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This is the easiest indoor plant to grow

It's virtually indestructible! - by Diana Moore
  • 13 Apr 2018
This is the easiest indoor plant to grow
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The Zanzibar plant is glossy, green and hardy – even the blackest thumb can keep this one alive!

The Zanzibar plant (Zamioculcas Zamifolia) has a reputation for being hard to kill and we’re all for it. Its glossy green leaves live on and continue to look stylish in your living room, bathroom, kitchen or entry hall, even with weeks of neglect.

"I love the shape of the plant," says Flo Pigeon from Fleur de Flo flower shop in Sydney’s Redfern. "And the dark green leaves – they’re right on trend now."

The biggest problem arises if you overwater your Zanzibar plant. We mean it when we say it thrives on neglect. “They have a rhizome at the base which acts as a water reserve,” says Flo, so let the soil dry out in between waterings.

"You can leave them up to two or three months without watering," says Flo. "They’re incredible!"

fleur__de__flo View Profile
74 likes - View Post on Instagram
If you don't have a green thumb zanzibar is the best plant for you. The have to be neglected they only require water once a month. This amazing vessel it is one of the many designs made by @vincentburet we have in stock at the boutique. . . #zanzibar #potplant #plantlover #plantlove #alexandria #designer #design #redfern

On the downside, if you’re happy to look after it and want to see your plant grow and flourish, don’t hold your breath.  The Zanzibar plant is a very slow growing plant, so what you see is what you get… pretty much forever. If you want a sizeable plant, you’ll have to invest in a big one from the get go.

If you’re in for the long haul and looking for growth, follow a general plant care routine with a little extra water in the warmer months, together with an occasional slow release fertiliser should reap gentle rewards. Indirect light is best – too much will yellow the leaves so keep it out of the sun. 

Note: All parts of Zamioculcas are toxic – from the leaves to the stem, so not suitable for a household where your pets (or kids!) are prone to snacking on your indoor green friends.

Tip: you can propagate babies from the leaves of your plant – simply pull one off, allow to dry for a day or so, then pop the leaf straight into fresh compost or propagating mix.

This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful. 

  • Garden
  • Indoor Plants
Diana Moore
Diana Moore
Content expert, florist and interior decorator Diana Moore has been passionate about helping others make the perfect home ever since she moved into her own. From styling her local bar to feel like your best friend’s lounge room, to randomly restyling people’s bookshelves, Diana is a firm believer in making the best of what you have in front of you.

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