ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are about as close to unkillable as houseplants get. They store water in thick underground rhizomes, so they shrug off dry air, dim corners and the odd missed watering.
What they can’t handle is too much water. Almost every ZZ problem traces back to soggy soil, so the care really comes down to one habit: let it dry out.
Light
Bright, indirect light gives you the most growth and the glossiest leaves. A spot a few feet from an east or west window is ideal.
It tolerates low light better than most plants, which is why it’s popular in offices, but growth slows to a crawl. Details are in ZZ plant light requirements.
Water
Water only when the soil is completely dry. NC State Extension suggests about twice a month in summer and once a month in winter.
A moisture meter takes the guesswork out, especially in large pots where the surface dries long before the roots.
Check price on Amazon. The full schedule is in how often to water a ZZ plant.
Soil and Pot
Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix and a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta helps the soil dry out between waterings.
Check price on Amazon. More options are in the best potting soil for ZZ plants.
Is a ZZ Plant a Succulent?
Not technically. It’s an aroid, related to peace lilies and philodendrons. But it stores water like a succulent, so treat it like one when watering.
Humidity and Misting
Normal household humidity is fine. There’s no need to mist; damp leaves do nothing for a plant that stores water underground.
Temperature
It’s comfortable between 65 and 80 °F. Keep it above 60 °F and away from cold windows and AC vents in winter.
Feeding
ZZ plants need very little food. I’d feed with a half-strength houseplant fertilizer once or twice in spring and summer, and not at all in winter.
For routines across all your plants, see how often to fertilize indoor plants.
How Big Does a ZZ Plant Get?
Slowly, it reaches about 2 to 4 feet tall and wide indoors. Most plants put out only a few new stems a year.
Repotting
Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring, or when the thick rhizomes start pushing against the pot. Move up just one size.
Want more plants? Here is how to propagate a ZZ plant.
Common Problems
- Yellow leaves: usually overwatering. See why a ZZ plant turns yellow.
- Mushy stems or black leaves: rot. See why a ZZ plant is dying.
- Leaning or floppy stems: low light or overwatering. See why a ZZ plant falls over.
- No new growth: see why a ZZ plant is not growing.
Is It Safe Around Pets?
ZZ plants contain calcium oxalate and are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. More in is a ZZ plant toxic to pets.
ZZ Plant Care Questions
How often should I water a ZZ plant?
Only when the soil is completely dry, roughly every 2 weeks in summer and once a month in winter.
Can a ZZ plant live in low light?
Yes. It tolerates low light better than most houseplants, but it will grow slowly.
Should I mist my ZZ plant?
No. It does not need extra humidity, and misting can leave leaves damp.
Do ZZ plants clean the air?
They absorb small amounts of indoor pollutants, like most plants, but you would need a great many to make a real difference.
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