Just because they are undemanding and easy to grow, that doesn’t mean that Zamioculcas zamiifolia plants (or ZZ plants) are dull or uninspiring! They may be great for newbie gardeners and first-time plant parents, but there are several unusual and unique ZZ plant varieties that can liven up the quietest corners with bold contours and lush foliage.
For anyone who’s keen to explore the wilder side of this gentle giant, we are happy to report that there’s a breed guaranteed to appeal to your taste for adventure. So if you’re ready to care for a ZZ plant that combines easy living with showstopping credentials, we present several different types of ZZ plant and the characteristics that make them so special.
Choosing Unusual and Unique ZZ Plant Varieties
When it comes to houseplants, few rival the ease of growth and variety of ZZ plants. Though unique ZZ plant types range in size and appearance, most have the same basic cultural requirements. Houseplant fans love the ZZ's adaptability, tolerance to dry conditions, and ability to thrive where light levels remain consistently low.
These characteristics allow the plant to flourish indoors, seasonally and year-round. Make the most of this highly alluring combination of drama and easy living – make some room for one of these extraordinary houseplant varieties in your indoor spaces…
1. Chameleon Zamioculcas
While many different ZZ plants are noted most for their vibrant foliage, the Chameleon ZZ from Costa Farms, available in the Gardening Know How Shop, is known best for its unique color-changing habit. Expect bright, near-neon leaves, gradually deepening in hue as they continue to age.
This gives the plant its characteristic two-toned appearance, shifting subtly as part of an exotic summertime display and as a group of winter indoor plants – super pretty and interesting in tropical gardens and indoor containers.
2. ZZ Dowon (Raven)
If you’re looking to grow a black houseplant, you’ve come to the right place. The Dowon or Raven ZZ, available from the Gardening Know How Shop, is a deep purple-black color. Raven’s new foliage opens in light shades of green, changing over time to reveal its true hue.
This plant performs best in deep shade, or under low-light conditions, where its foliage can develop its stunning color. Though this variety is considered rare, it’s especially popular among plant enthusiasts and collectors.
3. ZZ Gem
Like other varieties of ZZ, Gem is loved for its ease of growth and carefree nature. Another perfect option if you are looking for a hard to kill houseplant, these large beauties feature dense, green foliage.
Their glossy texture adds further beauty as potted specimens, adding a fresh feel to any indoor space. While many different kinds of ZZ plants work well for newbies, this variety is especially good for first-timers and inexperienced growers.
4. ZZ Gold Variegated
Gold Variegated ZZ plants are amongst the most attractive types available. For anyone keen to expand their colletion of bright and bold houseplants, this ZZ’s foliage varies greatly across the plant, as each leaf is adorned with its own distinct pattern in multiple tones of gold and green.
Variegated plants are amongst the most common ZZ plants available, and can often be found at specialty garden centers. For the best growth, site the plant in a warm space, positioned so that it receives bright, indirect light throughout the day.
5. ZZ Lucky
Similar to other ZZ cultivars in appearance, Lucky is best known for its lush, tropical feel. Each stem produces an abundance of thick, wide leaves. This further lends to the plants' larger size and impressive stature when grown indoors.
An ideal choice if you are keen to cultivate indoor plants for shade, this ZZ variety can also be used as an attractive landscape feature or focal plant throughout most frost-free regions.
6. ZZ Super Nova
Much like Raven, Super Nova ZZ plants feature stunning inky-black foliage. Slowly, each new leaf morphs from green, continuing to darken as it ages. This variety makes an exceptional addition to indoor spaces, adding both color and texture to pots and containers.
While black ZZ plants are sometimes included in groups of hard to find houseplants, these ZZs are well-adapted and tolerant to a wide range of growing conditions. They are an ideal choice for anyone after a truly carefree houseplant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lifespan of a ZZ Plant?
When conditions are ideal, growers can expect ZZ plants to flourish for upward of 20 years. Established plants of this age are most often found within the landscape, throughout frost-free growing zones. Pots, containers and those grown as houseplants will generally have a shorter lifespan, ranging between 5-10 years.
What are the Cons of Growing a ZZ Plant?
Though diversity among different varieties of ZZ plants makes them suitable for many ornamental purposes, there are some drawbacks to the plant. Most notable is its toxicity. Oxalate crystals, a chemical found in the plant, are especially harmful to pets. Skin reactions to plant sap are also common upon exposure. ZZ plants should always be kept safely away from children and animals.
If you love ZZs, we’ve got you covered – but why not see what other high-impact houseplants you can add to your home? Visit the GKH shop's curated collection.
More Great Houseplant Ideas for Easy Impact
- Stuck for inspiration for that dull bathroom? Read our roundup of lush and lovely plants for bathrooms with no light or low light to brighten even the dreariest corners of your home.
- Keen to tap into the hottest houseplant ideas for your home this year? Read our hot houseplant trends to sort out some bold and brilliant leafy additions for ultra-cool interiors.
- Wondering how to bring more weird and wonderful plants into the home, but not sure where to start? Perhaps goth gardening can help you embrace some unusual new planting horizons?
- For unique new planting styles that can work in any size space, how about miniature gardens encased in glass? Our guide to terrarium plants can help get you started.
This article features products available from third party vendors on the Gardening Know How Shop.
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