If you’re looking for a plant that is virtually "indestructible," the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is likely at the top of your list. Known for their waxy, architectural leaves and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, these plants are staples for both beginners and seasoned indoor gardeners.
While the standard green variety is a classic, there is a diverse world of cultivars to explore. Here are the most popular ZZ plant varieties and how to keep them thriving.
1. The Classic ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The original variety features deep green, glossy leaves that grow in a graceful, upright pattern. Research into indoor plant resilience suggests the classic ZZ remains a top choice due to its high survival rate in environments with minimal natural light.
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Best for: Offices or hallways with little natural light.
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Key Feature: Exceptional drought tolerance and air-purifying qualities.
2. ZZ ‘Raven’ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Dowon')
The ‘Raven’ is a showstopper in any collection. Its new foliage emerges as a bright, lime green before maturing into a dramatic, near-black purple. This striking contrast makes it a favorite for modern interior design.
Photo Credit: The Spruce/Cori Sears
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Best for: Creating visual contrast against light-colored walls or minimalist decor.
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Key Feature: Dramatic color transformation as the leaves age.
3. ZZ ‘Zenzi’ (Dwarf ZZ)
For those with limited space, the ‘Zenzi’ is a specialized dwarf cultivar. It features thicker stems and leaves that are curled and bunched closer together, giving it a dense, architectural look. Unlike the standard variety, it stays much shorter and more compact.
Photo Credit: Steve's Leaves Inc
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Best for: Bookshelves, desks, and small apartment windowsills.
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Key Feature: Maintains a compact shape, usually reaching only 12 inches in height.
4. ZZ ‘Chameleon’
The ‘Chameleon’ variety offers a unique color-changing experience similar to the Raven, but with a brighter palette. New growth emerges a vibrant, bright yellow before eventually transitioning to a rich green.
Photo Credit: Costa Farms
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Best for: Adding a pop of brightness to a foliage-heavy plant corner.
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Key Feature: Distinctive yellow-to-green transitioning leaves.
Essential Care Tips for All ZZ Varieties
Regardless of which variety you choose, they all share common care requirements that make them some of the easiest plants to maintain:
Light: While they are famous for tolerating low light, they will grow significantly faster in bright, indirect light. Consider using a full spectrum LED grow light such as our Soltech Versa as it provides bright indirect light for your ZZ plant. As your ZZ plant grows, consider upgrading to the Aspect Gen 2!
Watering: The most important rule is to only water when the soil is completely dry. Because they store water in potato-like rhizomes underground, they prefer to be underwatered rather than overwatered.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix designed for cacti and succulents, to ensure the roots stay dry between waterings. You can either DIY a mix by checking out our blog post on finding the right potting mix for your plant, or you can find potting mix for purchase at your local gardening store!
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Variety |
Foliage Color |
Growth Habit |
Best Feature |
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Deep, glossy green |
Upright & Arching |
Highest resilience; fastest growth rate. |
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Lime green (new) to Near-black (mature) |
Stiff & Upright |
Dramatic, moody color contrast. |
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Dark green |
Compact & Dense |
Dwarf size; thick, curled leaves. |
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Bright yellow (new) to Deep green (mature) |
Standard Arching |
Unique color-changing "glow." |
Which one is right for you?
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For Low Light: Stick with the Classic Green or Zenzi. Their high chlorophyll content allows them to process limited light more efficiently than the darker or variegated types.
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For Modern Decor: The Raven is the top choice. Its dark, almost obsidian-colored leaves pair perfectly with minimalist or industrial interior designs.
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For Small Spaces: The Zenzi is a game changer. It rarely grows taller than 12 inches, making it ideal for crowded bookshelves or office desks where a standard ZZ would eventually become too large.
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For Visual Interest: Choose the Chameleon. Watching the bright yellow stems slowly transform into deep green over several weeks provides a dynamic element to your indoor garden.
Key Takeaways: Choosing the Perfect ZZ Plant
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Unmatched Resilience: All ZZ plant varieties are famous for their "indestructible" nature, capable of thriving in low-light environments and surviving weeks without water thanks to their underground rhizomes.
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Diverse Aesthetics: While the Classic Green offers a timeless look, specialized cultivars like the Raven (near-black foliage) and Chameleon (yellow-to-green transition) provide unique color-changing displays.
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Space-Saving Options: If you have limited room on a desk or shelf, the Zenzi is a dedicated dwarf variety that stays compact and dense, rarely exceeding 12 inches in height.
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Simple Care Standard: Regardless of the variety you choose, the golden rule remains the same: less is more. Always allow the soil to dry out completely before watering to ensure a healthy, long-lived plant.
