ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is an aroid and the only species in the genus Zamioculcas. Native to a seasonally dry biome, in shady forest environments of southeastern Africa, the plant enjoys a reputation as resilient and easy to care for in the home.
ZZ plant sends up strong stems and sturdy, glossy, green leaves from a fleshy rhizome. Both the large rhizome and the waxy leaf surface allow ZZ plants to conserve water and fare well in conditions of irregular care. In the limited light of a home, it is a slow grower. Occasional, drooping flowers may appear near the base of older plants.
Indirect, bright light is preferred but the plant will also tolerate very restricted sunlight for a considerable period of time and continue to grow. They should be protected from bright sun. Plants grown in bright conditions may experience leaf scald, leaf curl and die back.
The most important care requirement is not to overwater this plant. Water moderately with tepid water in the morning, making the potting mixture moist and checking back after 15 minutes to remove any water sitting in the plant's run-off dish. During the growing season, allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. If in doubt, wait to water the plant which stores resources in its rhizome that allow it to wait out dry conditions. In winter, the plant enters a period of slow growth and should receive reduced water, approximately once a month.
ZZ plant grows best in warm home temperatures, between 70º and 85º F.. Keep the plant away from air conditioning and heat vents.
Misting is not necessary.
This plant is native to sandy, low-nutrient soil and can be fed with a standard houseplant fertilizer just two times during the growing season (spring to fall).
Most problems with ZZ plant result from soil that stays too wet. Overwatering, leaving water in the run-off dish, or a container without a drain hole can all contribute to rhizome rot and plant death.
Though they can survive very poor light conditions, ZZ plants will eventually deteriorate without moderate sunlight and may suddenly collapse after years of stoic endurance.
Bleached, curled or patchy brown leaves occur if the plant is placed in direct sunlight.
The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual by 
The Propagation Handbook by 
Not Another Jungle by 
The Unexpected Houseplant by 
