Watering: Moderate - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 288)

Zamia integrifolia, commonly known as Coontie or Koonti, is a small, woody cycad native to the southeastern United States, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. It is also found in Grand Cayman and the Dominican Republic, but it is believed to be extinct in Puerto Rico. This plant is prized for its medicinal properties and is used to treat digestive and urinary tract disorders, as well as to promote wound healing. It is also popular as an ornamental groundcover due to its low-growing habit and ability to thrive in a variety of soils, including seaside and salt-tolerant areas. In cold regions, Zamia integrifolia can be grown in pots and brought indoors when temperatures drop. It requires full sun or semi-shade and moderate watering.

Zamia integrifolia is found in a variety of habitats with well-drained sands or sandy loam soils and prefers filtered sunlight or partial shade. It is a hardy plant that is easily grown in sub-tropical and warm temperate areas. However, it is becoming increasingly uncommon due to intensive land use. This plant is poisonous and produces a toxin that affects the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. The toxin can be removed by careful leaching, and the roots and half-buried stems were traditionally used by Native American people for their sago-like starch. The root is typically prepared for food by grinding it using a wooden mortar and pestle, and the resulting flour is used in various dishes.

Plant care: Plant in a location that receives full sun or semi-shade and has well-drained sandy soil. Water moderately, making sure not to overwater. In cold regions, the plant can be grown in pots and brought indoors when temperatures drop. Protect the plant from strong winds, as they can damage the leaves. If necessary, prune damaged or diseased leaves to maintain a healthy appearance.

Because Zamia integrifolia is poisonous, take care when handling the plant and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Aroid Palm) is a small shrub reaching 2-5 ft tall, native to Tanzania, Zanzibar and other parts of eastern Africa. With its ornamental foliage and shiny elliptical leaves arranged in upright clusters, this resilient plant is remarkably easy to grow. It tolerates low water and low light conditions, thriving equally well in semi-shade. An excellent choice for a houseplant, it can also perform well in seaside gardens and other warm-climate outdoor settings in USDA Zones 9 11.

Zamioculcas is highly tolerant of salt, making it suitable for outdoor planters in coastal areas. It is also known for withstanding occasional neglect, including infrequent repotting. Water sparingly, as overwatering may cause lower leaves to yellow. When grown in containers, place in bright indirect light or partial shade; plants in full sun will need more frequent watering. In regions with winter frost, move pots indoors to a warm location and monitor for leaf discoloration. Fertilize lightly once or twice a year before growth starts in spring. With its glossy foliage, striking form, and ease of care, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a standout specimen for both home and office.

Zamioculcas 'Black Dragon' is a rare and highly sought-after variety with foliage so dark it appears almost black. Young leaves emerge bright green and gradually deepen to their distinctive near-black shade as they mature. This dramatic color change, combined with the plant s naturally glossy texture, makes 'Black Dragon' a striking focal point in any collection. Its care requirements match those of the standard form, making it just as undemanding while offering an even bolder visual impact.

Various members of the genus may bloom spring only or repeat and continue into autumn, often a few days after rainstorms thus one of the common names, Rain Lily. Most are spring or summer flowering.

Cultivation from seed is easy in this group. Seeds are papery and can be floated but they sprout very easily sown under just a thin covering of sowing medium. Sow the seeds in a well-drained mix and keep in a warm place. The seedlings will grow well in warm weather and respond well to fertilizer. As with any papery seeded amaryllids, these have a relatively short viability period.

Zephyranthes pulchella - Showy Zephyrlily - is found in the coastal prairies and wet roadsides of eastern Texas and Gulf Coast Louisiana. The leaves grow through the winter and spring and die off in summer; flowering occurs in autumn. Leaves are linear and sedge-like and flowers are golden yellow. Pulchella means "pretty". These spectacular rain lilies growing in the highway medians near Refugio, Texas, on the east coast of that state. The glossy green leaves serve as a nice foil to the bright yellow flowers that are held just atop the foliage. The vigorously multiplying clumps flower for us from late summer into fall.

