Zamioculcus zamifolia

Common Name:
Zanzibar Gem

Description:
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the Zanzibar Gem, is a striking indoor plant known for its deep green, glossy foliage and exceptional hardiness. Native to eastern Africa, this low-maintenance beauty is ideal for Melbourne homes and offices, particularly where light is limited or consistent care isn't always possible. The Zanzibar Gem features upright stems lined with thick, smooth, waxy leaflets that reflect light and give the plant a polished, sculptural appearance. It stores water in underground rhizomes, making it highly drought tolerant and able to survive extended dry periods. Thriving in low to bright indirect light, it requires minimal watering and prefers free-draining soil. Growth is slow but steady, with peak activity in the warmer months. While it may occasionally produce small, yellowish flowers at the base, flowering is rare and not the plant’s main feature. Loved for its resilience and modern aesthetic, the Zanzibar Gem is a foolproof choice for both beginner and experienced plant lovers.

Form:
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
*Indoor Foliage Plant

Mature Size:
*Height: 60–90 cm
*Width: 60–90 cm

Aspect:
*Full Shade
*Part Shade
*Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:
*Does not flower under Melbourne's weather conditions

Flower Colour:
*Yellowish-green (rare and insignificant indoors)

Key Attributes:
*Suitable for Pots
*Suitable for Indoor Use
*Low Maintenance
*Drought Tolerant
*Air Purifying
*Perennial
*Slow Growing
*Extremely Hardy
*Not frost tolerant

Toxicity:
*Toxic to pets (cats and dogs); may cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting if ingested
*Toxic to humans if ingested; sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals

Companion Plants:
*Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
*Dracaena varieties
*Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
*Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
*Philodendron cordatum