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Use a Hanging Zanzibar Gem Plant to Freshen up Your Space

Updated: July 6, 2023

Do you feel like your living space lacks a certain freshness and vibrancy? Are you looking for an easy and low-maintenance way to bring some greenery into your home? Look no further than the hanging Zanzibar gem plant. With its unique appearance and air-purifying qualities, this plant is the perfect addition to any space.

What is a Hanging Zanzibar Gem Plant?

The hanging Zanzibar gem, also known as the ZZ plant or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a tropical perennial plant native to Eastern Africa. It is characterized by its thick, glossy leaves that grow in a graceful arching pattern. The plant gets its name from the Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania, where it was first discovered.

The Zanzibar gem is an excellent choice for indoor gardening because it thrives in low-light conditions and can tolerate neglect. Its ability to survive in low-light environments makes it an ideal plant for hanging baskets or elevated shelves where it can cascade down and create a beautiful display.

Benefits of a Hanging Zanzibar Gem Plant

  1. Air Purification: One of the biggest advantages of having a hanging Zanzibar gem plant in your home is its ability to purify the air. Like other plants, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during photosynthesis. Additionally, the Zanzibar gem has been found to remove toxins such as xylene, toluene, and benzene from the air, making it a natural air purifier.

  2. Low Maintenance: If you’re not blessed with a green thumb or simply don’t have much time to dedicate to plant care, the hanging Zanzibar gem is perfect for you. It is highly adaptable and can survive in a range of conditions. It requires minimal watering and can even tolerate long periods of drought. Just make sure to place it in a well-draining pot and avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

  3. Versatile: The hanging Zanzibar gem can be incorporated into various interior design styles due to its unique appearance. Its dark green, glossy leaves add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Whether you have a modern, minimalist aesthetic or prefer a bohemian, eclectic vibe, the Zanzibar gem will fit right in.

  4. Easy Propagation: Another great feature of the hanging Zanzibar gem is that it is easy to propagate. You can multiply your plant collection by dividing the rhizomes, which are thick underground stems. Simply remove a rhizome with a few leaves attached and plant it in a new pot with well-draining soil. With proper care, the new plant will establish roots and grow into a mature ZZ plant.

How to Care for a Hanging Zanzibar Gem Plant

Caring for a hanging Zanzibar gem plant is relatively simple. Here are some guidelines to ensure your plant thrives:

1. Light: The Zanzibar gem can tolerate low-light conditions but prefers bright indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn.

2. Watering: Only water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant goes into dormancy.

3. Temperature and Humidity: The Zanzibar gem prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate lower temperatures but is sensitive to frost. Normal room humidity is usually sufficient for this plant, but if the air in your home is particularly dry, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water to increase humidity.

4. Soil and Fertilizer: Use a well-draining potting mix that allows excess water to flow out freely. Avoid heavy clay soils that can retain moisture for too long. Fertilize the plant once every two months during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

5. Pruning: Trim any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. You can also prune back any leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

Where to Hang Your Zanzibar Gem Plant

The hanging Zanzibar gem can be placed in various areas of your home to freshen up your space. Here are some ideas:

1. Living Room: Hang the plant near a window or in a corner that needs a touch of greenery. The cascading leaves will add visual interest and create an inviting atmosphere.

2. Kitchen: Bring some life into your kitchen by hanging a Zanzibar gem plant near a sunny window or above your sink. Its air-purifying qualities are especially beneficial in this area where cooking odors can linger.

3. Bathroom: The Zanzibar gem is an excellent choice for a bathroom plant due to its ability to thrive in low-light and humid conditions. Hang it near a window or place it on a shelf to add some greenery to your bathroom oasis.

4. Office: Boost productivity and improve air quality in your workspace by hanging a Zanzibar gem plant near your desk or on a bookshelf. The low-maintenance nature of this plant makes it ideal for busy professionals.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy and low-maintenance way to bring some freshness into your space, consider adding a hanging Zanzibar gem plant to your home. With its air-purifying qualities, unique appearance, and versatility, this plant is sure to enhance any room. Follow the care guidelines mentioned above, and you’ll have a thriving ZZ plant cascading down in no time. So why wait? Freshen up your space with a hanging Zanzibar gem plant today!