Is Zanzibar Gem a good indoor plant?
Zanzibar Gem plants make the perfect indoor plant for serial plant killers or those who love low-maintenance, no fuss plants. Because they grow from thick underground rhizomes that store water, they are very low water use. Watering: Zanzibars store water which is why they don’t require regular watering. They only need to be watered once a week during summer, and once a month in winter. Alternatively, when you notice that the soil has dried out completely, this is an indication of when you should give it a little drink.Zanzibar gem is known for its exceptional air-purifying qualities, making it ideal for home and office environments. The plant is highly low-maintenance and can thrive in low light, perfect for beginners or busy individuals. Its striking appearance and resiliency make it a top choice for enhancing indoor decor.Zanzibar gem likes a well-drained potting mix, like a cacti and succulent mix. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes, too. Zanzibar gems’s thick, fleshy roots are capable of storing water, enabling it to go without water for short periods. Take care not to overwater as it can succumb to root rot.Depending on your room environment, your Zanzibar Gem may only require watering once every 3-4 weeks. Make sure to reduce watering in the cooler months and when it’s growing in a low-light room. Temperature & Humidity The Zanzibar Gem prefers warm temperatures and high humidity.In ideal conditions, the Zanzibar Gem can grow up to 10” per year, eventually reaching nearly five feet in height. In low light conditions, this plant will grow more slowly. Fertilize your Zanzibar Gem 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.
How do you care for a Zanzibar Gem plant?
Zanzibar gem likes a well-drained potting mix, like a cacti and succulent mix. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes, too. Zanzibar gems’s thick, fleshy roots are capable of storing water, enabling it to go without water for short periods. Take care not to overwater as it can succumb to root rot. If the foliage appears soft and mushy, is falling off or is very easily removed, it’s possible that your plant may be overwatered. Zanzibar Gems need to be watered only sparingly- when the top two inches of their soil are entirely dry.Zanzibar Gems are very low maintenance and basically shape themselves. This means you won’t need to prune it very often. It is important to remove dry or dead leave all year round but don’t do any major pruning until spring or summer. Unlike your other houseplants, pruning a ZZ plant doesn’t promote new growth.Zanzibar Gem prefer a spot with medium to bright indirect light – direct sun can burn their leaves. But they will tolerate low light positions too. Zanzibar Gem plants need good drainage and really hate constantly moist soil.Zanzibar gem can be propagated from leaf or stem cuttings, although the latter will grow into sizeable plants faster. Cut stems at the base of the plant, remove a few of the lower leaves and insert the cutting into a jar of water.
Can Zanzibar Gem grow outside?
Zanzibar Gem can be grown outdoors as and understory pr shade plant in a well drained soil. The location needs to be frost free and should not receive too much water. In ideal conditions, the Zanzibar Gem can grow up to 10” per year, eventually reaching nearly five feet in height. In low light conditions, this plant will grow more slowly. Fertilize your Zanzibar Gem 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.You can either divide the rhizomes and plant them in different pots, or you can propagate from leaf cutting. If you decide to propagate your healthy Zanzibar Gem from leaf cuttings, it can take up to a year for cuttings to start developing roots, even if you have them in the ideal climate.Zanzibar gem plants tend to live for a minimum of 30 years if you take out the chances of fungal problems or growing conditions. In good conditions, they are long-lived house plants, which can grow outdoors in most of Australia all year round too.
How long can Zanzibar Gem go without water?
ZZ plants are very drought-tolerant thanks to their rhizomes ‘bulbs’, which store water. This means your ZZ can happily go 14-30 days without watering. One of the most common mistakes in caring for ZZ plant propagation is overwatering. ZZ plants are quite drought-tolerant and prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which not only damages the root system but can also cause the plant to die.A: Overwatering a ZZ Plant can lead to several noticeable signs. One of the earliest indicators of overwatering is yellowing leaves. The leaves may start to turn yellow, particularly from the bottom up. Overwatered ZZ Plants may develop soft, mushy stems.ZZ plants are so easy to care for that they can technically survive (though barely) without any natural light. However, they do best in bright, indirect light; if they don’t receive enough light, ZZ plants can become leggy. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch your plant’s leaves.Too Much or Too Little Moisture Overwatering can turn into a larger issue, root rot, which could result in plant death. Check the moisture of the soil and adjust your watering cadence accordingly. If the ZZ Plant is turning brown and the tips are dry and crispy, the issue is likely under watering.
How often should I water my zz gem?
Staying wet for prolonged periods of time or being watered every 1-2 weeks will eventually lead to rot. Water every 4-6 weeks or even less during cooler weather (dependent on pot size and environment). Potting: Keep the ZZ plant in a plastic nursery pot and sit inside a cover pot unless growing outside. You shouldn’t mist your ZZ plant. It doesn’t require any extra moisture, and there’s the danger of the water collecting at the base of the plant and causing root rot. Instead, wipe the leaves to remove dust.Overwatering and poor drainage are the main causes of ZZ plant root rot. Yellowing leaves, wilting, and foul odor indicate root rot. Proper watering, soil replacement, and repotting can alleviate and prevent root rot.Your ZZ plant prefers indirect bright light. It will tolerate low light and can even adapt to fluorescent lighting, but growth will slow. Avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage.Too Much or Too Little Moisture Overwatering can turn into a larger issue, root rot, which could result in plant death. Check the moisture of the soil and adjust your watering cadence accordingly. If the ZZ Plant is turning brown and the tips are dry and crispy, the issue is likely under watering.It only takes three to five years for the ZZ plant to move from sprout to maturity. Yet, with appropriate care, a ZZ plant can live for decades. As a houseplant, the most common cause of death for a ZZ plant isn’t neglect, but overwatering.