Identifying a Mystery Houseplant: ZZ Plant or Cardboard Palm?

Identifying a Mystery Houseplant: ZZ Plant or Cardboard Palm?

Received an unknown plant with shiny, medium-green leaves spaced 1 inch apart on a thick, bamboo-like stem? It's likely a Zamia (cardboard palm) or ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)—both have similar architecture.

Key Identification

• Cardboard palm: Leaves feel stiff, slightly rough; stem is thick and woody.
• ZZ plant: Leaves are waxy-smooth, very shiny; stem is succulent and bulbous at base.

Critical Safety Note

Both are toxic to cats. Keep completely out of reach or in a cat-free room.

Care Requirements

• Light: Bright indirect light—no direct sun.
• Water: Let soil dry thoroughly between waterings. These are drought-tolerant succulents.
• Avoid leaf shine products—they clog stomata (leaf pores).

Propagation

Leaf cuttings can root in soil with rooting hormone, but it's slow. Division of rhizomes (ZZ) or offsets (Zamia) is faster.

Expert advice from Darlene, houseplant specialist.