Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Zenzi'

Where 'Zenzi' came from

'Zenzi' is the trade name for 'HANSOTI13'. In 2009 near Vangani, close to Mumbai in India, a single green compact leaf appeared on an unnamed variegated ZZ plant. The first plants grown from that leaf varied in form. Over time, plants with very short gaps between the leaflets were selected until the compact form became stable.

The species Zamioculcas zamiifolia is native to eastern and south-eastern Africa.

Caring for 'Zenzi' indoors

• Light: A bright filtered position helps 'Zenzi' keep its dense, even shape. Deeper shade slows the appearance of new shoots.
• Humidity & airflow: Typical room humidity is suitable. Gentle air movement is useful through the closely packed leaf bases.
• Potting mix: Choose a loose, well-draining mix around the rhizomes.
• Watering: Let the mix dry well between waterings. Then water thoroughly and allow the pot to drain completely.
• Repotting: Repot when emerging shoots become crowded or the rhizomes press around the pot walls. Choose a pot only slightly larger.
• Temperature: About 18–26 °C works well for 'Zenzi'. Keep it above roughly 15 °C.
• Feeding: Give a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser once or twice during new shoot growth, using the label rate.
• Propagation: Divide the rhizomes into pieces; each piece should have healthy roots and a strong shoot.

When 'Zenzi' needs attention

• The clump leans strongly to one side: Light is reaching the plant unevenly. Turn the pot regularly and give the foliage bright filtered light from several sides.
• Yellowing appears among the inner stalks: Dense growth can hide wet potting mix. Check moisture below the surface, extend the drying time and remove any soft rhizome rot with disinfected tools.
• Brown scale insects gather inside the clump: Look closely between the crowded stalks and leaf bases. Remove visible pests and apply a labelled scale treatment at its repeat interval.
• Leaflets wrinkle while the root ball is dry: Water reserves are low. Soak the root ball thoroughly and allow all excess water to drain.
• Upper leaflets develop tan scorch marks: Direct sun is too strong for the indoor-grown foliage. Move 'Zenzi' out of the direct sun into a bright filtered position. Reintroduce direct sun slowly if needed.

If you need help identifying a problem, send us clear photos of the whole plant and the affected area. Include the soil or potting mix around the roots.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Zenzi’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

When was Zamioculcas zamiifolia first published, and what does it mean?

Zamioculcas combines the genus names Zamia and Colocasia. The epithet zamiifolia means having leaves like Zamia, referring to the resemblance of the compound foliage to that cycad genus.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Zamioculcas in 1856 in Synopsis Aroidearum, page 71.

George Loddiges first described it as Caladium zamiifolium in 1829 in The Botanical Cabinet, volume 15, plate 1408. Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler later placed it in Zamioculcas as Zamioculcas zamiifolia in 1905 in Das Pflanzenreich, IV, 23B, page 305.