Zamioculas zamiifolia, sometimes known as the ZZ plant, is a must-have for indoor gardeners. Its beautiful green leaves may be seen in the bulk of Instagram images exhibiting houseplant collections. The ZZ plant, which is native to Africa, is simple to care for. It is drought tolerant and thrives under low light settings.
Despite the fact that they have been around for a long time, ZZ plants became popular in the 1990s when Dutch nurseries began producing the plant on a wider scale. Gardening lovers instantly fell in love with this lovely plant, and it can now be found practically anywhere on the planet.
Because its maximum height is roughly three feet, the ZZ plant is suitable for tiny flats or workplaces. Not to mention that this plant eliminates pollutants from the air. With that stated, we must address a few of pressing issues about the ZZ plant: Is it toxic and hazardous to humans? What about animals? Are they lethal?
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Is the ZZ Plant Poisonous?
In a nutshell, the answer is yes. The ZZ plant is toxic to both dogs and people. It will not, however, do major damage to you or your pets. The bulk of what you may have heard about the plant is exaggerated.
A notion that ZZ plants cause cancer began to circulate in the 2010s, although that information is equally incorrect. Although the ZZ plant is not poisonous, you should use caution when in its vicinity.
The sap may irritate the skin, resulting in a rash. If one of your dogs eats a ZZ plant, it will have digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. All of this does not exclude you from having a ZZ plant in your house. You may enjoy the green leaves of this plant securely if you learn a few things about how to care for it.
What causes the ZZ Plant to be toxic?
Calcium oxalate is found in ZZ plants. If you've never heard of that phrase before, it refers to the substance that forms kidney stones. Calcium oxalate is very sharp, despite the fact that it is invisible without a microscope. Regrettably, this chemical is found in every section of the plnt. It comprises roots, seeds, and leaves, among other things.
When a ZZ plant comes into touch with the skin, it may irritate and burn. You should immediately wipe it off and avoid touching your eyes. It will have a similar effect on mucous membranes. If someone attempts to consume any component of a ZZ plant, they will instantly experience oral discomfort and swelling. The pain will cause a youngster to vomit up the plant.
If a child takes a portion of the plant, however, it will endure stomach pain, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity is dependent on the quantity of plant consumed. Typically, the symptoms last a few of hours and are bearable.
Your dogs' bodies will respond similarly to the calcium oxalate. If they come into contact with the plant, they will have skin or eye discomfort. Additionally, when your dogs consume a ZZ plant, they will have immediate food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
ZZ Plant Exposure: How to Treat It
When a youngster consumes a portion of a ZZ plant, you must respond swiftly by requiring them to spit out the substance. After cleaning their lips with a towel, take sure to cleanse your hands. A youngster may be experiencing pain and discomfort at this point. Give them a glass of milk or some ice cream; cold beverages work wonderfully in these circumstances.
If you believe your pet may have chewed on a ZZ plant, inspect their mouth and remove any remaining parts. Then assist them in drinking fluids. While not every pet enjoys them, cold treats may also be beneficial. Monitor your cat or dog closely in case they develop more serious symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Your pet should be alright in a few hours, but do not leave their side, particularly if you are unclear how much of the plant they consumed.
Adapting to Life With the ZZ Plant
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Nothing prevents you from owning a ZZ plant. It will not do you any damage, but there are a few regulations to observe, particularly if pets and children are around. Therefore, ensure that you choose an appropriate location for your plant. Locate a lofty shelf that is inaccessible or suspend the planter from the ceiling. There are several alternatives to choose from.
Of course, you may also use coffee or orange peels to deter your dogs from approaching the planter. These are some of the most common pet repellents that should suffice. If none of them work, try vinegar. It will not improve the scent of your room, but your cat or dog will avoid the ZZ plant.
Bear in mind that you should always use gloves while touching the plant. Standard gardening gloves will suffice. After each usage, thoroughly clean them. The same is true for any tools you intend to use. They will retain the sap, which is why it is critical to clean any gardening scissors or other implements that come into touch with the plant. It reduces the likelihood of coming into touch with calcium oxalate and helps avoid skin rashes.
Taking Care of the ZZ Plant
After that, let's discuss how to care for your ZZ plant. This plant resembles miniature trees, with several upward-growing stems. Medium-sized, meaty, and green leaves. ZZ plants like ordinary humidity but may need more humidity in the event of artificial heating.
This plant requires little time or effort, making it ideal for novices. If you desire lush, green foliage in your living room but find yourself forgetting to water the plants on occasion, a ZZ plant is an excellent alternative. Simply use a well-draining potting soil and your ZZ plant will grow.
There is no established timetable for irrigation. Wait till the soil is completely dry before applying water. You may even fertilize it once a month if you want to provide your ZZ plant with more nutrients. Keep in mind that you should fertilize solely in the summer. Because the plant dislikes direct sunshine, keep it in full or partial shade.
Your ZZ plant may surprise you when put in indirect sunlight. It sometimes blooms in the summer or autumn. The blooms, on the other hand, are rather little and develop on the lowest portions of the stalks. They are often hidden behind the foliage, and hence may go unnoticed at first.
This plant is disease and insect resistant. Overwatering is a possibility, so keep an eye out for changes in the color of the leaves. If the yellow leaves on your ZZ plant begin to fall off, immediately stop watering it. Furthermore, aphids are drawn to the deadly sap and may infest your plant. Because these pests are practically imperceptible, investigate the whole plant if you find unusual patches on the leaves.
ZZ plants don't usually need to be pruned. Remove the dried leaves, and that's it. Even if the branches are getting in the way, you can cut them down if you want. Another good idea is to dust off the leaves from time to time. This will help keep them clean. Keep the plant clean because it helps with photosynthesis.
The rhizomes that make a ZZ plant last for so long without water also make it easier to start new plants. There is nothing more you need to do than separate the rhizomes and plant them in a smaller pot. If you want to grow the ZZ plant, you can also take cuttings from the plant. The stem should be at least two leaves long. Then, put a piece of paper in water. Roots should grow quickly.
It might be a good idea to move your ZZ plant around once a year, especially when it's young. The best time to do this is in the spring before the plants start to grow. Give your plant enough time to adapt. Mature ZZ plants don't need to be replanted unless they are outgrowing their current pot or if they have grown too big.
Final Remarks
ZZ plants are without a question one of the greatest houseplant selections, particularly if you are just beginning your collection. Not only can ZZ plants look great in any environment, but they also help filter the air. While they may go months without water, maintaining a watering routine can help ZZ plants develop more quickly. However, there is no need to feel guilty if you periodically neglect about your ZZ plant.
They are tenacious and flourish in a state of neglect. ZZ plants thrive in any soil type, need little fertilizer, and like indirect sunshine. When consumed, they are definitely toxic. If consumed inadvertently, any portion of the plant may induce stomach issues and vomiting. Therefore, if you want to keep little children and dogs safe, keep your ZZ plant out of reach of their tiny hands and paws.