January 27, 2023

In Good Company: Sansevieria & ZZ Plant

Growing From Your Strengths

Sansevieria & ZZ Plant

It can seem daunting to dip the green thumb you’re still developing even further into the world of houseplants. But think about this: Once you’ve had success with a particular kind of plant, it’s likely there are other plant families with similar care needs that you’ll also be just as successful with. So what’s a great example, especially for beginners or people wanting to branch out from one kind of “easy” plant to another?

Sansevieria spp.

Snake Plant

One easy-going, low-maintenance, and neglect-tolerant type of houseplant is Snake Plant, Sansevieria spp., because it requires little light, water, and few nutrients. It’s the perfect plant for beginners or lovers of low maintenance. Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, varieties of Snake Plant are slow growing, semi-succulent, and long-lived, and they rarely harbors insects. In fact, Snake Plants are native to western Africa, so drier, “oops-I-forgot-to-water-again” conditions are actually perfect for them. Snake plants come in thick, thin, and cylindrical-leaved varieties and multiple hues of green to almost black with some yellow and silver variegation and mottling. Offered with compact and tall habits, they are perfect for any room or workspace, including a bedside table. Plus they grow so slowly, you don’t need to re-pot them very often!

Light | Low to Bright Indirect Light
Water | Irrigate thoroughly when dry
Humidity | No extra humidity required

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Zamioculcas zamiifolia

ZZ Plant

Similar to Sansevieria, the ZZ Plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, hails from eastern Africa. It can tolerate as much, if not more, neglect as a Snake Plant because of the bulbous base of its thick, succulent stems and waxy leaves that hold water, enabling it to survive even the longest indoor droughts and the lowest light levels. There aren’t quiet as many varieties of ZZ Plant as there are Snake Plant, but there is a rather interesting dwarf variety named ‘Zenzi’. Additionally, ‘Raven’ displays dark bronze-purple foliage. ‘Chameleon’ is the newest variety, offering creamy white, variegated leaves. Similar to Snake Plant, you’ll want to keep ZZ Plant varieties on the drier side of watering. They’ll grow nicely in any space from low to bright light, just keep them out of direct sun.

Light | Low to Bright Indirect Light
Water | Irrigate thoroughly when dry
Humidity | No extra humidity required

Shop ZZ Plants

A Video Guide To

Snake Plant & ZZ Plant

Every indoor plant person, whether sporting a brown or green thumb, will love these easy-care plant families. Click into our video where Noelle explains just how easy they are to care for, including best watering practices, lighting requirements, and growth habits. She also shares some of our favorite varieties!

Interested in more low-light-loving houseplants? Check out our Houseplant Lighting Guide.
View Lighting Guide

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