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Zanzibar Gem
There’s an exciting newcomer on the indoor plant scene – a very hardy and attractive- looking plant called Zanzibar Gem.
Zanzibar Gem’s scientific name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, gives a hint of its resemblance to the palm-like cycads called zamias. Because of this distinctive botanic name the Europeans have christened it ZZ plant. In Asia it’s known as the Money Tree. Sometimes, too, it’s called ‘arum fern’ because it belongs to the same plant family as arum lilies and has a slightly fern-like appearance. Another common name, Eternity Plant, acknowledges its indestructibility.
Zanzibar Gem, which grows in dry, shaded sites in its native African habitat, tolerates an amazing amount of neglect. Cold and over- watering are the greatest threats to its well- being. Keep Zanzibar Gem warm and not too wet and the plant will grace your house or garden for years.
While Zanzibar Gem can be grown outdoors, it’s most often seen as an almost un-killable indoor plant. It’s been described as the ultimate indoor plant because of its tolerance to low light and lack of water. In the wild it survives drought periods by disappearing almost completely and then re-sprouting from its underground, potato-like tubers when the rains eventually come. So, in the unlikely event that your Zanzibar Gem appears to have died, a good drink just might encourage it to start developing new shoots.
Zanzibar Gem’s shiny, waxy leaves are divided into a number of smaller leaflets. New leaves emerge as upright spikes from which the leaflets gradually unfold.
Here are tips for caring for Zanzibar Gem:
- Choose a brightly lit indoor spot with no direct sunlight.
- Or, in frost-free gardens, grow Zanzibar Gem outdoors in semi shade.
- Water occasionally, but allow the plant to dry out well between waterings. Water less frequently in winter and when the plant is growing in low light.
- Feed during the growing season with a gentle fertiliser like Dynamic Lifter Fish Emulsion or half strength Thrive Concentrate Houseplant Food.
- Keep the leaves clean by wiping with a damp cloth. Adding a few drops of PestOil will deter pests such as scale insects (although these plants are said to be almost pest free).
When a plant becomes crowded in the pot it can be split and divided into two. Re-pot into good quality potting mix (such as Thrive Premium) and water well to settle the roots into place. You’ll then have a spare plant to move to another position or give to a friend. Zanzibar Gem makes a perfect gift for a beginner – as long as it’s understood that it thrives on neglect (no over-watering)!
After handling Zanzibar Gem, wash hands well with soap and water; every part of this plant is said to be poisonous!
Comments (10)
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This area is for general comments from the Yates Garden Club community. Questions posted here will not receive a reply from Yates. For specific gardening advice visit Ask an Expert
janis
Yates site member
15:02, 22 September 2009
can zanzibar be propagated by cuttings?
john
Yates site member
14:53, 27 October 2009
yes simply cut off one or more leaves and plant them to one quarter depth .a tuber or such will form and develop from there.we do heaps this way
Suga
Yates site member
23:55, 21 January 2010
I have just purchased one of these. Love It. I'm a busy person and it suits my lifestyle. 10/10. Looks Beautiful as well what a bonus!
Vani
Yates site member
20:41, 21 March 2010
Can I plant a stem/branch of zanzibar which broke off from the main plant?
Mandy
Yates site member
09:05, 27 May 2010
Why might some leaves turn a lime green unhealthy looking colour? I don't think I have over watered it.
John
Yates site member
12:30, 01 June 2010
They are sometimes called cardboard palms.
Grace
Yates site member
21:46, 25 June 2010
My Zanzibar Gem appears to be dying.. the leaves and stem are going yellow. Can anyone provide some advice? Thanks.
Alex
Yates site member
20:37, 15 October 2011
Yellow leaves are generally a sign of over-watering. Are they in a pot. Make sure they are not sitting in water at the bottom of a pot.
Cherylyn
Yates site member
10:17, 01 November 2010
When is the growing season?
Steven
Yates site member
05:41, 27 January 2012
I bought a plant yesterday from the nursery and repotted, and the plant has gone limp, i.e. does not stand up straight but rather goes to one side. Do you think it takes some time to settle or will I need to repot giving the stems more support?
Steven
Yates site member
05:41, 27 January 2012
when I say plant I mean zanzibar gem...
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