Zephyranthes flowers are very similar to Habranthus flowers and both are called rain lilies. Habranthus flowers point upward BUT at an angle and have unequal stamens, and Zephyranthes flowers point straight up and have equal stamens. Zephyranthes flowers tend to be star shaped and Habranthus have somewhat irregular flowers. Additionally, the seeds of Habranthus are slightly winged (and thicker).

See Article about Zephyranthes.

Zingiber neglectum works well as a tropical foliage plant or patio plant. This variety produces an excellent, long-lasting cut flower. Propagated by division, stem cuttings and seeds.

The zinnia is a bushy annual flower native to Mexico. It grows in any type of soil, though it prefers well-drained, sandy loam, and it is fairly drought tolerant once established.

Zinnias come in many colors and sizes, making this a great choice for adding a splash of color in your garden. Low-growing varieties only a foot tall and wide can be used as a groundcover. Higher growing varieties can reach up to five feet and make a great backdrop for other flowering plants. The flowers, however, remain small, ranging from one and a half to three inches across.

Most zinnias love full sun, although some of the larger varieties such as Zinnia angustifolia will tolerate some shade. They should be watered regularly, with an inch of water every week in hot weather, and every two to three weeks in cooler conditions. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) will encourage more blooms, but is optional.

Zinnias come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender, purple, red, crimson, and yellow or orange. The colors may be solid or variegated. Zinnias are attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, so this is a great way to attract them to your garden.

To grow Zinnia sp. in cold regions, select varieties that can tolerate colder temperatures. Choose a variety that is hardy to USDA Zone 9-11. Plant in a pot that can be moved indoors in winter and set outdoors in spring. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. Make sure the pot has ample drainage holes to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. Place the pot in a sunny spot and provide plenty of airflow to prevent fungal diseases. Deadheads the flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.

Ziziphus celata is a small spiny shrub that is usually less than 2 meters tall. Clusters of highly fragrant tiny green flowers are borne in winter, and grape-sized, yellow-orange fruit develop in spring. It is a terrestrial flowering plant endemic to central Florida.

Ziziphus celata is listed as an endangered species in the United States.

These small acid fruits are liked by children as well as by adults. A small spreading tree, with drooping branches grows readily and quickly on poor ground. Even moderately saline soils are tolerated. The tree will thrive without any special care. All parts of the plant have medicinal uses. Jujube is widely cultivated China and India. The Chinese have been growing and eating jujubes for more than four thousand years and have more jujube trees than any other type of fruit tree.

The Jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba), also known as the "Tree of Happiness," is renowned for its remarkable resilience. Its sweet, crisp fruits have been cherished for over 4,000 years, not only as a nutritious treat but also for their medicinal properties, such as stress relief and immunity-boosting benefits. The thornless Taiwan variety is especially beloved for its refreshing, apple-like taste and ease of care.

The name Ziziphus originates from the Persian zizfum or Arabic zizouf, but it is also associated with the Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi), a species believed to have provided the thorns for the biblical crown of thorns. This connection gives the tree profound spiritual and cultural significance across various traditions. In fact, the Jujube tree's symbolism extends to Indian legends, where it is said to be blessed with a boon: no matter how badly it is cut, it will never die, and even a single root will allow it to spring up again. Revered in India, the tree is offered to Siva and is known as the "Tree which removes sorrow," symbolizing endurance and healing.

Some horticulturists also link the name Ziziphus to the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder uphill for eternity. Just as the boulder endlessly rolls back down, the Jujube tree continually regrows, no matter how much it is cut or damaged. This metaphorical connection highlights the tree's unyielding spirit and symbolizes perseverance, renewal, and vitality. Thriving in poor, dry soils with minimal care, the Jujube tree truly earns its place as the "Tree of Happiness" in gardens and communities around the world.

Cold hardy, mature plants withstand hard freeze.

Read more about Jujube tree.

It is often confused with the closely related Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), but whereas Ziziphus jujuba prefers temperate climates, Ziziphus mauritiana is tropical to subtropical.

This deciduous small tree or large shrub is densely branched with zigzag branches. Branches typically have a leaf and a thorn at each angle. Flowers are small and inconspicuous, greenish-white. The fruits are initially green, but have a yellow to pale orange color when ripe. Seeds are enclosed within a woody endocarp.