The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas, is native to Central Africa, but has adapted remarkably well to growing in British homes. Cassie is one of the most easy going members of our plant family. She's tolerant of a wide range of light levels from full sun to shade and because she's evolved to store water in her tuberous roots and thick stems, she doesn't need a drink very often. This makes her one of the best choices for new plant parents or those on the slightly more hands-off end of the spectrum.
Cassie will live happily in her nursery pot for a good couple of years before she starts busting for more space, at which point she'll appreciate being repotted into a nice free-draining jungle mix into a pot at least one or two sizes bigger. This will top up her nutrients too! But in the meantime, you can give her an extra growth boost by feeding her with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.
Cassie's dark green divided leaves and arching stems give her an architectural quality that make her a design staple. Small or large, she's your gal.
Did you know?
In various parts of Tanzania, the juice of the ZZ plant is used to treat earache, inflammation and ulceration. It’s a regular little green nurse.