ZZ plants are popular houseplants known for their glossy leaves and easy-care nature.
These resilient plants can thrive in various conditions, from bright indirect light to low-light areas, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced plant owners.
While they typically grow at a moderate pace, many plant enthusiasts wonder if there are ways to encourage faster growth.
ZZ plants can grow quite quickly when given the right care conditions, including proper light, watering, and occasional fertilizing. Though often marketed as low-light plants that can survive neglect, ZZ plants will produce more new stems and leaves when their basic needs are optimally met.
With some simple adjustments to their care routine, plant owners can help their ZZ plants reach their full growth potential and maintain their attractive appearance.
1. Provide bright, indirect light to the plant daily
ZZ plants require proper lighting to grow more quickly. While they can survive in low light, they will not thrive or grow quickly under those conditions.
For optimal growth, place your ZZ plant in a location that receives 8 hours of bright, indirect light each day.
This might be 4-8 feet away from an east-facing window.
Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight. A north or east-facing window often provides ideal lighting conditions.
If your home lacks natural light, consider using a grow light.
A 5 or 10-watt grow light positioned directly above your ZZ plant can significantly improve growth rates.
You’ll know your ZZ plant is getting proper light when it produces new stems and leaves regularly. Plants in low light may survive, but will grow very slowly.
While ZZ plants are known for tolerating low light conditions, they grow much faster with adequate brightness.
The more light they receive (without direct sun exposure), the faster they’ll develop new growth.
Signs of inadequate light include long, leggy stems reaching toward light sources and slow or minimal new growth. If you notice these symptoms, try moving your plant to a brighter location.
Remember that seasonal changes affect light levels. You might need to adjust your plant’s position throughout the year to maintain optimal growing conditions.
Check out Can You Put ZZ Plant Outside in Summer?
2. Water only when the soil is completely dry
ZZ plants are native to drought-prone areas of Eastern Africa. They store water in their thick rhizomes and stems, which helps them survive long periods without moisture.
Overwatering is the most common mistake ZZ plant owners make. When soil remains too wet for too long, it can lead to root rot and ultimately kill your plant.
A good rule of thumb is to check the soil before watering. Insert your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
During winter months, ZZ plants need even less water. You may only need to water the plant once every 4-6 weeks when it is dormant.
When you do water, make sure to drench the soil thoroughly. Allow water to flow through the drainage holes, then discard any excess water that collects in the saucer.
ZZ plants communicate when they need water. If you notice slightly drooping leaves, it’s probably time for a drink. However, they recover quickly once appropriately watered.
Using a moisture meter can help take the guesswork out of watering. These inexpensive tools provide more accurate readings than the finger test alone.
Terracotta pots can be beneficial for ZZ plants because they allow the soil to dry more quickly between waterings. This reduces the risk of overwatering.
Remember that your plant’s water needs will vary based on pot size, humidity levels, and temperature.
A ZZ in a warm, dry room may need more frequent watering than one in a cooler space.
Consistent underwatering is better than occasional overwatering for these hardy plants. When in doubt, it’s safer to wait another day or two before watering your ZZ plant.
Check out Should I Cut Off Yellow ZZ Plant Leaves?
3. Use a balanced fertilizer every six months
ZZ plants benefit from occasional fertilizing to help them grow faster. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) works best. This provides all the nutrients the plant needs without overwhelming it.
Apply fertilizer every six months during the spring and summer growing seasons. This timing aligns with when the plant is actively growing and can best use the nutrients. Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter when growth naturally slows down.
Use the fertilizer at half strength to prevent burning the roots. ZZ plants don’t need much fertilizer, so a light application is sufficient. Too much fertilizer can damage the plant rather than help it grow.
When applying fertilizer, make sure the soil is slightly moist. This helps prevent root burn and allows the nutrients to dissolve properly. Water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing to help distribute the nutrients.
Some gardeners have success using liquid fertilizers, which are easy to apply and quickly absorbed. Others prefer slow-release granules that provide nutrients gradually over time. Either type can work well for ZZ plants.
