Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
Variegated ZZ Plant is a rare and striking form of the classic ZZ Plant prized for its glossy green foliage patterned with cream, yellow, lime, or nearly white variegation. Individual leaflets can develop marbling, streaks, speckles, or larger sections of contrasting color, making each new stem unique. It retains the thick leaves and upright architectural growth of a traditional ZZ Plant while adding dramatic coloration, making it an excellent choice for shelves, desktops, and collector plant displays.
The proper botanical name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Variegata’, commonly sold as Variegated ZZ Plant or Variegated Zanzibar Gem. It is a variegated form of Zamioculcas zamiifolia, a tropical aroid native to eastern Africa. Its pale variegated areas contain less chlorophyll than green foliage, so highly variegated plants generally grow more slowly than standard green ZZ Plants.
Variegated ZZ does best in bright, indirect light. Although regular ZZ Plants are famous for tolerating low light, the variegated form benefits from brighter conditions to support healthy growth and maintain its coloration. Avoid prolonged harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the cream or white portions of the foliage.
Allow the potting mix to dry completely or almost completely between waterings. Water thoroughly and allow all excess water to drain. ZZ Plants store significant amounts of water in their thick underground rhizomes, roots, and fleshy foliage, making them highly drought tolerant. Overwatering is a much greater concern than underwatering and can quickly lead to rhizome or root rot.
Use a well-draining, airy potting mix in a container with drainage. A mixture containing quality houseplant soil or coco coir, perlite or pumice, and orchid bark works well. Additional gritty material can be incorporated if needed to prevent the mix from remaining wet for extended periods.
Variegated ZZ prefers warm temperatures and low to moderate humidity. Average household humidity is generally suitable. Protect the plant from prolonged cold temperatures and cold drafts, particularly when the potting mix is damp.
This plant develops a slow-growing, upright and clumping growth habit. New stems emerge directly from underground rhizomes and gradually unfurl their individual leaflets. New growth may initially appear very pale before its final coloration develops. Because variegation can vary between shoots, some stems may contain considerably more or less variegation than others. Completely green growth can be removed if persistent reversion begins to dominate the plant.
Variegated ZZ Plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Like other members of the aroid family, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The sap may also irritate sensitive skin, so washing your hands after pruning or dividing the plant is recommended.
Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
