Zamioculcas zamiifolia (G.Lodd.) Engl.

• Genus: Zamioculcas
• Botanical Background: Described as Caladium zamiifolium by Conrad Loddiges in 1829; reassigned by Heinrich Schott and formally named by Adolf Engler in 1905

• Geographical Range: Native to eastern Africa—Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and KwaZulu‑Natal (South Africa).
• Environment: Occurs in seasonally dry grasslands and lightly shaded rocky forest understories, tolerating drought via its water‑storing rhizome and preferring well‑drained soils and moderate humidity.

Leaves

• Dark green, pinnately compound (6–8 leaflet pairs), glossy, 7–15 cm long
• Succulent petioles emerge from a stout rhizome

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Small yellow‑green spathe enclosing a yellow to bronze spadix (5–7 cm long), partially hidden at the leaf base
• Lightly scented, midsummer–early autumn bloom

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial, slow‑growing perennial
• Evergreen except during drought‑induced dormancy
• Develops a stout underground rhizome for water storage

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light ideal 
• Tolerates low light indoors 
• Avoid direct sun to prevent scorching

Watering & Humidity

• Allow soil to dry between waterings
• Moderate humidity adequate
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining potting mix (peat‑based or succulent blend) in a container with drainage holes

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Thrives at 18–27 °C (USDA Zones 9–10)
• Feed lightly with balanced houseplant fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during spring–summer growth

Division

• Easily propagated by rhizome division or leaf cuttings
• Leaflets root readily in moist medium within weeks

Seeds

• Rarely used
• Seed set uncommon in cultivation and germination slow.

Typical Issues

• Generally pest‑resistant
• Occasional mealybugs, spider mites
• Root rot risk from poorly drained soils

Treatment Recommendations

• Treat pests with insecticidal soap
• Improve drainage and reduce watering for root rot
• Use fungicide if severe

• Called the “eternity plant” for durable foliage
• Laboratory tests show VOC removal (benzene, toluene) though real‑world efficacy is unclear

• Valued for architectural form, glossy foliage, and cultivars such as ‘Raven’ (black leaves) and variegated selections

Wild Population Status

• Not evaluated by IUCN
• Native populations appear stable with no major threats identified

Market Availability

• One of the world’s most common houseplants
• Widely available in nurseries and online