If your ZZ plant has been in the same pot for years, fertilizing becomes more important. The soil loses nutrients over time, and fertilizer helps replenish what’s been depleted. This can give an older plant a growth boost.
Watch for new growth after fertilizing. Fresh stems and leaves indicate that the plant is responding well to the nutrients. If you notice yellowing leaves or brown tips, you might be over-fertilizing.
Read How Tall Does a ZZ Plant Get?
4. Prune the plant to encourage bushiness
Pruning is one of the most effective ways to make your ZZ plant look fuller and bushier. By trimming strategically, you can encourage the plant to produce more stems and leaves rather than just growing taller.
Start by examining your ZZ plant and identifying any stems that are much longer than the others or look leggy. These are prime candidates for pruning. You can also remove any yellowing or damaged stems.
When cutting your ZZ plant, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This prevents damage to the plant and reduces the risk of disease. Make your cuts about an inch above the soil at a 45-degree angle.
Trim stems at varying heights rather than cutting everything to the same length. This creates a more natural, balanced appearance and encourages growth at different levels.
Pruning activates dormant growth points in the rhizome, which can lead to multiple new stems emerging where there was previously just one. This is how pruning directly contributes to a bushier plant.
Spring and summer are ideal times for pruning your ZZ plant. The plant is in an active growth phase during these seasons and will respond better to pruning.
Don’t be afraid to be somewhat aggressive with your pruning. ZZ plants are resilient and can handle significant cutting back. However, avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
The stems you cut off don’t need to go to waste. You can use them for propagation by placing them in water or soil to grow new plants.
For the best results, combine pruning with proper light and fertilizing. This comprehensive approach encourages the plant to put energy into producing new growth points.
Remember that patience is key after pruning. Your ZZ plant may take a few weeks or even months to respond with new growth, but the wait will be worth it when you see a fuller, bushier plant.
Check out Why Is My ZZ Plant Dying
5. Ensure the plant is in a well-draining pot
ZZ plants require good drainage to prevent root rot and promote faster growth. These plants store water in their rhizomes, making them sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage conditions.
When selecting a pot for your ZZ plant, choose one with drainage holes at the bottom. These holes allow excess water to escape, preventing it from sitting around the roots. Clay or terracotta pots work well as they absorb extra moisture.
The size of the pot matters too. A pot that’s 1-2 inches larger than the root ball gives room for growth without retaining too much moisture. Very large pots hold excess water that takes longer to dry out.
For optimal drainage, use a well-draining soil mix. Combining regular potting soil with materials like perlite, coarse sand, or pumice improves drainage. The search results suggest mixing 2 parts all-purpose potting mix with 1 part coarse sand and 1 part perlite.
Check the drainage of your current pot by observing how quickly water flows through after watering. If water pools on top or drains very slowly, it’s time to repot into a container with better drainage.
When repotting, gently loosen old soil from the roots and rinse them. This refreshes the growing environment and can stimulate new growth. Fresh soil provides better drainage and aeration for the roots.
Place a layer of small stones or broken pottery pieces at the bottom of the pot before adding soil. This creates additional drainage space, preventing soil from clogging the drainage holes.
Elevate your pot slightly off surfaces using pot feet or a saucer with pebbles. This ensures water can fully drain out rather than being reabsorbed through the bottom.
Remember to empty any water that collects in the saucer under your pot. Standing water creates humidity that can lead to root problems and slower growth.
Read Why Is My ZZ Plant So Leggy
6. Add crushed eggshells to the soil for calcium
Eggshells contain calcium, which is essential for plant development and cell wall construction. ZZ plants benefit from calcium in the soil, especially during the growth phase. Adding this nutrient can help strengthen the plant’s structure and promote healthier growth.
To use eggshells for your ZZ plant, start by collecting and cleaning them thoroughly. Rinse off any remaining egg white, as this could attract pests or cause odors. Then let the shells dry completely before processing them further.
