The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, has earned a reputation as a near-indestructible houseplant. Originating in the dry grasslands and forests of Eastern Africa, this plant developed remarkable resilience to drought and low light conditions. Its ability to thrive on minimal care has made it a favorite among beginners and those seeking low-maintenance greenery for indoor spaces. While the plant is widely recognized for its glossy, emerald-green foliage, there are a small but growing number of distinct cultivars that offer unique variations in color and size.
The Core Species
The foundation of all ZZ plant varieties is the single species, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also called the Zanzibar Gem. This original plant features thick, upright stems supporting pinnately compound leaves, meaning the leaflets grow symmetrically along a central axis. Each leaflet is smooth, waxy, and a deep, polished green color, giving the plant its characteristic lush appearance.
New growth on the standard species often emerges a bright, fresh lime green before darkening to an emerald shade. The plant’s survival mechanism is rooted underground in its bulbous, potato-like rhizomes. These fleshy structures store water and nutrients, enabling the plant to endure extended periods without rain, which translates directly to its drought tolerance. The mature standard species can reach a height and spread of between two and four feet indoors.
Distinct Cultivars and Their Unique Features
The commercial popularity of the ZZ plant has led to the development of several notable cultivars, each displaying a unique mutation of the core species. One of the most dramatic is the ‘Raven’ ZZ plant, also known by the cultivar name ‘Dowon’. This variety is sought after for its striking deep purple to near-black foliage, a color that creates a sophisticated contrast against the standard green. The new shoots of the ‘Raven’ emerge bright lime green, slowly transitioning to the dark hue as they mature over several weeks.
For those seeking a smaller plant, the ‘Zenzi’ cultivar offers a naturally dwarf growth habit, maturing to less than two feet tall. This compact form is distinguished by its smaller, tightly packed, and slightly curled leaflets that grow in dense clusters, giving it a bushier appearance than the standard species. Another smaller variety is the ‘Zamicro,’ which also features a reduced size, though its leaves are more slender than the ‘Zenzi’.
The most visually captivating types are the variegated forms, such as the general Variegated ZZ and the ‘Lucky White’. These plants exhibit irregular patches or streaks of creamy white, yellow, or pale green across the foliage due to a lack of chlorophyll in those areas. The ‘Lucky White’ is known for its distinct white-and-green blotched pattern and often features slightly wavy leaflet edges. Because the variegated sections contain less chlorophyll, these plants grow slower and are rarer than their solid-green counterparts.
Care and Growth Variations
Despite the distinct morphological differences in color and size, the fundamental care requirements across all ZZ plant cultivars remain consistent. All varieties are drought-tolerant because they retain water in their rhizomes and thick, succulent-like leaves. The primary threat to any ZZ plant is overwatering, which can quickly lead to rhizome rot.
A few subtle care adjustments exist for the specialized cultivars. The variegated forms require brighter indirect light compared to the solid green species to maintain their colorful patterns. If a variegated plant is kept in low light, it may revert back to entirely green foliage in an attempt to maximize chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.
Conversely, the dark-leaved ‘Raven’ does not have a reduced light requirement due to its color. Like all ZZ plants, it thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Dwarf forms like ‘Zenzi’ may need slightly less frequent watering because their smaller rhizomes and pot size hold less soil volume. The ZZ plant family remains one of the most low-maintenance options for indoor gardening.