The Stunning ZZ Plant Variety That Changes Colors As It Gets Older

If you have a green thumb, you are probably always looking for something a little different. Something that makes people pause and talk. Well, that is exactly what the Chameleon ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Chameleon') brings to the table. It is a unique-looking cultivar of the popular ZZ plant that is known for its stunning, color-changing foliage. The leaves start a bright golden-yellow and gradually deepen into a lush, dark green as the plant grows older, earning it the name "Chameleon." As for its size, it grows about 3 feet tall and wide and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Just make sure that you are in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 if you are planning to grow it outdoors.

Just like the common ZZ plant, the Chameleon ZZ plant is also a breeze to take care of. It is pretty low maintenance and does not have any serious pest or disease problems either. The only catch? It grows a bit slowly. So, if you are looking for fast-growing houseplants to make your interior space lush and green, you may need to find something else. On the plus side, though, the Chameleon ZZ plant can live for many years.

Plus, since it grows slowly, you won't need to prune it much. Simply remove dead leaves or branches from time to time. And speaking of leaves, those of the Chameleon ZZ plant contain calcium oxalate, which, if ingested, can cause severe health problems. So, make sure you keep this variety away from pets and kids, and instead look for plants that you and your child can grow together.

Chameleon ZZ plant is a patented plant. This means you're not allowed to propagate it on your own and will have to buy it from nurseries. And if you know the tips to help you confidently shop for houseplants online, you can also purchase it from plant sellers on the internet. But no matter where you buy it from, once you have it, place it somewhere bright but out of direct sunlight, which can scorch its new leaves, If you are growing it outdoors, the best place is a shaded deck or patio. For indoor plants, a place near a window with filtered sunlight through a curtain is perfect.

Other than lighting, the Chameleon ZZ plant adapts easily to normal household conditions. Unlike many popular indoor plants, it does not require extra humidity, even in dry indoor air. You just have to make sure that you keep it away from chilly drafts, as it is not frost-tolerant. If temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the Chameleon ZZ plant experiences cold stress and its stems drop.

As for planting it, use a well-draining potting mix and don't water it much. It can go without water for weeks. Just make sure when you do water, water it thoroughly and wait for the soil to completely dry before watering it again. Fertilizing the Chameleon ZZ plant is a similar story. It is a light feeder and needs to be fertilized only once in spring and again in summer. You don't need to fertilize it in winter when its growth slows down.