Once dry, crush the eggshells into small pieces. You can use a mortar and pestle, food processor, or simply place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The finer the pieces, the more easily the calcium will become available to your plant.
Mix the crushed eggshells into the top layer of your ZZ plant’s soil. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per plant, depending on pot size. Gently work the shells into the top inch of soil without disturbing the roots too much.
It’s important to note that whole or coarsely crushed eggshells release calcium very slowly. Research shows that simply tossing shells into soil provides minimal immediate benefit. The calcium becomes available gradually over time as the shells break down.
For faster results, you can make a water-soluble calcium solution.
Combine crushed, roasted eggshells with vinegar in a jar (roughly 1:10 ratio). The vinegar breaks down the calcium carbonate in the shells, making it more readily available to plants.
Let this mixture sit for a few weeks, stirring occasionally. Once the reaction is complete, dilute the solution with water (about 1 tablespoon per gallon) and use it to water your ZZ plant monthly during the growing season.
While eggshells can be beneficial, they won’t quickly resolve acute calcium deficiency. If your ZZ plant shows signs of severe calcium deficiency, such as stunted new growth, you might need a commercial calcium supplement for faster results.
Remember that ZZ plants are generally not heavy feeders. Too much calcium can be as problematic as too little, potentially affecting the plant’s ability to absorb other nutrients. Use eggshells moderately as part of a balanced approach to plant care.
Incorporate eggshells into your ZZ plant care routine about twice a year, preferably in spring and mid-summer when the plant is actively growing. This schedule provides a steady supply of calcium without overwhelming the plant.
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7. Repot the plant every two years or as needed
ZZ plants grow slowly compared to other houseplants, but they still benefit from occasional repotting.
As the search results suggest, repotting every 2-3 years helps maintain healthy growth conditions for your ZZ plant.
Choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the current one. The search results suggest that ZZ plants actually prefer being somewhat rootbound, which can help manage their growth rate while maintaining their health.
When repotting, it’s a good time to check the rhizomes (underground stems) and roots.
Healthy rhizomes store water and nutrients that fuel new growth. If you notice the rhizomes becoming crowded or pushing up against the pot, it’s definitely time to repot.
Signs your ZZ plant needs repotting include roots growing out of drainage holes, water running straight through the pot without being absorbed, or the plant becoming top-heavy. These indicators suggest the plant has outgrown its current home.
During repotting, gently remove the plant from its container and shake off excess soil.
Inspect the roots and trim any that appear damaged or rotted. This encourages healthier new growth once replanted.
Use fresh, well-draining potting mix when repotting. A mix designed for succulents or cacti works well for ZZ plants since they prefer soil that doesn’t stay wet for long periods.
After repotting, wait about a week before watering. This gives any damaged roots time to heal and helps prevent rot.
Place the newly repotted plant in its usual spot with appropriate light conditions.
If your goal is to create multiple plants, division during repotting is an excellent option.
As mentioned in the search results, you can carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each section has roots attached, and pot them individually.
Remember that a freshly repotted ZZ plant may take time to adjust. Don’t worry if it doesn’t show immediate new growth, as it’s focusing energy on establishing its root system in the new container.
Check out Can I Put My ZZ Plant Outside?
8. Place the plant 4-8 feet from a bright window
ZZ plants thrive with proper light exposure.
Placing your ZZ plant about 4-8 feet from a bright window creates ideal growing conditions without risking leaf damage.
This distance allows the plant to receive bright indirect light, which is perfect for stimulating growth. ZZ plants can tolerate low light conditions, but they grow much more slowly in darker areas.
Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage your plant.
At the recommended distance, your ZZ plant gets enough light energy for photosynthesis without the harsh effects of direct sun.
East or north-facing windows often provide the gentlest light. West and south-facing windows might be too intense, so position your plant farther away from these windows or use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
ZZ plants can tolerate about 2 hours of direct morning sunlight, but more than this can cause leaf burn. The 4-8 foot distance rule works well for most homes to balance light needs.
