A new and distinct cultivar of Zamioculcas plant named ‘QUEEN’ is disclosed, characterized by fast growing plants, and larger leaves than typical of the species. The new variety is a Zamioculcas, typically produced as an indoor ornamental plant.

Latin name of the genus and species:Zamioculcas zamiifolia.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The newZamioculcas‘Queen’ is a naturally-occurring branch mutation from an unnamed, unpatented selection ofZamioculcas zamiifolia. The newZamioculcaswas discovered and selected by the inventor at a nursery in Erica, the Netherlands in the year 2021.

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by vegetative cuttings was first performed in May of 2022 in Erica, the Netherlands, and has shownZamioculcas‘Queen’ to be stable and true to type in successive generations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘QUEEN’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘QUEEN’ as a new and distinctZamioculcascultivar:1. Plants grow much quicker than the species itself. Plants of ‘Queen’ are saleable in a 17 cm pot in 20 to 25% less time than plants of the species.2. Large leaflets, on average 12 cm in length; the species has an average leaflet length of 7.5 cm.3. Plants make more shoots per leaf-cutting than the species. A 17 cm commercially produced pot of ‘Queen’ requires 4 cuttings per pot; a 17 cm commercially produced pot of the species requires 5 cuttings per pot.

PARENT COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘QUEEN’ are similar to the parent, an unpatented, unnamed,Zamioculcas zamiifoliain most horticultural characteristics. However, the new variety, ‘QUEEN’ differs from the parent in the following characteristics:1. Leaves of the new variety are almost twice the size of leaves of the parent variety.2. Leaves of the new variety are long, elongated, with a pointed end. Leaves of the parent are shorter, less elongated, with a more rounded end.3. Leaf-stem color of the new variety is light green-grey, while the leaf-stem color of the parent is green.4. Plants of the new variety produce many more shoots than plants of the parent variety.5. Plants of the new variety grow 20 to 25% faster than plants of the parent variety.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

Zamioculcas zamiifolia‘QUEEN’ can be compared with the commercial varietyZamioculcas zamiifolia‘HANSOTI13’, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 26,760. The two varieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics; however, the new variety differs in the following:1. Leaves of the new variety are larger than leaves of this comparator.2. Leaves of the new variety are long, elongated, with a pointed end. Leaves of this comparator are shorter, less elongated, with a more rounded end.3. Plants of the new variety produce many more shoots than plants of this comparator.4. Leaf-stem color of the new variety is light green-grey, while the leaf-stem color of this comparator is green.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia‘QUEEN’ can be compared with the commercial varietyZamioculcas zamiifolia‘Dowon’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 30,035. The two varieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics; however, the new variety differs in the following:1. Leaf color of the new variety is green to dark green, while leaf color of this comparator is dark purple.2. Leaves of the new variety are larger than leaves of this comparator.3. Leaves of the new variety are long, elongated, with a pointed end. Leaves of this comparator are shorter, less elongated, with a more rounded end.4. Plants of the new variety produce many more shoots than plants of this comparator.5. Leaf-stem color of the new variety is light green-grey, while the leaf-stem color of this comparator is green.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The aforementioned photographs and following observations, measurements and values describe plants of the newZamioculcasgrown in Erica, the Netherlands, in a greenhouse. During the production of the plants, day temperatures ranged from 20° to 26° C., night temperatures ranged from 20° to 26° C., and light levels under diffuse plastic and 50% shade net.

Plants had been growing in 17 cm containers for about 40 weeks when the photographs and the description were taken. In the detailed description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, 2015 Edition, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used.Botanical classification:Zamioculcas zamiifolia‘QUEEN’.

PROPAGATION

PLANT

Plant type: Perennial potted plant.Plant habit: Compound leaves grow directly from the base, no branches present.Plant shape: Obovate to oblong.Plant height: About 51.5 cm.Plant spread: About 56.5 cm.Growth rate: Moderate.Vigor: Moderately high.Branching: Growing in clumps, compound leaves grow directly from base, no main branches and lateral branches present.Number of clumps: Average 5 per plant; average 5 per year.

FOLIAGE

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Flower: Not observed to date.Disease Resistance: Similar resistance and susceptibility to the normal diseases found inZamioculcashave been observed.Drought and Cold Tolerance: USDA hardiness zones 10 to 13. Tolerant from 5° to 40° C. Moderate tolerance to rain and wind.Fruit/Seed Production: No fruits/seeds detected to date.