The Easy Zeezee Plant - for GBBD

 Zeezee (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

 It is time for February's Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and I had plans to search the winter garden for grasses and other plants with winter interest. I took one  photograph ,,,

Miscanthus Mysterious Maiden

... before my (over) protective husband 'suggested' it was far too icy, cold, and downright dangerous to be outside. I knew he was right (darn it) as there is still a thick layer of ice on top of a foot of snow covering much of the garden, so I  reluctantly came inside. I took some pictures of my Zeezee plant instead. Now I am not very good at growing houseplants, but I must tell you that this is about the easiest of all.

I love the zeezee plant's waxy green leaves. The glossy green leaflets are arranged along upright stems, giving the plant a tropical look (not surprising since it originated in Africa.) The zeezee grows 2 - 3 feet tall and wide.

This plant grows best in moderate, indirect light, but does not seem to mind a darker spot ...  mine is situated in rather low light. The zeezee has rhizomatous roots that store water, so I do not water it very often as it likes to dry out between waterings. I don't let the pot sit in water or the plant could rot. The growth rate of the plant depends on how much light and water it gets. I have never fertilized my zeezee in the three-or-more years I have owned it, but a liquid fertilizer once a year would probably be beneficial.

 

 Another great feature of the zeezee is that it is not prone to pests!

This is a great passalong plant because it is super easy to propogate. Just cut off a leaf and stick it in a pot of potting soil and perlite. Mist the soil and put the pot in a sealed plastic bag. Place it in indirect light and remove from the plastic bag when the roots form.

There have never been flowers on my zeezee, therefore as this is Bloom Day I thought I should also feature two of my blooming houseplants ...

 Begonia Dragon Wing Red

The dragon wing begonia is is a cross between the angel wing and wax varieties and combines the best qualities of both. I brought this one indoors to overwinter and these pictures were taken when I first brought it inside. It is going dormant now, but in early summer  I will place it in a hanging basket on the porch.

I have only one flower on my African violet  ...

African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)

The African violet is a very satisfying plant I think, but neither the begonia or the African violet are as easy as my zeezee. The zeezee is notable for it's resilience, and tolerates conditions that other plants will not. This makes the zeezee great for new gardeners, or gardeners like me who tend to neglect their houseplants.

Now I am heading over to May Dreams Gardens to thank Carol for hosting this wonderful meme. I can't wait to see what is blooming in other parts of the world. Hopefully, by the 15th of next month the snow and ice will be thawed from my garden and I'll find some signs of spring to share with you.

I hope you all had a LOVEly Valentine's Day, yesterday!
Pamela x

Houseplants in the Garden Room

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