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Variegated Zanzibar Gem

About Variegated Zanzibar Gem

ZZ plants have survived 42 million years of plant pathogens, pests, and climate change. Their resilience and ability to tolerate water stress and low light has elevated them to international horticultural importance! Out of 15 plants tested, the ZZ plant was the best at absorbing and removing out of the air a major component found in gasoline. ⛽️

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Variegata'

Genus

Zamioculcas

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatales

Also known as

zamioculcas zamifia variegata and zamioculcas zamifolia variegata

How to care for Variegated Zanzibar Gem

💦 Water

How often to water your Variegated Zanzibar Gem

Variegated Zanzibar Gem needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Variegated Zanzibar Gem in your home

Variegated Zanzibar Gem can tolerate being far from a window and light source.

Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Variegated Zanzibar Gem in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Variegated Zanzibar Gem

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Variegated Zanzibar Gem: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Variegated Zanzibar Gem after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #VariegatedZanzibarGem

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Variegated Zanzibar Gem thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Variegated Zanzibar Gem Water Frequency →

Variegated Zanzibar Gem Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Variegated Zanzibar Gem can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Variegated Zanzibar Gem Light Requirements →

Variegated Zanzibar Gem Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

💨 Humidity

Variegated Zanzibar Gem prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Variegated Zanzibar Gem Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Variegated Zanzibar Gem is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Variegated Zanzibar Gem →

When and How to Successfully Repot Variegated Zanzibar Gem →

💩 Fertilizer

Variegated Zanzibar Gem grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Variegated Zanzibar Gem →

❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Variegated Zanzibar Gem to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

🌎 Native Region

Variegated Zanzibar Gem is native to Southeastern Africa.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.