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The ZZ Plant is one of our favorite PLANTZ. It might have something to do with the extensive use of the letter “Z”, but we love it. If you’re looking for a ‘get it, and (nearly) forget it’ plant, try this one. To keep its leaves glossy and shiny, there’s only a few things you need to know:
Watering
This plant is a lite drinker, rarely requiring watering more than once a month. With proper sub-irrigation techniques, we’ve seen these plants thrive on 45-day watering intervals. Use your Soil Sleuth (probe). Check it every couple weeks. When it gets really dry, wait 2 more weeks and then water it thoroughly (and forget it for several more weeks).
Light
ZZs thrive in medium light, but can be sustained in very low light. In fact, there are scenarios where you can give it too much light, like unfiltered sunlight from an adjacent window. Filtered light is best, but you can use this plant practically anywhere except your closet; unless, of course, you have really cool closet with a nice window).
Nutrition
The ZZ Plant likely will not need to be fed during the first 6 months after it has shipped. During this time, it will use the residual nutrients from nursery production. After 6 months, it can be fed quarterly with a complete fertilizer formulated for interior plants.
Cleaning
Simply wiping the leaves with a wet cloth usually does the trick for dust removal. For spots where something else (besides dust) has landed on your plant, use a mild soapy solution to wet the cloth; then wipe. EZ-ZZ.
Pruning
There’s not a lot to do here either. Sometimes, you’ll get a random yellowing leaflet that can be pruned or pinched off. If an entire leaf starts to go yellow, prune it all the way back to the stem.
Bugs
In an unofficial survey of PLANTZ staff, we’re not sure we’ve ever seen a bug on a ZZ. If one shows up, take a picture and send it to us as proof; then wipe it off with a rag or sponge soaked in a mild soapy solution.
Warning
Like many in the Araceae family, the leaves and stems of the ZZ are toxic to animals (including humans), so do not ingest any part of the plant. And, we’ve just been informed that cats are actually animals too; so, if you have a cat (or dog, or any other pet), keep them away from the ZZ.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
Was healthy and reasonably full
Alisa Avramenko (verified owner) –
Very easy to unpack and in perfect condition! Love it! Will order again!
Barbara B. (verified owner) –
It’s a beautiful healthy ZZ plant. Arrived in good condition with the soil still a bit moist. So shipping was excellent. I’ll return in the future.
kim saenz (verified owner) –
Pieces broken
Sue Waltzer (store manager) –
Hi Kim – It sounds like your plant didn’t travel well and there should have been no broken stems on it. Could you please send me a photo? We’re very sorry for the damage!
Thanks,
Sue
Wilson A Lester Jr (verified owner) –
Very healthy looking with dark colors and firm leaves.
Hannah Smith (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
works as advertised—removes the guesswork
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Would not order again even though the plant is great as there was no confirmation sent, no delivery date sent and no way to contact anyone to ask these questions. Too bad as nice plant.
Sue Waltzer (store manager) –
Hi Jane,
We sent you the tracking information on 7/23 at 11:41 in the morning and I sent you some care instructions on 7/24 at 1:08 in the afternoon letting you know that your plant was due to arrive on Friday and letting you know how to get in touch with me if you had questions. Is it possible that our messages ended up in your junk/spam folder? We also sent you a confirmation on 7/18 letting you know we received your order. Can you please check your mailboxes and let me know if you find any of these? I’m sorry that you didn’t get them!
Please let me know how I can help.
Sue
Barbara McDonald (verified owner) –
The ZZ plant was a gift for my daughter who lives in Silver Spring Md. She was extremely happy with the plant, & spoke of how well it was wrapped. My only problem is, the note I requested to be included was not included.
Sue Waltzer (store manager) –
Hi Barbara – We include the notes in with the packing slip on the outside of the box. Some of the soil can spill within the boxes and it gets the notes messy/dirty. Thanks for letting me know she didn’t get her note. We’re working on a solution so we’re able to include them inside the box with the plant.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Lauren M. (verified owner) –
Jennifer Tilton (verified owner) –
Beautiful Plant!
Delermena L. (verified owner) –
There were some challenges with the delivery due to FedEx delivering to the wrong address but Sue was very helpful and stayed the course with me. After about 5 days I eventually received my beautiful ZZ, a little beaten up but none the worse for wear. If I could rate FedEx they would get a 1 though.
Ulises Liranzo (verified owner) –
Sherifia H. (verified owner) –
Carol (verified owner) –
Lori B. (verified owner) –
These zz plants are healthy and gorgeous. I’m very pleased with my purchase!
Katherine (verified owner) –
I’m very happy with my order. The plants arrived quickly and in very good condition. Thank you!
Anonymous (verified owner) –