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You’ll be hearing a lot about this almost indestructible plant with the funny name. It’s the perfect houseplant for people who always tend to kill houseplants or for office settings where no other plant would survive. The real name for this wonder is zamioculcas zamiifolia, which is why everybody just calls it the ZZ Plant. Stop by Lavalette Nursery the next time you’re on 5th Street Hill and see it for yourself. Better Homes and Garden Magazine claims the ZZ Plant is the houseplant of the future. Horticulture Magazine’s current issue also raves about the plant.
One rule that almost all of the best indoor plants have is -- they grow slowly. The ZZ is no exception. Large plants can reach 3 or 4 feet in height but the average height of most of the plants grown is about 16-28 inches. The plant can have a wide spread on it, and works well as an accent plant in areas where it can spread its wings. The best part of the ZZ may not be its toughness, or low light ability or low water requirements -- but no insect problems. Or none that anyone has been able to identify.
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The ZZ Plant, a native of eastern Africa, has smooth, thick stems covered in dark green, glossy leaves. The nice, upright growth habit means it fits well into home or office. Although it produces small flowers, it’s grown for its attractive lush foliage. This great houseplant grows well in containers, can tolerate low humidity, low light, and needs little water and little fertilizer. 
Bright, indirect light is best for increased leaf production, although it will tolerate very low light -- as little as 25 footcandles. The ZZ Plant has a special underground water storage system within it enabling it to survive without water for a period of time -- perhaps as long as three months. This ability to store water is the main reason why this plant is also known as the Eternity Plant.