Saturday, May 17, 2008

Zamioculcas Zamiifolia

The ZZ plant, Aroid Palm, Money Plant, Eternity Plant..that's a few of the many common names given to Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. This unusual aroid is known to be originated from Eastern Africa, the countries of Zanzibar & Tanzania to be precise.


Due to its toleration of low light, low water and a certain degree of neglect, this hardy plant will absolutely make a fine houseplant. Its beautiful foliage of glossy, shiny leaves is absolutely a plus..light green leaves when young turning to dark green when matured. There is a mythical belief among the locals especially those of Chinese origins that if the plant starts to produce flowers, it actually will bring good luck to the owner...well, I really admire it for its beautiful, shiny foliage.




In the wild, natural propagation can be done from the seeds of the plant but commercially, the plant can either be propagated by leaf cutting (which really take a long period of time to root) or from the separation of the bulblets that can be found at the roots. It loves shady location, with filtered sunlight to produce nice shiny dark green leaves. From my personal point of view, the ZZ plant will really make a fine indoor houseplant for those who are too busy with their daily lives and yet still need some 'greenery' in their homes.

3 comments:

coolcat said...

do you know that this is supposed to be a 'female' plant'? there's a 'male' version and it's local...the leaves are longer...cuba cari kat tamu.

BIZZY said...

I've seen the 'male' version with longer leaves but from my point of view, the 'female' leaves are much nicer & broader. Btw, I've seen the 'male' version of this plant at a friend's place actually produce flowers too..

Still remember, this plant really a craze among the local Chinese back home..all because of the belief that it will bring luck (fatt..fatt..fatt) other than the number 8.

coolcat said...

yup, the male plant is not attractive. i think pokok hutan lah yg jantan ni. i have both plants.