Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Zamioculcas
Sometimes referred to as Zz plant, this tropical member of the Arum family (Araceae) should be called Zamioculcas (Zam-ee-oh-CULL-cas.) Other inappropriate names for it are aroid palm and arum fern. It’s not a cycad, palm or fern. Its close relatives include the lovely midwestern natives Symplocarpus foetidus, Skunkcabbage and Arisaema Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Many wonderful houseplants are in this family: Aglaonema, Anthurium (on the table tonight at Nicole’s birthday,) Caladium, Elephant ears, Dieffenbachia, Monstera, Philodendron, Scindapsus Pothos, Syngonium, Arrowhead vine and Peace lily and Calla lily. Important food plant Colocasia, Taro is another. All have the spath and spadix floral configuration.
I don’t have first-hand experience, but it’s supposed to be a great houseplant. I’ve seen it a few places recently and am keen to try it. Heaven and Earth on Hawthorn has pretty ones, but pricey. (I also noticed some gorgeous specimens in a white carpeted office high up in Big Pink.)
Zamioculcas are garden hardy zones 9-12, though very tender. They are native to Africa. Like many aroids, they are toxic if ingested.
It is a really elegant plant. Deep shiny green foliage slowly unfurls in rounded pairs from thick stalks that can grow to be 3 feet tall.
It likes to be kept on the dry side, needs shade or, when grown indoors, indirect light. It’s a slow grower. Propagation can be accomplished from leaf cuttings, which actually grow little root bulbs. Even a small plant looks impressive in a heavy glazed pot. According to the Zamioculcas site, these plants have only been commercially available in any quantities for 10 years. A Dutch company began producing them and the plant’s popularity has grown widely. Notice it in trendy interior design layouts and swanky hotel lobbies.
