The ZZ plant is famous for being hardy, elegant, and almost “indestructible.” But there is a detail that goes unnoticed even by people who have grown this plant for years: it blooms. I myself didn’t know what the ZZ plant flower looks like—until the day mine decided to bloom here in the apartment. Only then did I understand why almost no one recognizes it.
What the ZZ plant flower looks like
Contrary to what many people imagine, the ZZ plant flower is neither colorful nor showy. It appears near the base of the plant, almost hidden among the stems, and is very similar to the flowers of other plants in the same botanical family, such as peace lily and anthurium.
Botanically, the ZZ plant belongs to the family Araceae. This means its flower is made up of two main parts:
• Spadix: a short, thick central spike where the true flowers are located.
• Spathe: a “modified leaf” that surrounds the spadix, usually in light shades such as cream or yellow‑green.
Together, they form a discreet, small structure that grows close to the soil surface. That’s why many people never notice when the plant blooms—especially if they don’t usually look closely at the base of the ZZ plant.
Why almost no one recognizes the flower
There are three main reasons for this:
1. It doesn’t bloom often
Flowering on a ZZ plant is neither annual nor predictable. Indoors, it can take years to happen.
2. The flower doesn’t grow above the foliage
Unlike many ornamental plants, the flower does not stand out visually. It stays hidden, almost camouflaged.
3. There’s very little information about it
Many people believe that the ZZ plant “doesn’t bloom,” so no one is really expecting a flower—and when it does appear, it often goes unnoticed.
In my case, I only noticed because I was cleaning the plant and saw something different emerging at the base. It was a real surprise.
What flowering says about the plant’s health
If you are wondering what the ZZ plant flower looks like because yours just appeared, you can celebrate. Flowering is usually a sign that the plant is well adapted to its environment.
It indicates:
• Healthy roots
• Good energy reserves in the rhizomes
• Stable light, water, and temperature conditions
In other words, the ZZ plant only blooms when it “feels comfortable.”
How to make a ZZ plant bloom
There is no magic formula, but a few key practices greatly increase the chances:
1. Bright, indirect light
The ZZ plant tolerates low light, but it grows better and is more likely to bloom in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
2. Moderate watering
Overwatering is the most common mistake. Water only when the potting mix is completely dry.
3. Pot with good drainage
Pots with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix prevent the rhizomes from rotting, which is essential for flowering.
4. Balanced fertilization
Use a fertilizer for foliage plants every 2 or 3 months, especially in spring and summer.
5. Patience
The ZZ plant blooms on its own schedule. Trying to force it only gets in the way.
A rare — and special — detail
Now that you already know what the ZZ plant flower looks like, it is worth paying closer attention to your plant. Sometimes, the most interesting detail is hidden right there at the base of the pot, just waiting for a more attentive look.
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