ZZ plants are often categorized as succulent due to their ability to store water supply in their thick , fleshy rhizomes . This characteristic is crucial for live in arid environment with limited access code to water . While ZZ plants apportion some similarities with traditional succulents , they also own clear-cut qualities that set them asunder .
Key Characteristics of Succulents
Succulents are known for their power to hold back water in specialized tissues , appropriate them to endure extend periods of drouth . Their thick , overweight leaves or stems store weewee reserve , enable them to survive in dry condition . succulent have adapted to various climates , from comeuppance to tropical regions , by evolving mechanisms to economise water efficiently .
Exploring the ZZ Plant
ZZ plants , botanically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia , are native to easterly Africa and belong to the Araceae family . These plant have glossy , benighted green foliage and a distinctive increment habit . While ZZ plants display succulent - alike feature article such as weewee - storing rootstock , they differ from typical succulents in terms of their growth pattern and care requirements .
Watering Needs of ZZ Plants
One of the central distinctions between ZZ plant and traditional succulent is their lachrymation requirements . While succulents often prefer infrequent but deep lacrimation to simulate their natural home ground , ZZ plants thrive with more consistent wet levels . Overwatering can be detrimental to ZZ plant life , as they are prostrate to root rot in waterlogged conditions .
Soil and Growing Conditions
ZZ plant flourish in well - draining , oxygenate soil that allow excess water to escape well . Unlike certain succulents that prefer sandlike or mettlesome soil mixes , ZZ plant benefit from a more moisture - retentive culture medium to back their growth . furnish proper drainage is essential to forbid pee - related issue and maintain the overall health of ZZ plants .
Light Requirements and Growth Habit
ZZ plants are adaptable to dissimilar light status , ranging from low to temperate collateral spark . Their tolerance for low light levels make them suited for indoor environment with special natural sunlight . While succulent typically thrive in bright , direct sunlight , ZZ plants exhibit a more various nature in term of light preferences .
Propagation and Repotting
Propagating ZZ plant life is relatively straight , as they can be grown from leafage cuttings or sectionalisation of rootstock . Repotting is recommended periodically to freshen the soil , render nutrients , and accommodate the works ’s growth . right maintenance practices , such as removing deadened leaf and monitoring for pests , contribute to the long - term vitality of ZZ plants .
The Verdict: Is ZZ Plant a Succulent?
While ZZ plants share certain feature with succulent , such as urine - lay in power and resiliency in dry conditions , they represent a distinct botanical category . Their unique features , growth patterns , and care preferences differentiate ZZ plant from traditional succulents . realize the specific needs of ZZ plant is substantive for civilize healthy and flourishing specimens in your home or garden .
Caroline Bates
