One of the easiest houseplants you can grow is the ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, and while you may be familiar with ‘Raven’, there are more out there to explore.
ZZ plants can withstand some neglect, and much lower light levels than other houseplants, making them perfect for many types of homes and growing conditions.
Let’s take a look at six different varieties of ZZ plants that you can grow.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Lucky’
One of the largest ZZ plants you can grow is ‘Lucky’, reaching between 4 and 5 feet tall if you give it the right conditions (if you prefer your ZZ plants on the smaller side, you might choose ZZ ‘Zenzi’). The stems are noticeably stronger than other varieties, too.
‘Lucky’ features unusual leaves in that they have a rounded shape, and they are also larger than in other varieties. They are a striking deep green.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’
Also known as ‘Dowon’, this is one of the most popular varieties of the ZZ plant (see also How To Grow ZZ Raven), and it’s becoming increasingly easier to find, which is a good thing as it’s one of the most beautiful varieties you can grow.
Mature foliage and stems deepen to a dark purple which is very nearly black, like the plant’s namesake. The closer you get to the plant, the more you’ll be able to see that the foliage is purple instead of black.
It helps that ‘Raven’ is very easy to care for, tolerating a bright and indirect spot, or somewhere with much lower light levels.
You may see this gorgeous variety reach about 3 feet tall over several years.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Supernova’
Closely related to ‘Raven’, the variety ‘Supernova’ is sometimes known as ‘ZZ Raven Purple-Black’.
As you might guess from the name, the leaves take on a deep purple when mature. Most ZZ plants grow slowly, and this is also true of ‘Supernova’.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Variegata’
One of the more unusual ZZ plants is ‘Variegata’, which features beautifully variegated leaves.
You may see leaves that are wholly yellow, some that are bright green, or a combination of both on the same plant, making for a striking look in any room.
While ‘Variegata’ is still easy to care for, it’s worth noting that the variegation does mean that you need to treat the plant slightly differently.
It won’t tolerate as low light levels as other varieties thanks to its leaves. So it needs to be placed in a bright, indirect spot to help it get as much light as possible without scorching the leaves.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Whipped Cream’
Another variegated variety of the ZZ plant is ‘Whipped Cream’. It’s an absolutely beautiful cultivar, featuring irregular cream and yellow markings on the leaves.
Unfortunately, it’s also fairly rare, making it difficult to source. However, if you do manage to get your hands on this plant from a reputable supplier, it’s worth knowing that this plant isn’t difficult to propagate.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Zenzi’
Also known as the dwarf Zamioculcas zamiifolia, ‘Zenzi’ is an attractive option for those whose houseplant space is limited.
At maturity, it will reach just over a foot high. You may also notice that the leaflets are densely packed on the stalk, more so than on the bigger varieties.
It gives the plant a fuller look, and it also helps that the stem is stronger, too. It requires the same care as any other ZZ plant, so it’s quite undemanding.
Final Thoughts
ZZ plants are among the most striking houseplants that are easy to care for (but they are toxic to pets) . In most conditions, you could forget about them once they are in their final position, only watering them occasionally.
It helps that they are slow-growing plants, so you won’t need to repot them often. This does mean that you won’t be forced to find a new position in your home for them for some time, as they will stay the same size for a while.
If you do find that your ZZ plant does grow too big for the only spot it will grow within your home, you can propagate it to keep it smaller (see also How To Propagate ZZ Plants).
One thing to watch out for with ZZ plants however, is that they are prone to overwatering. To prevent this, make sure you allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again.
