Can ZZ Plants Live and Grow Outside Where You Live? - The Healthy Houseplant (2024)

ZZ Plants, or Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, are becoming extremely popular in homes around the world. But can these loveable plants survive outside year round? Can they be planted directly into soil? What do ZZ plants need to live outdoors?

In certain conditions, ZZ plants can grow outside. ZZs are tropical plants that are winter hardy between USDA zones 9-10. If you live in zones 1 through 8, you could set your ZZ outside for some extra sunshine and return it indoors when the temperatures drop below 40°F (4.5°C).

Many people are curious if a ZZ plant can live outdoors, or if it is a good idea to leave them out in the summer for some extra fresh air. Personally, I’m a big fan of setting my tropical houseplants, such as ZZ plants, outdoors during the summer and believe it helps give the plant a boost in growth and health. If you are planning to set your ZZ outdoors this summer, keep reading for some advice about when to do it and where to place it.

What About Where You Live? Can a ZZ Plant Live Outside There?

ZZ plants are herbaceous perennials, which means that when they are planted in the ground, they die back to the soil level and reappear in the spring. They are native to the dry grasslands and forest of eastern Africa. They like warm temperatures and will not survive through the colder months in many areas.

ZZ plants, or Zamioculcas Zamiifolias, do best in daytime temperatures between 65° – 75°F (18° – 24°C) and nighttime temperatures that are not much cooler. They prefer humid areas but can survive without it. They are best kept outside between USDA zones 9 and 10. If you live in those two zones, ZZ plants can do well planted in the soil outdoors.

In the US, unless you live somewhere in the deep south, you likely won’t be able to plant your ZZ outdoors year round. However, in many areas, they do very well to be set outside in a container for the warm months of the year.

If you’d like to give your ZZ plant some extra sunshine in the summer, set it outside in an area where it will receive indirect light and simply bring it back inside when temperatures dip below 40° F (4.5° C)

If you are curious about whether you’re in the correct zone for year round outdoor Zamioculcas Zamiifolias, use this chart below to determine your zone.

This chart is based on average minimum temperature in the winter. If you live in a location where it almost never gets below 8°F like me, you are in zone 7.

Remember ZZs do best in zones 9 and 10.

Should You Move Your ZZ Outside for the Summer?

Most of us do not live in areas where we can keep ZZs outdoors all year round. But does that mean we should only leave them inside instead?

Many people have excellent success in setting their ZZ plants outside for a little extra sun and fresh air for the warmer months of the year. ZZs are sometimes thought to be low light plants, but in my opinion, while they can tolerate a little, they do better with more indirect light.

If you are noticing your plant becoming “leggy” (very long stems with only a few small leaves), it is possible that your ZZ could use a little extra indirect sunshine. The most common help for a leggy houseplant is more light, but you must be careful to not place your plant in direct sunlight.

Remember that ZZs and most common houseplants are tropical plants, meaning they thrive in hot, muggy temperatures. Placing your plant outside for a portion of the year can boost its growth and keep it much happier.

The Best Outdoor Location for a ZZ Plant

Some people are led to believe that ZZ plants do not need any light at all. That is simply not true. All plants need some light to be able to complete their photosynthesis process efficiently and create food for themselves. ZZ plants are no different.

ZZ plants can tolerate very low light, but I believe they do best in areas with moderate to bright indirect light. Placing it into an area that receives direct light will cause your plant to get the equivalent of a sunburn, so be sure to place it in an area that is mostly shaded or only ever gets filtered sunlight.

ZZ plants do well in shaded or covered outdoor areas that are bright but where the sun will never directly beat down on their leaves. An ideal spot would be under a covered patio or porch. I have a few on a shelf on my front porch.

If you live in zones nine or tenand you want to plant a ZZ directly into the ground, be sure to place it in an area that falls between dappled morning sunshine and full shade.

Too Much Light Can Harm Your ZZ Plant

ZZ plants cannot tolerate direct light hitting their leaves. With direct sunlight, your plant will begin to develop a slight discoloration. To begin with, leaves will turn a lighter shade of green and then move on to yellow. Eventually, they may begin to show small burn spots, a similar equivalent to a human sunburn.

If you are noticing any of these issues with your outdoor ZZ, move it to an area that receives less sunlight. I prefer to move plants slowly over a few days instead of all at once as they are sensitive to drastic changes in environment. To find more information on the best light for ZZ Plants, read this article.

Water More Frequently Outdoors in The Summer

While indoors, our ZZ plants can survive with watering only once every two weeks, outside they will need more TLC from you. Even indoors, ZZs require more water while in their growing season during the warmer months of the year. So when they are placed in a warmer, more humid outdoor environment, you’ll need to water them even more.

Before watering your ZZ plant, I always like to check that the top inch of soil is completely dry. While it will need more water in summer, your plant should never be kept in wet or soggy soil. ZZs need to have the chance to dry their soil out in between waterings. Only when the top inch or two of soil is dry is it time to water your plant again.

All Transitions Should Be Made Slowly

Most houseplants are sensitive to drastic changes in environment, and ZZ plants are no exception. If you are considering giving your ZZ a little outdoor time this year, be sure to ease into the transition and give it the chance to “harden off” before leaving it outside all day.

Personally, I start to set my plants outside for a few hours in the morning once the temperature is warm enough. Over time, I leave them out for more and more time, until they are ready to be left in their spots for the summer.

ZZs Love Fresh Air

Some of the healthiest, biggest ZZs I’ve ever seen have been planted in outdoor containers that are returned indoors for the winter. When I started seeing this, I had my husband build a shelf on our porch to hold a few of my favorite plants during the summer. If you’ve been considering moving your plant outdoors, ease it into the transition, then watch it flourish all summer long.