How to Keep Your Potted Lucky ZZ Plant Healthy

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Notes

The Lucky ZZ Plant has been a popular choice among plant lovers in recent years, not just for its distinct appearance and attributes but because it is believed to be a good feng shui plant as it brings good luck and positive energy. It has a lively appearance and has the potential to beautify indoor spaces, especially your living room.

This comprehensive guide will share everything you need to know to keep your Lucky ZZ Plant in optimal health. If you intend to buy one for yourself, we have some options for you to consider. Read on to know more about what makes this Zamioculcas Zamiifolia exceptional!

What Is Lucky ZZ Plant?

The Lucky ZZ Plant is from the Araceae family and is famous because of its oval-shaped, dark green leaves.

This eternity plant may be referred to as the Zanzibar gem. However you call it, it is known for its succulent leaves and fleshy roots.

Lucky ZZ Plant is a wonderful addition to your home and can be placed in an east-facing window. Outdoors, it has the best chances of surviving in hardiness USDA zone 9-10.

Origin And Family

The Zanzibar gem is a member of the Araceae family. This variety of Zamioculcas comes from the forests of Eastern Africa and South Africa. Like other known indoor plants, it has done well in most households and is a great addition to popular houseplants.

Where To Buy

You should be able to find this ornamental plant at your local nursery, but if you want a convenient experience of selecting from a wide variety of plants online and having one delivered to you, Etsy is a great option! We’ve ordered several plants there and have been very pleased with the delivery and the health of the plants.

You can buy a Lucky ZZ plant at pretty reasonable prices for about $14 up to $90.

Lucky ZZ Plant Plant Size

On average, the Lucky ZZ Plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall in indoor spaces. It usually grows at a slow pace, even when positioned in an east-facing window which is the best position for this plant.

Lucky ZZ Plant Care Needs

Most plants, including the Lucky ZZ Plant, are simple to cultivate with adequate care.

It favors organic potting soil and is known for its succulent leaves that resemble coins that are believed to bring good fortune. Expect to water your ZZ houseplants when the soil is fully dry. Like most plants, it should have sufficient drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Care Difficulty

The Zanzibar gem is typically considered easy care in most circles. For growing conditions, the main consideration is the amount of light that this plant has.

Just another plant day around the city today. Have a look at that ZZ and Lucky Bamboo Plant 😍😍😍. I found them a new home 🌿💚❤️ pic.twitter.com/TV1caoBl4q

— Plant Buddy Vlogs 🇳🇬 (@KhalidLately) July 30, 2020

Growth Rate

The growing speed of a Zanzibar gem is typically slow. Indoors, it matures up to a height of 2-3 feet. You can manage this plant’s height with proper pruning during the growing season in the early spring to mid-autumn.

Potting

It is an essential requirement that the pot should contain at least one drainage hole. Leaving your Zanzibar gem in wet soil for a long time could kill your plant.

Repotting

When it reaches a particular size, it is a good idea to transplant it to a larger pot to keep your plant healthy. On average, the Lucky ZZ Plant grows slowly and must be repotted once a year. Since soil loses its natural nutritional components throughout time, repotting with a well-draining potting mix is recommended.

Soil

When it comes to growing medium for the Lucky ZZ plant, a well-draining potting mix is your best bet. Perlite is best for the soil. This money plant requires aeration and drainage.

Here are some great growing medium alternatives to choose from:

pH

Your soil should have a pH of roughly 6.0-7.0 for the Zanzibar gem. This range is considered neutral to acidic. It shouldn’t be a big issue if you choose a well-draining potting mix with an acidity level close to the optimal range.

If you want to check your soil’s pH value, there are several affordable options online for pH meters.

To boost the pH of the soil, add a sprinkle of calcitic lime or dolomitic lime, wood ash, or baking soda, or lower it with sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

Water

During the early spring to mid-autumn, water your plant when the soil is fully dry and make sure that water reaches the plant’s roots. Drench the soil until water drains through the holes in the pot’s bottom. If you’re using a collecting tray, dump the water to avoid root rot and other disease issues.

You don’t have to water as much in the winter. You should continue to deeply water your plants but do so occasionally.