During winter months, when light is less intense, you can move your plant a bit closer to the window. In summer, you might need to move it farther away or provide some shade during the brightest parts of the day.
Rotating your plant every few weeks ensures all sides receive equal light exposure. This promotes even growth and prevents the plant from leaning toward the light source.
If natural light is limited in your space, supplemental grow lights can help.
Position these lights about 12-24 inches above your ZZ plant for best results.
Consistent, appropriate lighting helps your ZZ plant develop more stems and leaves. You’ll notice faster growth when the plant receives the right amount of indirect light compared to low-light conditions.
9. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth
ZZ plants naturally grow toward light sources. Without rotation, they can develop a lopsided appearance as they stretch toward windows or lamps.
Rotating your ZZ plant every 1-2 weeks helps all sides receive equal light exposure. This simple habit encourages symmetrical growth, preventing the plant from leaning in one direction.
Try turning the pot about a quarter turn (90 degrees) during each rotation. This gradual change gives the plant time to adjust while ensuring all sides eventually face the light source.
For indoor ZZ plants, rotation is especially important during winter months when light levels are lower. Plants tend to stretch more dramatically toward limited light sources during this time.
If you notice your ZZ plant already leaning to one side, don’t worry.
Start a regular rotation schedule, and the plant will gradually correct its growth pattern over time.
Remember that ZZ plants grow relatively slowly, so the effects of rotation may not be immediately visible. Be patient and consistent with your rotation schedule for the best results.
Marking one side of the pot with a small sticker can help you track rotations. This simple system ensures you don’t forget which side was last facing the light source.
Check out Why Is My ZZ Plant Stem Wrinkled?
10. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
ZZ plants are drought-tolerant plants that store water in their thick rhizomes. This natural water storage system means they need much less water than most houseplants.
Overwatering is the number one killer of ZZ plants.
When soil stays constantly wet, it creates the perfect environment for root rot to develop. Root rot can quickly destroy your plant’s root system.
Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, soft stems, and black spots on leaves or stems. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to adjust your watering routine.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. For most ZZ plants, this might mean watering only once every 2-3 weeks, or even less frequently during winter months.
Check soil moisture by inserting your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days.
Using well-draining soil is essential for preventing overwatering problems. A mix designed for succulents or cacti works well for ZZ plants.
Make sure your pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Standing water at the bottom of a pot will lead to root problems, even if you’re not watering too frequently.
Never let your ZZ plant sit in a tray of water. Empty any drainage trays promptly after watering to prevent the soil from reabsorbing excess moisture.
Consider using terracotta pots for ZZ plants. These porous containers allow moisture to evaporate more quickly than plastic or glazed ceramic pots.
During winter, reduce watering even further as ZZ plants naturally enter a period of slower growth. They may need water only once a month or less when temperatures are cooler.
If you’ve overwatered your ZZ plant and suspect root rot, you need to act quickly.
Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots should be firm and white or tan.
Cut away any mushy, dark, or foul-smelling roots with clean scissors.
Repot the plant in fresh, dry soil and wait at least a week before watering again.
Remember that ZZ plants would rather be underwatered than overwatered. When in doubt, it’s safer to wait a bit longer before reaching for the watering can.
Conclusion
ZZ plants can grow faster with proper care and attention. Providing bright indirect light helps these plants thrive. They can tolerate lower light conditions.
Water only when the soil is completely dry to prevent root rot. Well-draining soil is essential for healthy growth and development.
Regular fertilizing during the growing season can significantly boost growth rates. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.
Repotting when rootbound gives ZZ plants more space to expand. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger than the current one with good drainage holes.
Pruning dead or yellowing leaves keeps the plant’s energy focused on new growth. Clean tools before pruning to prevent disease spread.
Maintaining optimal temperature (65-75°F) and humidity levels creates an ideal growing environment. ZZ plants are sturdy but grow fastest in comfortable conditions.
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