Chameleon ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Chameleon')

Chameleon ZZ Plant Plant Features

Chameleon ZZ Plant is a spectacular new variety of Zamioculcas discovered by our Plant Hunter. It immediately stood out to him because its new growth emerges a bright shade of golden-yellow before the leaves mature to a deep, rich dark green. 

Like other ZZ Plant varieties, Chameleon is one of the most durable houseplants you can grow. It tolerates low light, low humidity, and infrequent waterings. That said, it grows best and fastest if given good light and regular fertilization. We recommend this because it's the new growth that gives this plant its color. Bright conditions help the plant grow more and faster. 

While ZZ Plants are relatively slow growing, Chameleon can reach 5 feet tall or more over time, maturing into a magnificent floor plant. In frost-free areas, such as South Florida, it can be grown outdoors in a shaded deck or patio. 

Chameleon ZZ Plant has been patented (PP32,253P3) so we're required to tell you propagation is prohibited on this variety. 

Buy Chameleon ZZ
Buy it online and have it shipped fresh from our farm, direct to your door from our online plant shop. Look for Costa Farms' Chameleon ZZ in the Trending Tropicals® collection at your favorite retailer. See a list of our in-store and online retailer partners.
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Chameleon ZZ Plant Growing Instructions

Light
Chameleon ZZ Plant tolerates low light, but prefers -- and grows fastest, giving you more colorful new growth -- in a spot with medium to bright, indirect light. It's best to avoid direct sunlight on this plant, particularly in Southern regions. Too much light can cause the new growth to scorch. You can grow this dramatic houseplant under both natural and artificial plant lights with equal success. 

Water
This low-water houseplant can store moisture in its leaves and thick , potato-like rhizomes, so it's able to withstand weeks without water if it needs to. In fact, the plant may even come back and put out new growth after dropping all of its leaves. That said, to promote more of the golden-yellow new leaves, we recommend watering it as about 50 percent of the soil dries out. Not sure whether it's time to water? It's usually best to wait. ZZ Plants prefer being too dry than too wet. 

Humidity
Chameleon ZZ Plant does not require high humidity to thrive. It does just fine in the average relative humidity levels found in most homes and offices. 

Fertilizing
While Chameleon ZZ Plant is not a particularly hungry houseplant, ensuring it has a regular supply of nutrients will help you enjoy more of its new growth. You can fertilize with time-release granules, which slowly release nutrients into the soil over the course of weeks or months, or use a fertilizer you mix with water. 
No matter what type of fertilizer you use, never exceed the instructions on the product packaging. You can always use less fertilizer, but never use more. 

Pruning
A low-maintenance houseplant, Chameleon ZZ Plant doesn't require pruning except to remove old leaves as they reach the end of their lifespan. 

Note: Chameleon ZZ Plant is grown as an ornamental plant and is not intended for human or animal consumption. We advise keeping it out of reach of children or pets that may try to ingest the leaves, roots, or rhizomes. 

  • Water

    Low water needs

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Low light

    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Green

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Colorful foliage

    Purifies the air

    Super-easy to grow

Complement your Chameleon ZZ Plant

Pothos
Highlight Chameleon ZZ Plant's gorgeous new leaves by growing it near a golden pothos.

Colorful Aglaonema
Colorful Aglaonema are just about as durable and easy-to-grow as Chameleon ZZ Plant. Plus, they contrast it with striking shades of red, pink, purple, white, or other colors.

Raven® ZZ Plant
For a combination of low-maintenance houseplants, pair Raven® with Chameleon ZZ Plant.

Q&A

Is Chameleon ZZ Plant chemically treated to produce this color leaves?
No! Chameleon ZZ Plant is a genetic sport that naturally produces golden-yellow new growth. This low-maintenance houseplant will continue to produce new foliage with this color for many years given good care.