Light

Lucky ZZ Plant can tolerate low light conditions, but it generally prefers bright light for 12 hours per day. Keep in mind that you’re trying to recreate the growing conditions in the forests of East Africa. Placing this plant in an east-facing window works well in most situations.

You’ll know your Lucky ZZ Plant is getting too much light when its leaves show signs of scorching. Meanwhile, the plant will become leggy and lean if it doesn’t get enough light.

Put your Lucky ZZ Plant in indirect light, as exposure to direct sunlight could severely damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

Water, sunlight, and soil supply the necessary nourishment for indoor house plants. Soil can lose its nutritional content over time and must be supplied with plant food. If you want a thriving Zanzibar gem, fertilize it during early spring to mid-autumn. You may opt for a diluted fertilizer, but make sure to dilute well if it’s highly concentrated.

Propagating Lucky ZZ Plant

There are several ways to propagate a Lucky ZZ Plant. For higher chances of success, follow the steps we’ve laid out below for each unique method.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

The most convenient way to propagate a Lucky ZZ Plant is by making a cutting and planting it in soil. Spring is the ideal time to propagate a Zanzibar gem. Here are the steps to get started.

1. Collect your cutting. Look for a healthy section of the Lucky ZZ Plant’s stem with fresh growth with one or two nodes. Cut just below the Zanzibar gem’s nodes with clean gardening shears.

2. Plant your cutting. Directly plant the cutting into well-draining potting mix soil.

3. Maintain your cutting. Keep the soil around your baby Lucky ZZ Plant moist and maintain a temperature of approximately 60-75°F.

4. Rotate your cutting. For even growth around all the sides of your Zuzu plant, rotate the pot every now and then.

I think today is my lucky day.
I just saw Variegated ZZ plant growing new stem.
New stem will be yellow for a while before cool variegation, pic.twitter.com/J4N5qqoi7l

— Mirwais (@Mirwaiskk) August 3, 2022

Stem Cuttings In Water

The following are necessary steps in water-propagating your Zanzibar gem:

1. Cut. Find a healthy segment of your plant that has at least one node, and trim it with clean shears.

2. Submerge. Allow your cutting to remain in a clear jar filled with water. Ensure that no leaves are submerged to avoid decay.

3. Maintain. Keep your cutting in a well-lit, well-ventilated space as you wait for roots to develop.

4. Refill. When the container is empty or unclean, refill it. The plant nodes must be continually exposed to water in order to generate roots.

5. Transplant. Check whether your cutting has enough roots to be placed in soil after 2-3 weeks.

Division

Division is a method of propagation that is usually utilized for plants with pups that sprout from the roots. The stem clusters of your Zanzibar gem can be divided by following these steps:

1. Dig up. Remove the plant out of its container. The natural divisions of the plant should be noticeable.

2. Separate. Gently separate the parts with your fingertips. You may need to cut entangled roots with clean shears.

3. Repot. Plant every section in new pots filled with the same soil that they’re used to.

Humidity And Aeration

Lucky ZZ Plant is a perennial and a low-maintenance houseplant. It can thrive in areas with air humidity levels around 40-50%.

Your plant will need sustenance from the moisture in the air in addition to receiving water via its roots. You may keep bowls of water nearby to evaporate, or you can invest in a humidifier that provides more regular humidity for your plant.

Temperature

Temperature ranges between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit is best for your Zanzibar gem.

Temperature variations might be harmful to your Zanzibar gem. Close windows and cover any openings where chilly drafts can penetrate during the winter. Place your plant away from heat-producing appliances.

Toxic

Be on guard if you have small children or pets in your home. The Zanzibar gem is highly hazardous to pets, including cats and dogs, as well as humans when ingested or with direct contact with the plant. If ingested, you can expect the following symptoms: stomach ache, potential diarrhea, and possible vomiting. It could also cause skin irritation when coming in direct contact. In most cases, however, this plant is considered non-life-threatening.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Overall, I would say that the Lucky ZZ Plant is a disease and pest-resistant plant. Here are some quick tips for curing common ailments, as well as some general suggestions to keep this plant healthy.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a prevalent fungus that causes powdery white areas on this beautiful houseplant’s foliage. As the fungus spreads, the plant becomes more fragile and feeble. Powdery mildew thrives in warm, humid environments. Even if your Zanzibar diamond isn’t particularly susceptible to powdery mildew, it can still be an issue if you shower it too frequently or allow water to remain on its leaves.

