Plant guide
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ plant is considered toxic to cats. Chewing it can cause mouth pain, drooling or vomiting. Keep it away from your cat and contact your veterinarian after a suspected exposure.
What this guide covers: This guide covers Zamioculcas zamiifolia.
Photo:
Photo details
Zamioculcas zamiifolia 1.jpg
By User:WeFt
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
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Photo:
Photo details
Zamioculcas zamiifolia 1.jpg
By User:WeFt
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
ZZ plant
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Keep away from cats. We do not recommend this plant for a home where cats could reach it.
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Look for Zamioculcas zamiifolia and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Araceae
- Also known as
- Zanzibar Gem
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How to grow this plant
Container growing guidance for Zamioculcas zamiifolia.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
Bright, indirect light supports growth; low light is tolerated. Strong direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Tolerates lower light; growth or flowering may be reduced. - Watering
- Let the mix dry
Let the mix dry fully before watering again. Overwatering can damage its storage organs and roots.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
A normal indoor growing range has not been established in this review.
- Potting
- Use a well-drained mix and a draining pot.
- Through the year
- Reduce watering during slower winter growth. Fertilize lightly, once or twice a year during active growth, rather than feeding frequently.
Growing-guide sources
- zamioculcas zamiifolia - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-11-01
Care guidance for the named taxon; indoor recommendations take precedence over outdoor hardiness information.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-11-01. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Reviewed safety information
- Toxic principle
- Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Reported signs
- Mouth pain; Drooling; Vomiting
- Severity
- Severity not established
Missing information is unknown. It should not be interpreted as an absence of risk.
Safe alternatives
Photo:
Photo details
Aspidistra-elatior-variegata.jpg
By frau-doktor
License: Public domain
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
Medium indirect light
Temperature range not yet established
This guide covers Aspidistra elatior only. A shared common name or similar appearance does not establish that another plant has the same assessment.
For upright foliage in lower light, consider cast iron plant. Its broad leaves and watering needs differ from ZZ plant.
Sources & review
- Common Quarantine Toxins — plant section, slide 27 ↗Pet Poison Helpline · Accessed
Safety last reviewed .