The ZZ plant is one of the most popular houseplants, and you might have probably seen one in houses all over the country. People love this houseplant because it looks very good, and because it’s so unique. The ZZ plant is not new; it’s been around for centuries to say the least.
It originated in parts of Africa, especially in drought prone areas. However, it wasn’t until just a few decades ago, when a few nurseries of Dutch origin, situated in South Africa, realized that there was considerable potential for propagation, and brought the plant to the fore.
By 1996, it was being distributed all over the globe, and had already risen in popularity to become an extremely common houseplant within a few years. The reason why they are so popular is because they have these large leaves.
The leaves are incredibly wide and quite attractive, and more importantly, the plant has a bunch of traits that make it a favorable choice for use in houses or in offices.
The plant is capable of tolerating drought, so you don’t need to worry about adding water time and again. On top of that, the plant doesn’t require a lot of care either, so you definitely don’t need to spend a great deal of time with it.
The ZZ plant is capable of thriving in low light conditions as well, so you also don’t have to get up early in the morning and then move the pot regularly from your corridor straight to the nearest window.
The plant also registers slow growth, and it is probably going to hit a height of around five feet at most, but that can take years. However, this is when everything is perfect.
In most cases, the ZZ plant is only going to grow to around two to three feet in height. It’s a rhizome plant, so it generally spreads via the roots.
Now, as mentioned above, there are a few ways by which you can control the height of the plant. Firstly, it depends on the size of the plant that you buy. If you already bought a plant that is around two feet tall, it’s probably going to grow a foot or two at most and not anymore.
But, if you buy a smaller ZZ plant, you can work on it and with the passage of time it’s going to grow in size.
On average, it is going to take around two to three years for the plant to grow around two feet. It’s not that long, and when you consider the fact that the plant doesn’t require a lot of specialized care, it also seems much easier.
But, there are ways to control the height of the plant as well. If you provide a set of ideal conditions for the plant, it’s going to grow bigger. If you don’t, the height will remain stunted.
Here are a few tips to help you control just how big or small your ZZ plant gets.
Temperature
The average warmth required by the plant usually ranges between 60 degrees F to 75 degrees F. However, make sure that the temperature does not fall below 45 degrees F, as that could be detrimental to the growth of the plant.
If you keep your ZZ plant in an area where it receives temperatures that are outside of its ideal requirements, there is a pretty strong chance that the growth is going to slow down.
Water
Water control is a great way to reduce the height of the plant, but you need to be careful, as the plant might also succumb to root rot.
Ideally, you need to allow the soil to dry out from the top before you decide to water the plant. You have to poke your finger into the soil and check whether it’s doing fine or not.
It’s recommended that you water the plant a bit less because it does fine with that. However, overwatering can be harmful to the plant.
If you reduce the amount of water that you are giving to the plant, it’s going to do just as well, and you won’t have much to worry about.
Potting
Potting is perhaps the single best way to control the height of your ZZ plant. If you place the plant in a bigger pot, it’s going to allow for more room for the roots to spread, and ultimately, the plant is going to grow as well.
The use of a loose potting soil is only going to improve conditions, and you might notice that your plant grows upwards of three feet over the passage of time.
But, if you want to control the height of the ZZ plant and don’t want it to get any bigger, you should consider keeping it in a smaller pot. Remember, you will need to take it out from time to time to remove the overgrown roots from the plant.
This is going to ensure that the plant does not grow anymore than it should. It’s going to require a bit of effort on your part, because cutting the roots is time-consuming, especially when the plant is around a foot or two long.
You will have to be careful when removing the plant, properly pruning the roots, and putting it back in the pot. It’s an age-old technique that works just as well with a range of plants.
Pruning
Similarly, the best thing that you can do to keep the plant’s height in check is to prune it properly. Pruning is a great way to control unwanted growth, and if you want, you can also propagate the different branches with considerable ease.
The ZZ plant is quite easy to propagate, mainly because it doesn’t have any special requirements.
These are just a few ways by which you can control the size of your ZZ plant. Make sure you take care of the plant, because it’s a fantastic addition to any room of the house that it is placed in!
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.