Yet again, prevention is your best chance. Using an electric fan to provide proper air circulation can help keep mildew and other fungal infections at bay. Watering the soil and not the leafage is also an excellent idea.

Scale Insects

Scale insects might look like lumps on the stems or leaves of your Lucky ZZ Plant. These small bugs, which may be green, gray, brown, or black in color, usually remain sedentary once they’ve latched onto a plant.

You can keep scale insects from attacking your plant by combining a teaspoon of neem oil in four glasses of water if the infestation isn’t severe. Spray the plant aggressively with a spray bottle.

Neem oil and horticultural oils will not kill the pests but will certainly cause them damage. There are different insecticide sprays against scales that are regarded safe to use indoors.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that rely on the sap of your Zanzibar diamond. Some aphids are crawlers, and others are winged. They can be brown, black, green, red, white, and a variety of other colors.

Inspect for aphids on the delicate areas of the stem, the underside of leaves, and on shoots that have not unfurled yet. Once you spot these insects (usually in a cluster), act quickly before they spread to other houseplants!

It is necessary that you cover the soil with a plastic bag first. Then, using soap and water, thoroughly clean your plant. You may even use a sponge to make sure that all surfaces are cleaned thoroughly. After washing, place your plant in a shaded area with sufficient ventilation so that the soap does not burn the leaves.

If the aphids return, spray your Zanzibar gem with neem oil, horticultural oil, or rubbing alcohol. Remember to dilute these products first.

Work plants success!! L-R: ZZ plant, lucky bamboo (OG from day 1) and a white marble pothos, who will grow down the side bwahaha pic.twitter.com/pIUXmMTXAV

— StokeeDokeeDee (@OkeeDokeeDee) May 8, 2019

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are white, fuzzy insects that suck the nutrients from plants and are basically the botanical equivalent of head lice on humans. These pests can stunt plant growth or even kill your Zanzibar gem.

To send these nasty crawlers packing, you can directly spray them with neem oil (but remember to dilute it in water first). Another option is to take a cotton ball, soak it in Isopropyl alcohol, and rub it over the leaves and stem.

If you have several houseplants, you may need to quarantine your infected Zanzibar gem until there are no more signs of mealybugs.

Drooping Leaves

If your Lucky ZZ Plant does not receive the proper amount of moisture and light, its leaves may begin to droop. Check out our Water and Light sections above to learn about the finest ways to care for your plant. Low humidity is also a reason for drooping leaves, so be sure the humidity levels in your area fit the needs of your plant.

Root Rot

Root rot is a common killer of the Zanzibar gem. The rotting begins at the roots and spreads fast to the stem and leaves. Keep in mind that you should only water if the soil is fully dry. One other cause of root rot is poor drainage in the soil. This plant with a lively appearance requires a well-draining potting mix.

Other methods for preventing root rot include creating holes in the bottom of your pot, using high-porosity materials like terracotta and unglazed ceramic planters, and scheduling your watering periods further apart.

Similar Plants

Love Zanzibar gem? Below are some other similar plant alternatives you should try:

Black ZZ – The Black ZZ plant belongs to the Araceae family. Raven, Black Fern Arum, and Zanzibar Gem are some of its other names. When it has a lot of access to dark rooms or air conditioners, it thrives indoors in the majority of households.

Philodendron Pedatum – Some people refer to the Philodendron Pedatum as Oak Leaf Philodendron, Philodendron Laciniatum, or Philodendron Quercifolium. It’s a tropical plant known for its distinctive leaf. When grown inside, its deep green, oak-shaped leaves prefer dampness.

Jungle Warrior ZZ – This plant is just as hardy as the green-leafed Zanzibar Gem and has glossy, dark green foliage. Once it is established, this plant is low maintenance and requires minimal attention, even in dry environments.

Conclusion

The Lucky ZZ Plant is a stunning plant and is truly a delight to care for. Your attention to this plant will be rewarded when you see its lovely succulent leaves develop.

Can’t get enough of Zamioculcas plant guides? Check out Two Peas In A Condo’s other useful posts!

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