native to Southern and Eastern Africa, was brought to Europe by Dutch people in the 18th century.
The commercial propagation of the ZZ plant surfaced in the 1990s, making it available worldwide.
| Indicator | Identity |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zamioculcas zamiifolia |
| Common Name | ZZ plant |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| USDA zone | 9 and 10 |
| Native | Eastern Africa, from Southern Kenya to northeastern South Africa |
| Blooming Period | Mid summer to early autumn |
| Flower color | Yellow to brown or bronze |
| Flower structure | Small flowers, 5 to 7 cm long, borne on a fleshy stem called spadix |
| Leaf structure | Glossy leaves up to 60 cm long with 6 to 8 pairs of leaflets of size about 7 to 15 cm long |
| Life Span | At least six months |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and pets if chewed |
What is ZZ Plant Good for? 5+ Uses & Benefits
The ZZ plant established itself in the market when people started appreciating its unusual, artificial-looking body parts, especially its leaves.
1. ZZ Plant Air Benefits
Zamioculcas is one of the most effective pollutant cleansers for your home, as it controls harmful gases.
The ZZ plant roots absorb the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from new carpets, wallpapers, or electrical appliances (refrigerators) and reduce air pollutants.
This helps uplift the closed space (room) where the airflow is limited.
2. ZZ Plant is a Low Maintenance Plant
These tropical plants are hardy and allow gardeners to relax nerves as they aren’t susceptible to pests and diseases and fall only to very few horticulture problems.
Being an epitome of indoor plants, the ZZ plant is easy to grow and take care of.
3. Traditional Medicinal Uses
People in many parts of the world, mainly from Tanzania and Malawi, have used ZZ plants as traditional medicines.
A study published in Pubmed revealed that the ZZ plant acts as an antioxidant and demonstrates anti-bacterial activity.
Since the roots are rich in phytochemical compounds having medicinal benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, the locals of Tanzania have been practicing their use inherited from their ancestors.
Likewise, Sukuma people in Northwestern Tanzania use it to cure ulcers.
4. Resists Pests
The ZZ plant does not possess sap in stems and leaves for pests to feed on, so there is less chance that problems can attack the plant.
However, some pests like flies and aphids roam around the plant, but severe invasion has no chance.
The simplest solution for any pest would be Neem oil and insecticidal soap.
So choosing the ZZ plant for your house or office will never irritate you or cause trouble in your daily life with the bugging pests.
5. Boosts Interior Design
With glossy, dark green, and zig-zag tall, slender stems, the ZZ plant can reflect the lights on its leaves.
Be it the plain corner or a dull white room, a decorative basket holding the plant can be a statement with a deep green tone of the waxy leaves.
In the initial growing stage, the ZZ plant resembles a cute potted plant for your study tables or guestroom table, providing a great ambiance to your surroundings.
Indeed, the ZZ plant‘s low-light requirement makes it a perfect choice for an indoor environment.
When equipped with an artificial grow light, the ZZ plant can grace your windowless office and even the bathroom.
If you’re wondering about their well-being indoors, bring the plant out on the balcony to save from mishaps.
ZZ plant rarely blooms, but they are not much appreciated!
6. ZZ Plant Spiritual Benefits
You might be wondering whether the ZZ plant has the quality to enrich your house with feng shui. Do not worry!
The ZZ plant shows positive energy in the house and omits negativity from home and places around the plant.
The leaves of ZZ plants reflect the rays that fall upon them, making the room brighter and merrier.
So, you can enjoy the ZZ plants’ energy by keeping them in a location based on the feng shui chart.
The houses’ Southern or Eastern corners are mainly suitable for the ZZ plant to harmonize the surrounding with your body and good luck.
7. Reduces Stress
The ZZ plant is no different from other plants in offering freshness and relief.
Not just a visual treat, this patterned plant provides escape and freshness between the hectic work schedule when placed on your work desk.
As the stress level drops, productivity automatically increases, so you can perform better and enhance your mental ability.
Thus, the ZZ plant can liven up your mood and make you happy and fresh after reducing anxiety and depression.
Seeing the plant around you can also give you a sense of serenity and spark creativity.
Is ZZ Plant Toxic?
Some people believe the ZZ plant has specific harmful reactions when touching your skin. This is only an exaggeration.
However, the plant contains some toxic effects on the pets and children who chew its leaves.
Every part of Zamiifolia contains calcium oxalate crystals which, when ingested, can harm the mouth and throat.
Besides, vomiting and swelling are common symptoms of ZZ plant poisoning in pets.
Meanwhile, the symptoms in humans elevate into the burning of the oral cavity and painful urination.
As a precaution, the best you can do is to keep your plants and pets at a distance.
And when your curious pet mistakes the plant for food, immediately contact a vet nearby on the hotlines below.
Where to Buy the ZZ Plant?
Knowing the ZZ plant benefits, you may wonder where you can get one to grow. Here are the online sites you can buy and gift to your dear ones or grow the plant yourself.
| Shops | Delivery |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Shipping within 4 to 5 days |
| Dahing Plant | Usually ready in 24 hrs |
| Shop Greendigs | Standard delivery in 5-10 business days |
| Walmart | According to customers requirement. |
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Whether you grow a ZZ plant in a studio apartment, on the balcony, or by the tv shelf, it will live up to its tell-tale benefits.
Keeping with some caution, you can significantly leverage the ZZ plant for multiple purposes and enjoy the gardener’s lifestyle.
Happy Gardening!
