Want an unfussy houseplant that’s practically indestructible with dozens of benefits? That one is non other than a Zz plant!
The ZZ Plant, with its glossy dark leaves and striking architectural form, isn’t just a stylish addition to your home–it’s a silent guardian of your well-being.
This low-maintenance wonder boasts many science-backed benefits, from improving air quality and boosting mood to reducing stress and even enhancing creativity. Let’s see how!
ZZ Plant Benefits You Should Know
1. It Removes Pollutants
Indoor air pollution is a severe threat to human health, mainly because we spend most of our time indoors in this era of urbanization. One of its most significant benefits is improving the severely compromised indoor air quality.
According to the NASA Clean Air Study, the ZZ plant helps clean indoor air by absorbing pollutants such as xylene, toluene, and carbon dioxide from the surrounding air. It is one of the few plants that look good and have a purpose!
2. Improves Cognitive Function
Cognitive function includes multiple abilities of the human brain, such as learning, thinking, reasoning, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Having a houseplant at home, especially a ZZ plant that improves air quality, can directly improve one’s mood and lower anxiety, leading to better cognitive function and health. What more could you ask for from a plant?
3. ZZ Plants are Highly Adaptable
We meant it when we said it’s practically indestructible—it’s probably the toughest plant out there.
The ZZ plant does well in both high and low lighting conditions, so you can place it almost anywhere–indoors or outdoors. It tolerates low humidity and dry soil pretty well!
It is also well adapted to container growing, and its upright growth habit makes it a stunning focal point plant.
4. It Needs a Little Watering
The thing about growing plants is that even if you take care of everything, you still need to water them.
Now, we’re not saying that your ZZ plant can live without water; it’s just that it is not as needy as most other plants. It requires watering once every 3-4 weeks.
The thing is, ZZ plants have swollen underground rhizomes that store water and make them pretty drought-tolerant.
Pro Tip: Watering too frequently or allowing the ZZ plant to sit in water will lead to root rot and untimely death. Just water it thoroughly once, allowing the excess water to drain freely from the drainage holes, and don’t do it again unless the soil looks dry.
5. ZZ Plants are Absolutely Stunning
Most of us have indoor plants because they look great and transform the indoor space. ZZ plant is no exception to that and literally brightens up the surroundings as its waxy leaves reflect sunlight.
The stems can grow to around 3-4 feet tall and sport beautiful, dark green, glossy leaves. They are also not too big or small, making them ideal for large and small spaces.
6. It is an Amazing Tabletop Plant!
The ZZ plant has many benefits, which is why it wins the most votes regarding office table plant choices. It can be a wonderful tabletop plant in its early stages of growth.
And not just office tables, it’s great for cabinets, shelves, and coffee tables! Once it grows big, you can use it near home entrances and corridors or just keep it by your bed.
7. A Great Feng Shui Option
ZZ plant is an excellent feng shui plant to grow indoors. When placed in the right spot, like the Southeastern, Southern, and Eastern corners of homes, it helps bring protective and purifying energy to your house.
8. It’s a CAM Plant
ZZ plants follow Crassulacean Acid Metabolism; they can consume CO2 even when the sun is down, making them perfect for bedrooms!
Unlike most plants, which open their stomata (tiny pores on their leaves) during the day to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) for photosynthesis, ZZ plants do the opposite.
During the night, they take in CO2 and store it as malic acid. When the sun rises, the stomata close to prevent water loss, and the stored CO2 is used for photosynthesis. How cool is that?
9. ZZ Plants Have Medicinal Uses
The roots of ZZ plants are rich in steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenolics; Tanzanians cherish them! The extract of this plant is also a source of antioxidants, and the juice is used to treat earache by the locals.
The Sukuma, Nyamwezi, Haya, Maasai, and Makonde people use the entire plant to treat the inflammatory condition Mshipa. Shamans in the jungles of Ghana also use the leaves to cure stomach ailments.
10. Resistant to Pests and Diseases
The ZZ plant is naturally resistant to most pests like spider mites and mealybugs, making it a great choice for beginners who may struggle with plant health issues.
Its waxy leaves and hardy nature ensure it remains largely disease-free, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
They also store water in their thick stems and leaves, making them drought-tolerant, which reduces the risk of fungal infections often caused by overly moist conditions.
It’s not the end yet; it’s also easy to propagate through leaves, rhizomes, and pups! Now that you know all ZZ plant benefits, it’s time to grow one of these in your home!
Hi I’m very interested more info for growing Z plant I got 2 pots and it doesn’t look like its going to have new shoots. I got them fo abt 10 months now. I divided the mother plant into 4 and it’s still green but no newshoots
What could be the reasons of black spots on the stem of the plant?
I just love this plant. But I never got it for myself. I have large windows but the sun doesn’t even come near it. After reading this I’m definitely getting one. Where is the best place to buy a ZZ plant? Thank you for all this wonderful information.
Can you believe I rescued my beauty from the dumpster. Right now I have it outside and it’s thriving
I love these plants. They’re the easiest plant I’ve ever owned, and I’m a plant person. Over the years, I’ve probably had at least a couple hundred plants. They’re also pretty. And apparently, they’re also healing, and cleanse the air. What’s not to like? A+
I love learning about new plants and their benefits! This zz plant is definitely one I’ll be keeping an eye on!