The different ZZ plant varieties available out there can offer a unique twist on this already hardy and low-maintenance houseplant. While the classic green ZZ plant is a favorite, newer varieties bring striking colors and leaf shapes to the mix.
But what are the different types of ZZ plants – and how do their care needs compare?
Let’s explore the most popular ZZ plant varieties and what makes each one special.
Table of Contents
Easy ZZ Plant Care Guide 💚
⭐ Want one? Get your very own ZZ Plant here - or check out this sleek near-black Raven ZZ Plant!
💧 Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. ZZ plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to stay on the dry side - overwatering can lead to root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix - I personally use this potting mix. A mix with sand or perlite, like this one, ensures the soil doesn’t hold excess water.
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but ZZ plants are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in low light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep your ZZ plant in a room between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They handle most indoor conditions well but don’t like extreme cold.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, balanced fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) every 2-3 months during spring and summer. Skip feeding in fall and winter.
1. Raven ZZ
The Raven ZZ is a striking variety of the popular ZZ plant. Its deep purple, almost black foliage sets it apart from other houseplants. This unique coloration develops as the leaves mature, starting from a bright green when young.
Raven ZZ plants are just as low-maintenance as their green counterparts. They’ll thrive in low to moderate light conditions and don’t need frequent watering. Their thick, waxy leaves store water, making them drought-tolerant.
You’ll find that Raven ZZs grow slowly but steadily. They can reach heights of 2-3 feet indoors, making them perfect for floor planters or tabletops. Their dark leaves create a bold contrast against lighter décor, adding drama to any room.
Find out more about caring for Black Raven ZZ plants here.
2. Lucky ZZ
The Lucky ZZ is a rare and sought-after variety of the ZZ plant. It’s known for its bright, lime-green leaves that add a pop of color to any space. Unlike the standard ZZ, this cultivar grows more slowly and stays compact, making it this the perfect ZZ plant for your home décor in smaller areas.
You’ll find the Lucky ZZ easy to care for, just like its relatives. It thrives in low light and doesn’t need frequent watering. The plant’s glossy leaves store water, allowing it to survive periods of drought.
When you’re looking to add some good fortune to your home, the Lucky ZZ might be just the ticket. Its name comes from its believed ability to bring luck and prosperity to its owners.
3. Variegated ZZ
Variegated ZZ plants add a splash of color to this typically green species. Their leaves feature cream or white streaks, creating a striking contrast. These unique patterns make them stand out among other houseplants.
You’ll find variegated ZZs are just as tough as their all-green cousins. They can handle low light and irregular watering, making them perfect for busy plant owners. However, they grow more slowly than standard ZZ plants.
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Keep in mind that variegated ZZs are rarer and often pricier. Their eye-catching appearance comes at a cost, but many plant lovers feel it’s worth it. With proper care, these beautiful plants can thrive in your home for years to come.
4. Zenzi ZZ
The Zenzi ZZ is a compact variety of the ZZ plant, perfect for smaller spaces. It’s got shorter, wider leaves than the standard ZZ, giving it a fuller look. This little guy grows slowly, reaching only about 12 inches tall at maturity.
Zenzi ZZ plants are just as tough as their larger cousins. They’ll thrive in low light and don’t need much water. You can forget about them for weeks, and they’ll still look great. Their dark green, waxy leaves add a touch of class to any room.
These plants are great for beginners or busy folks. They’re hard to kill and don’t attract many pests. Plus, they help clean the air in your home. If you want a low-maintenance plant that looks good year-round, the Zenzi ZZ might be your new best friend.
5. Dwarf ZZ
The Dwarf ZZ plant is a compact version of the standard ZZ plant. It’s perfect for small spaces or as a tabletop plant. This variety typically grows to about 1-2 feet tall, making it easier to manage than its larger cousin.
Dwarf ZZs have the same thick, waxy leaves as regular ZZs. They’re just as tough and low-maintenance too. You’ll find they can thrive in low light conditions and don’t need frequent watering.
Like other ZZ plants, the dwarf variety stores water in its rhizomes. This helps it survive dry spells. It’s a great choice if you’re often away from home or tend to forget about watering your plants.
6. Zamicro ZZ
The Zamicro ZZ is a compact variety of the popular ZZ plant. It’s perfect for small spaces or as a desk plant. This mini version grows slower and stays much smaller than standard ZZ plants.
Zamicro ZZ has the same thick, waxy leaves as its larger relatives. The leaves are a deep green color and grow in a neat, upright pattern. You’ll love how low-maintenance this little ZZ plant is – it can thrive in low light and doesn’t need frequent watering.
Like other ZZ varieties, the Zamicro is great at purifying indoor air. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it an ideal choice for beginners or busy plant owners.
7. Platinum ZZ
The Platinum ZZ stands out with its striking silvery-green foliage. This rare variety boasts leaves that shimmer in the light, creating an eye-catching display in any room. It’s just as tough as other ZZ plants, thriving in low light and needing minimal care.
You’ll love how the Platinum ZZ adds a touch of elegance to your space. Its slow growth means it won’t outgrow its spot quickly.
Water it sparingly and give it well-draining soil to keep it happy. This plant is perfect for busy plant parents or those new to indoor gardening.
