Family: Araceae
Common Name: Zenzi ZZ Plant, Dwarf ZZ Plant, Mini ZZ Plant, Compact ZZ Plant, Dwarf Zanzibar Gem, Tiny ZZ Plant. Petite ZZ Plant, Miniature ZZ Plant, Small-Leaf ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Zenzi’
Zamioculcus zamiifolia 'Zenzi' is a cousin of the more vertical ZZ Plant. Zenzi packs a punch with shiny, water-filled leaves. With its dense collection of thick stems on which the thick, green leaves grow, this plant looks like you are growing a miniature exotic jungle. This easy-care plant prefers less watering and is drought resistant. For best results, water when the top of the soil becomes dry. This plant can tolerate less light and less fuss!
Light
ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ can live in low to bright indirect light, but the brighter the indirect light, the better as more light encourages faster growth producing a healthier plant. You can grow your ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ in full sun, but you must either grow them there from very young plants, or gradually introduce them to this environment over a period of weeks.
Water
ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ can go without water for long periods of time and overindulging them with water can lead to very bad results! It stores water in its thick stems and leaves so there is no need to keep the soil moist on a continual basis. ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ needs much less water in the cooler months and depending on where you live, you might find yourself watering your plant once a month during the winter.
Soil
ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ loves good drainage and a soil mixture containing pumice, perlite, or wood chips to provide the drainage they need! Most bagged potting soils will be adequate for transplanting your plant. Consider mixing in cactus potting soil to help with drainage. If you decide to transplant your palms (we do not recommend transplanting your new plants for at least 3-6 months after receiving them), make sure you do not damage the roots.
Temperature
The ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ and ZZ plants in general, are very adaptable, and will survive in temperatures from 55-85℉. ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ can even handle colder temperatures, but it should never be exposed to freezing cold air! This plant will be just fine no matter what you keep your thermostat set to!
Humidity
The ideal humidity levels for your ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ are above 50%, but even if you have lower humidity, depending on where you live, they will most likely adapt. A sign of an indoor plant that is deprived of humidity is that the plant will start to develop brown edges on its leaves. You can always increase the humidity in your home with a humidifier or place near your plants on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Consider this an opportunity to create a little plant styling moment for your ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’.
Fertilizer
You should Fertilize your ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ twice during the growing season with a ½-strength diluted complete fertilizer, once in the spring and once again in the summer as this type of lant does not like to be fertilized often. You can use organic fertilizer like worm castings, or compost. Simply pour on a thin layer onto the top of the soil and evenly mix it in with a small fork. Water your plant after you have added any granular fertilizer!
Growth Rate
ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ are slow to moderate growing indoor plants and can reach heights of 2-5' indoors depending on the interior conditions!
Pet Friend or Foe
ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ is toxic! Foe!
Pro Tips
- Avoid overwatering your ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’, as it is better to underwater this plant than overwater it.
- ZZ Plant ‘Zenzi’ are generally slow-growing plants, but you can trim off the damaged leaves using clean, sharp scissors.
- Don’t allow this plant in the direct sunlight, as it can burn its leaves!