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Zamioculcas zamiifolia

ZZ Plant

Typical UK price

£12

Verified

Price by size

Sold, 90 days
3
Middle half
-
Last sold
30 Sep 2026
On record
18
Cutting/corm3 on record
7cm3 sold
12cm6 sold
Mature3 sold
  • Sale
  • Typical
  • Middle half
  • Estimate
  • Not used as the size price
for a 7cm pot

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About Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ Plant is built for survival, storing water in thick rhizomes beneath the soil that let it shrug off weeks of neglect. Its glossy, dark green pinnate leaves grow in stiff upright stalks that catch the light almost like plastic foliage, which is part of why it reads as so architectural in interior spaces. Native to semi-arid regions of East Africa, it has evolved to cope with drought and low light, making it one of the most forgiving aroids available to home growers. It is slow growing but essentially indestructible, tolerating fluorescent office lighting and irregular watering schedules with ease.

Native range

Native to grasslands and dry forests of eastern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa; grown globally as a low-maintenance interior plant.

Kenya

Classification

Genus
Zamioculcas
Family
Araceae
Type
Wild
Growth habit
Rhizomatous, upright rosette

Morphology

Leaf shape
Pinnately compound, elliptic leaflets
Leaf length
40-60cm (whole stalk)
Leaf width
3-6cm per leaflet
Petiole colour
Pale green
Venation
Pinnate
Texture
Glossy, waxy
Variegation
N/A
Growth habit
Upright rosette from tuberous rhizomes

Recent UK sales

Show older sales

For sale in the UK

UK shops

ShopStockPrice
Root Houseplants established plantIn stock£22
Conservatory Archives 19cm potSold out£45
House of Kojo 21cm potSold out£77

Current listings on eBay UK

By month

MonthMedianSold
Sep 2026£92
Aug 2026£181
Jul 2026£102
Jun 2026£122
May 2026£114
Apr 2026£136
Mar 2025£191

Before you buy

  • Widely available and inexpensive for the plain species: be cautious of collector-level pricing unless it's a named form like 'Raven' or 'Variegata'
  • Check the base for firm, plump rhizomes rather than soft or shrivelled ones, since this is where the plant stores its water reserves
  • For 'Raven' or other named colour forms, confirm the leaf colour in photos matches the specific named cultivar rather than assuming any dark ZZ Plant is 'Raven'
  • Slow growth is normal for this species: don't expect rapid size increase even under good conditions

Zamioculcas zamiifolia care

Substrate
A free-draining mix incorporating plenty of perlite or pumice alongside standard potting compost prevents water from sitting around the fleshy roots. A commercial cacti or succulent mix is also highly suitable for this drought-tolerant species.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. The thick rhizomes store ample moisture, meaning overwatering poses a much greater risk than underwatering.
Humidity
It easily tolerates the dry air typical of centrally heated homes. Average room humidity is perfectly adequate and no supplemental misting is required.
Feeding
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength once every few months during the active growing season. The slow growth rate means it requires very few supplemental nutrients.
Repotting
Repotting is only necessary every two to three years when the expanding rhizomes begin to deform or break the plastic nursery pot. Choose a container just one size larger to avoid excess soil holding unwanted moisture.

Common problems

  • Root and rhizome rot

    Cause: Overwatering or planting in dense soil that stays wet for too long.

    Fix: Unpot the plant to trim away black or mushy roots, then repot into fresh, dry soil and withhold water for several weeks.

  • Yellowing lower leaflets

    Cause: Often an early sign of chronic overwatering, though occasionally caused by extreme, prolonged drought.

    Fix: Check the moisture level at the bottom of the pot and severely reduce watering frequency if the soil is damp.

  • Stretching or leaning stems

    Cause: Searching for light when placed in extremely dark conditions for long periods.

    Fix: Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light and rotate it regularly to encourage upright, even growth.

Gear for this plant

How to propagate Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Methods
Rhizome division, Leaf cutting, Stem cutting
Difficulty
Easy. Forgiving of missed waterings, average home humidity, and imperfect light. A solid pick for beginners or low-fuss collections.
Time to establish
9-12 months
True from cuttings
Yes. Cuttings keep the cultivar's character.
Notes
Division is the fastest method; carefully separate the rhizomes with a clean blade during repotting and plant them into separate containers. Leaf and stem cuttings will also root and form small rhizomes in soil or water, but this process often takes many months before new top growth appears.

In the wild