Remember, like all ZZ plants, the Platinum variety is toxic if ingested. Keep it away from pets and children who might be tempted to nibble on its attractive leaves.
8. Frozen ZZ
The Frozen ZZ is a rare and eye-catching variety of the ZZ plant. It’s known for its striking white variegation that gives it a frosty appearance. This unique coloration makes it stand out among other houseplants.
Frozen ZZs grow slower than their green counterparts due to reduced chlorophyll. They need bright, indirect light to maintain their distinctive look. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves.
These plants are just as drought-tolerant as regular ZZs. You won’t have to water them often – once every 2-3 weeks is usually enough. They’re perfect for busy plant owners or those who tend to forget about watering.
9. ZZ Jumbo
ZZ Jumbo is a larger variety of the popular ZZ plant. It’s known for its thick, potato-like rhizomes and robust stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are broader and longer than those of standard ZZ plants, giving it a fuller appearance.
This variety is perfect for filling empty corners or adding a dramatic touch to your indoor spaces. Like other ZZ plants, it’s low-maintenance and tolerant of various light conditions. You’ll find it thrives in both bright indirect light and lower light areas.
ZZ Jumbo is drought-resistant and doesn’t need frequent watering. It’s a great choice for busy plant owners or those who tend to forget about their plants. Its large size and glossy leaves make it an eye-catching addition to any room.
10. Copper Leaf ZZ
The Copper Leaf ZZ plant is a unique variety with eye-catching foliage. Its leaves have a distinct coppery-bronze hue that sets it apart from other ZZ plants. This color gives it a warm, metallic sheen that can add a touch of elegance to any room.
Like other ZZ plants, the Copper Leaf variety is low-maintenance and tolerant of various light conditions. You’ll find it thrives in both bright indirect light and lower light areas. It’s drought-resistant and doesn’t need frequent watering, making it perfect for busy plant owners.
The Copper Leaf ZZ grows slowly but can reach up to 3 feet tall when mature. Its striking appearance makes it a great choice for adding visual interest to your home or office decor.
11. Gemini ZZ
The Gemini ZZ plant is a rare and unique variety that’s sure to catch your eye. It’s known for its distinctive growth pattern, where two stems emerge from a single rhizome. This creates a symmetrical, “twin-like” appearance that gives the plant its name.
Gemini ZZ plants have the same thick, waxy leaves as other ZZ varieties. They’re just as low-maintenance and tolerant of low light conditions. You’ll find they grow a bit slower than standard ZZs, but their unusual form makes them worth the wait.
These plants stay relatively compact, rarely growing taller than 2 feet. They’re perfect for small spaces or as eye-catching accent pieces. Like all ZZs, they’re great at purifying indoor air.
12. Lucky Echo ZZ
The Lucky Echo ZZ is a rare and eye-catching variety of the Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant. It’s known for its unique variegated leaves that feature bright green and creamy white patches. This striking pattern gives the plant a lively, almost marbled appearance.
You’ll find that the Lucky Echo ZZ is just as easy to care for as its all-green counterparts. It thrives in low to moderate light conditions and doesn’t need frequent watering. The plant’s water-storing rhizomes help it survive periods of drought, making it a great choice for forgetful gardeners.
Like other ZZ plants, the Lucky Echo is slow-growing. It can reach heights of 2-3 feet when mature. Its variegated leaves add a touch of brightness to any room, making it a popular pick for home and office spaces alike.
13. Moon Light ZZ
The Moon Light ZZ is a rare and eye-catching variety of the ZZ plant family. Its light green to almost white leaves make it stand out from other ZZ plants. This unique coloration gives it a moonlit appearance, hence its name.
Moon Light ZZs grow slowly and can reach up to 3 feet tall. They’re perfect for brightening up darker corners of your home or office. Like other ZZs, they’re low-maintenance and can tolerate neglect.
These plants prefer indirect light but can handle some direct sun. Water them sparingly – once every 2-3 weeks is usually enough. They’re drought-tolerant and prone to root rot if overwatered.
14. Silver Dragon ZZ
The Silver Dragon ZZ is a rare and eye-catching variety of the popular houseplant. It’s known for its striking silvery-green leaves that seem to shimmer in the light. This slow-growing plant has thick, waxy stems and oval-shaped leaflets.
You’ll find the Silver Dragon ZZ to be just as tough and low-maintenance as other ZZ plants. It can tolerate low light conditions and infrequent watering, making it perfect for busy plant owners or those new to indoor gardening.
While it’s not as common as other ZZ varieties, the Silver Dragon is gaining popularity among plant enthusiasts. Its unique coloration adds a touch of elegance to any room. With proper care, this hardy plant can thrive for years in your home or office.
15. Golden Planter ZZ
The Golden Planter ZZ is a rare and eye-catching variety of the ZZ plant. Its glossy leaves have a unique golden-yellow hue that can brighten up any room. This plant is perfect for those who want to add a touch of warmth to their indoor spaces.
Like other ZZ plants, the Golden Planter is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. You won’t need to water it often, making it ideal for busy plant owners or those who tend to forget about their greenery. It thrives in low to moderate light conditions, so you can place it in spots where other plants might struggle.
While it grows slowly, the Golden Planter ZZ can reach heights of up to 3 feet when mature. Its striking color and easy care make it a popular choice for both homes and offices.