Description
- Common names:
- Chameleon ZZ Plant, ZZ Plant, Zuzu Plant, Zanzibar Gem, Aroid Palm, Eternity Plant, Emerald Palm, Planta ZZ, Gema de Zanzíbar
- Botanical name:
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Chameleon'
- Description:
- A stunning color-changing houseplant featuring bright golden-yellow new leaves that mature into glossy deep green, creating a beautiful two-toned display with minimal care requirements.
Features
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Mildly Toxic if Ingested (use caution)
- Rarity:
- Uncommon Find
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Architectural, Variegated Leaves, Glossy Foliage
- Air Purifier:
- Good Air Purifier (7/10)
- Origin:
- East Africa
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room, Office, Bedroom, Modern, Minimalist, Contemporary, Low Light Corners, Bookshelf, Desk Accent
Care Guide
Care level:
Beginner Friendly+
This plant is extremely forgiving and thrives on neglect, making it perfect for beginners or busy plant owners. It tolerates missed waterings and adapts well to various indoor conditions.
Light:
Medium / Indirect Light+
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light near an east or north-facing window, which helps enhance the golden coloration of new growth. Can tolerate low light conditions but may produce less vibrant coloring and slower growth.
Water:
Water When Dry+
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel completely dry to the touch, typically every 2-3 weeks. The thick rhizomes store water, making it highly drought-tolerant and susceptible to root rot from overwatering.
Humidity:
Low / Average Humidity+
Thrives in standard household humidity levels of 30-50% and requires no special humidity adjustments. This makes it ideal for typical home environments without the need for misting or humidifiers.
Temperature:
Standard Room Temp+
Thrives in 18-26°C / 65-79°F, which is typical of most indoor environments. Avoid cold drafts, temperatures below 15°C / 59°F, and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Hardiness zones:
Indoor Only+
This tropical plant is not cold-hardy and should be grown exclusively indoors in most climates. In USDA Zones 10-12, it can be grown outdoors year-round, but it's primarily cultivated as a houseplant.
Fertilizing:
Light Feeder+
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once every 2-3 months during spring and summer. This slow-growing plant requires minimal feeding and can suffer from fertilizer burn if overfed.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years or when roots become visible at the drainage holes and the plant becomes top-heavy. ZZ Plants actually prefer being slightly root-bound and grow best in well-draining soil.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe the glossy leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and maintain their beautiful shine. Clean leaves also improve photosynthesis and help showcase the stunning color contrast between new and mature growth.
Propagation:
Division+
Easily propagated by dividing the rhizomes during repotting or by placing leaf cuttings in water or soil. Division is the fastest method, while leaf cuttings take several months to develop new rhizomes and shoots.