ZZ plants are a bit of a wonder plant. They consistently rank as one of the easiest, low-maintenance houseplants to care for, and they do well in homes with low light. The zz plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is native to East Africa. It can be found in grasslands, along riverbanks, and in dry forests—thanks to the tuber-like rhizomes attached to the roots, it can store plenty of water, making it super drought-friendly.
Because it’s so resilient out in the wild, it can basically survive any setting, including most home environments. Despite this, there are a few pointers you should keep in mind if you want your ZZ plant to thrive. Here’s how to grow and care for a zz plant, according to experts.
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- Paris Lalicata, Plant Expert at The Sill
- Lindsay Miller, Horticultural Expert at The Gardener’s Supply Company
ZZ Plant Care
Light
ZZ plants are quite famous (in the plant world, at least) for their ability to withstand low light conditions. “This is one of the many great things about this plant! They will just grow slower in low light,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer at The Gardener’s Supply Company. This means they’re great for north-facing or placed several feet from a window where it can see the outside but the sky, says Paris Lalicata from The Sill.
However, both experts agree that ZZ plants thrive in moderate levels of indirect, bright light, and may even tolerate some direct morning sunlight. Avoid prolonged stretches of direct light though, especially from the afternoon sun, which may scorch leaves.
Water
Another wondrous feature of the ZZ plant is their drought tolerance, so if you’re the forgetful type and watering plants slips your mind often, this will actually work in your favor. ZZ plants do well if you allow their soil to dry out between waterings.
“You should water your ZZ plant as soon as the soil has become bone dry. They do not like ‘wet feet,’ and overwatering is the main way these plants die,” Lalicata says. You’ll know when to water by checking the moisture of the soil. The plant also tends to shrivel when dry.
They can handle deep, but infrequent, watering— think a good soak—roughly every 2-3 weeks, though of course, always check the top inch of soil first. Ensure excess water drains out of the pot.
Temperature and Humidity
According to Miller, ZZ plants aren’t too picky when it comes to temperature and humidity. Standard household humidity and a temperature range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit works just fine, though if you really want to appease them, a slightly more humid, warm room will make them happier. (They’re from the tropics, after all!)
Soil
No need to overthink this! Any standard, well-draining potting mix is great for ZZ plants. A cactus or succulent potting mix may work too. Just make sure you select a pot or planter with a hole in the bottom for proper drainage, Miller advises. “Heavy, wet, waterlogged soil is just about the only thing this plant will not tolerate,” she adds.
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Pruning
Another point for the ZZ plant: It requires virtually no pruning. Dead or lackluster foliage should get snipped, but “for the most part, ZZ plants are slow-growing and stay in a tidy clump,” Miller says.
How to Propagate a ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a popular one for propagation—you can snip off leaflets to grow a whole new ZZ, and this is probably the easiest, most straightforward way to propagate the ZZ.
- Remove a few leaves from the stalk using pruning shears, cutting as close to the stalk as possible. (Starting with multiple will increase the chances of successful propagation.)
- Place the leaves in a dish or shallow pot with potting soil, pushing the bottom of the leaf into the soil but leaving most of the leaf exposed above the surface.
- Water so the soil is moist. Do not overwater though—it should not be soaking.
- Leave the pot in a warm, bright room. When the soil dries out, water your leaflets again.
- After a few months of care, roots will develop and eventually, you’ll see little potato-like rhizomes developing. At this point, you can re-pot your ZZ in a slightly larger planter.
Common Problems and Pests
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves on ZZ Plants can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. This may mean you’ll need to recalibrate your watering schedule to get leaves bright green again.
Root Rot
Overwatering or heavy, waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, which is usually a sign your plant is on death’s door. To prevent this, wait until soil is bone dry to water your ZZ.
Pests
ZZ plants are not susceptible to many bugs, but they may occasionally attract mealybugs. Use an insecticidal soap if you spot any critters.
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Are ZZ Plants Toxic to Pets?
Yes, ZZ plants are toxic to pets and humans! If ingested, your pet may experience diarrhea and vomiting, and the sap may burn your pet’s mouth and throat. It’s imperative you keep your ZZ out of reach from any pets and small kiddos.
