The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, has earned a reputation as a nearly indestructible houseplant, making it a popular choice for indoor spaces. Its glossy, dark green foliage and low-maintenance nature appeal to both novice and experienced plant owners. Given its hardiness, many people consider placing this plant in their bedroom, a space often characterized by lower light levels. This article will explore the ZZ plant’s unique biological traits and address common concerns to determine its suitability for a sleeping environment.
Thriving in Low Light Conditions
The ZZ plant’s ability to tolerate low light is a major benefit for bedroom placement, as these rooms often have limited natural sunlight. This tolerance is due to its specialized underground organs called rhizomes, which function as water and energy storage units. These thick, potato-like rhizomes allow the plant to conserve carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis, sustaining the plant during extended periods of dim light.
In its natural East African habitat, the ZZ plant is accustomed to growing beneath a canopy, meaning it evolved to survive in shaded conditions. When placed in a low-light bedroom, the plant enters a state of energy conservation, dramatically slowing its growth rate. While the ZZ plant can survive in a darker area, “low light” does not mean “no light,” and a completely dark room will eventually deplete its energy reserves.
This reduced need for energy in lower light directly impacts its care requirements, particularly watering. Because the rhizomes store significant amounts of water, overwatering is the most common cause of a ZZ plant’s decline. In a low-light bedroom, watering should be infrequent, typically once every two to three weeks during the growing season and less often in winter. The plant thrives in average home temperatures (65°F to 75°F) but should be kept away from cold drafts.
Safety and Toxicity Concerns
A significant consideration for any bedroom plant is safety, particularly the ZZ plant’s inherent toxicity. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in its sap, which serves as a defense mechanism against herbivores. These microscopic, needle-like crystals, known as raphides, are present in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and rhizomes.
If parts of the plant are chewed or ingested, the crystals are released, causing immediate irritation and pain to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Symptoms in humans and pets typically include oral irritation, a burning sensation, swelling, drooling, and possible vomiting or diarrhea. The resulting discomfort is usually intense enough to prevent the ingestion of a large, life-threatening amount.
Because the sap can cause skin irritation or a mild rash upon contact, simple handling precautions are recommended. It is advisable to wear gloves when pruning or repotting the plant to prevent sap from touching the skin. As long as the ZZ plant is placed on a high surface and kept out of reach of small children and pets, it is generally considered safe for a bedroom.
Evaluating Air Quality Claims
The idea that houseplants significantly purify indoor air is a common but often overstated claim. This concept stems from the 1989 NASA Clean Air Study, which tested the ability of certain plants to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. The ZZ plant is frequently cited for its purported ability to filter toxins like xylene, toluene, and benzene.
However, the NASA study was conducted in small, sealed chambers, an environment that does not accurately reflect a typical home. In a standard home, the volume of air and the natural air exchange render the plant’s filtration effect negligible. Scientific reviews conclude that to achieve the air-cleaning results seen in the laboratory, a person would need between 10 and 1,000 plants per square meter of floor space.
The primary benefit of placing a ZZ plant in a bedroom is less about physical air filtration and more about psychology. Introducing nature into the sleeping space can contribute to a feeling of tranquility and help reduce stress levels. The plant serves an aesthetic purpose, adding natural beauty that enhances the overall comfort and atmosphere of the room.