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ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Care level: Very easy

The ZZ plant survives East Africa's dry grasslands by storing water in thick, potato-like rhizomes just under the soil, which is exactly why it can go weeks without water - and exactly why more people accidentally kill it with overwatering than with neglect.

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Varieties and related species
Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven'Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Zenzi'Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Variegata'

Light

Extremely tolerant of low light but grows fastest in bright, indirect light.

Water

Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings, roughly every 2-3 weeks; its rhizomes store water so it handles neglect well.

Humidity

Tolerates normal, dry household humidity without issue.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix, similar to a cactus or succulent blend.

Temperature

Normal room temperatures. Keep it above 16°C.

Size

60-120cm tall and wide.

Growth speed

Slow

Best position

  • east / south-east-facing windowanywhere up to 4 m or more from the window
  • north / north-east / north-west-facing windowanywhere up to about 2 m from the window
  • south / west-facing windowabout 1 m from the window or further back

Watch for strong direct sun at south / west windows.

See every window direction Hide window directions
right by the windowabout 1 mabout 2 mabout 4 m4 m or more
north
north-east
east
south-east
south
south-west
west
north-west

works well just about too dark too much direct sun

A rough guide based on window direction and typical daylight through the year. Window size, curtains and whatever stands outside matter just as much.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.

Chewing it can irritate the mouth, causing drooling and trouble swallowing.

If your pet has eaten some, contact your vet.

Source: Ask Extension (Colorado Master Gardener)

Common mistake

The single most common ZZ plant mistake is watering on a fixed schedule. Because its rhizomes hold a reserve of water, it needs the soil to dry out completely first, and watering too often is the leading cause of rhizome rot.

Spring

Resume light feeding as new glossy shoots emerge from the rhizomes.

Summer

Water when soil is fully dry; the plant tolerates warm temperatures well.

Autumn

Cut back watering frequency as growth naturally slows.

Winter

Water very sparingly, roughly monthly, and stop fertilizing entirely.

Soil and pot

A free-draining cactus and succulent mix, or potting compost with about one third perlite or grit. Drainage holes are essential, and a sturdy pot helps: the swelling rhizomes can deform thin plastic.

Repotting

Only every 2-3 years, in spring, when the rhizomes press against the sides of the pot. Move up one size and wait a week before watering.

Fertilising

A balanced liquid feed at half strength once a month in spring and summer. No feeding in autumn and winter.

Pruning

Rarely needed. Cut yellow or leaning stems off at soil level; a cut stem does not regrow from the cut, and new shoots come up from the rhizome instead.

Propagation

Dividing the rhizomes at repotting is the quickest way. Leaf and stem cuttings also root, but slowly: expect several months before a new rhizome forms.

Common problems

Yellow stems and leaves, soft rhizomes

Most likely cause: Overwatering. The fleshy rhizomes rot in compost that stays wet.
What to do: Stop watering, lift the plant and cut away rotten rhizome. Repot in dry, free-draining mix and water only when it is completely dry.

Brown, scorched leaves

Most likely cause: Direct sunlight.
What to do: Move it out of the sun into bright, indirect light.

Wrinkled stems

Most likely cause: A very long dry spell. The plant has used up its stored water.
What to do: Water thoroughly once, let it drain, then return to an occasional watering.

Hardly any new growth

Most likely cause: It is a slow grower by nature, and slower still in low light.
What to do: Give it bright, indirect light if you want more shoots. Otherwise be patient.

Pale, light green new leaves

Most likely cause: Normal. New growth comes out pale and darkens over a few weeks.
What to do: Nothing to do, unless the leaves stay pale for months.

Pests & Diseases

Mealybugs

Signs: White cottony masses at stem bases and leaf joints.
Treatment: Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab and monitor weekly. Check the undersides of the leaves and the crevices where the leaf stem meets the main stalk.

Root rot

Signs: Soft, mushy rhizomes and yellowing stems from overwatering.
Treatment: Remove from soil, cut away rotten rhizome tissue, and repot in dry, fast-draining mix.

Scale insects

Signs: Small brown raised bumps along stems.
Treatment: Scrape off gently and wipe stems with insecticidal soap.

Why are the new leaves on my ZZ plant pale or light green?

That is normal. New growth emerges pale yellow-green and darkens to a glossy deep green over a few weeks. It is only a concern if the leaves stay pale for a long time.

Can a ZZ plant survive in an office with no windows?

Yes, it is one of the few houseplants that grows under fluorescent light alone. Growth is very slow there. It does best in bright, indirect light.

How often should I water a ZZ plant?

About twice a month in summer and once a month in winter, and only when the compost has dried out completely. The rhizomes store water, so the plant handles drought far better than wet roots.

Is the ZZ plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, the ZZ plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing it irritates the mouth. Keep it out of reach of pets.

How do I propagate a ZZ plant?

The quickest way is to divide the rhizomes when you repot. Leaf cuttings also root, but it takes months before a new rhizome forms.

How fast does a ZZ plant grow?

Slowly. It reaches 60-120cm in height and width over several years. A few new stems a year is normal.

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