How to Grow and Care for ZZ Plant

Where to Plant ZZ Plant

A ZZ plant will thrive in your home in any place where it gets low or bright indirect light. Keep it away from any cold drafts, vents, or air conditioning units.

Before acquiring a new plant, make sure your environment meets its needs. Not every plant will do well in every location.

ZZ Plant Care Tips

The ZZ plant is considered one of the best houseplants for beginners because it requires only minimal care.

Light

Many houseplants tolerate low light, but ZZ plant has exceptional tolerance. It is naturally a very slow-growing plant and when placed in a site that has limited natural light, it will seem to maintain its size and shape for months. In a growing spot with a few hours of bright indirect light, avoid direct sunlight as it can harm the foliage. ZZ plant should show visible growth over the course of a couple of months.

Soil and Water

ZZ plant thrives when its soil dries out between waterings. Water the plant well, allowing excess water to thoroughly drain out of the bottom of the pot. Then test the soil before watering again. Sink your finger about an inch into the soil; if the soil is dry to the touch, water the plant well. If the soil is moist, check the plant again in a few weeks.

In many interior settings, ZZ plant needs to be watered only every couple of weeks. Remember, drainage is essential. Be sure excess water can flow out freely from the pot.

Temperature and Humidity

The plant prospers in warm, tropical temperatures between 65 and 80°F. Temperatures under 50°F stunt the growth of the plant.

ZZ plants do best with 40% to 50% humidity. Increase the humidity in your home by using a humidifier or grouping houseplants closely together.

Fertilizer

Apply a low-dose liquid fertilizer according to label directions twice a year. If you neglect to fertilize ZZ plant, it is very forgiving. Simply fertilize it when you remember and wait at least 6 months to fertilize again.

Pruning

There is no need to prune ZZ plants other than to remove any yellow or damaged leaves with sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.

Potting and Repotting ZZ Plant

A peat- or bark-based potting soil or a potting mix for aroids works well for ZZ plant. It will grow for many months before requiring repotting.

A sign that ZZ plant needs to move to a larger container is when the roots begin to circle around the inside of the container. When repotting, use a container that is only slightly larger than the original container.

Pests and Problems

The ZZ plant is rarely affected by disease or insect issues but like other houseplants, it may get scale insects, aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites.

How to Propagate ZZ Plant

ZZ plants can be propagated from stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or by division. The propagation method you select depends on how quickly you’d like to get results, with division being the fastest method.

Types of ZZ Plant

'Raven' ZZ Plant

The leaves of this variety start bright green and turn a dark purple-maroon as they mature.

'Chamaleon' ZZ Plant

Aptly named, the multicolor leaves of this variety change their color from a bright golden yellow when they emerge to a rich, dark green.

'Zamicro' ZZ Plant

The dwarf version of the ZZ plant maxes out at 12 inches in height when mature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ZZ plant poisonous to touch?

It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the ZZ plant, such as when moving, repotting, or propagating it, as the sap can cause skin irritations.