The Complete Guide to ZZ Plant Care (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
I have three ZZ plants, and the oldest has been with me for about 10 years. She started as a small plant with just three stems and has grown into a real showpiece in the corner of my living room, right below a north-facing window. The second one is around four years old, and the youngest I propagated from a cutting of the big one.
So if you've heard that ZZ plants are the easiest houseplants ever, well, that's almost true. They survive nearly anything, which is why they're so popular for homes and offices. But surviving is not the same as thriving. Here is everything I've learned about ZZ plant care (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): my 8 tips for a ZZ that actually grows.
If you prefer to watch, here is my full ZZ plant care video:
| Need | What it likes |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light for 6+ hours; survives low light but barely grows there |
| Water | Only when the soil is completely dry, often every 2 to 4 weeks depending on pot size |
| Soil | 50:50 potting soil and cactus mix, or potting soil with perlite or sand |
| Humidity | Average room humidity is fine, no misting needed |
| Temperature | Warm, 18 to 26 C, no cold drafts |
| Feeding | 2 or 3 light feeds in spring and summer, always on moist soil |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets and people if eaten |
1. Light Requirements for ZZ Plants
We usually call ZZ plants low-light plants, and that's not wrong. But in low light they just survive: they stay alive without really growing. I have one ZZ in a darker room, and after more than two years her stems are still thin and her leaves small, while my ZZs in brighter spots keep pushing out new growth.
The truth is, ZZ plants love light. Bright, indirect light for at least six hours a day makes a huge difference, and a bit of gentle morning or late-afternoon sun is even better. Just keep her out of harsh direct sun, especially strong midday sun, which can burn the leaves.
East or west-facing windows are ideal, a few feet back from the glass. A north-facing window works too if the plant sits right in front of it, like my oldest one. If the leaves stay small or no new stems appear, she needs more light; brown spots usually mean too much direct sun.
2. How Often to Water a ZZ Plant
ZZ plants store water in their thick, potato-like rhizomes, so they need far less water than most houseplants. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings: stick your finger 2 to 3 inches into the soil, and only water when it's dry.
- Don't water on a schedule. My biggest ZZ gets water only about once a month, because her large pot takes a long time to dry. My smaller one needs water about every two weeks.
- Adjust when conditions change. More light, a smaller pot or fresh, airy soil all make the soil dry faster, so a routine that worked before may suddenly stop working.
- When in doubt, wait. It's always safer to underwater than overwater. Too much water leads to yellowing leaves, mushy stems and root rot.
- Humidity: average room humidity is perfectly fine for a ZZ plant, so there's no need to mist it.
3. Best Soil for ZZ Plants
ZZ plants need well-draining soil, because their rhizomes rot easily in heavy soil that stays wet. A 50:50 mix of regular potting soil and a succulent or cactus mix works perfectly. You can also mix potting soil with perlite or sand. The potting soil holds a little moisture, while the rest keeps everything light and airy.
4. Pots and Repotting
ZZ plants like a slightly snug pot, but not forever. If she stays too long in the same pot with no room to make new rhizomes, growth slows down and new stems come up small and thin, or not at all. Repot every two to three years, or when she has clearly outgrown her pot.
- Go just one to two sizes bigger; a much bigger pot holds too much wet soil
- Always use a pot with drainage holes
- Be gentle with the rhizomes. I often cut the old plastic pot to get the plant out without damaging them
- Don't bury the rhizomes too deep; they should sit just under the soil surface
If you want to see exactly how I repot my ZZ plant step by step, watch my repotting video or read my detailed guide on ZZ plant repotting.
5. New Growth and Fertilizer
This might surprise you, but fertilizer is not what makes a ZZ plant grow faster. If the light, pot, soil and watering aren't right, fertilizer won't help and can even harm the roots. I feed my ZZ plants only two or three times during the growing season and never in winter.
I use my homemade lentil-based organic fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer for green houseplants. One important rule: always water first and never fertilize dry soil, or you can burn the roots. If you're interested in making the organic fertilizer, read more here or watch the video below:
When the conditions are right, ZZ plants respond. I once had five new stems coming up at the same time!
It's normal for old, mature stems to turn yellow and dry out from time to time. Just cut them off at the base. But if younger stems start to yellow, it's usually a sign of overwatering or another problem worth checking.
6. Keep Her in One Stable Spot
ZZ plants don't like sudden changes. Cold drafts, heaters or moving them around can slow growth more than you might expect. My fastest-growing ZZs are the ones left in one warm, stable spot. So once you find a good place for your ZZ plant, let her settle there and give her time.
7. Cleaning, Rotating and Pest Control
ZZ plants are generally pest-resistant, but their glossy leaves collect dust, which dulls the shine and blocks light. Wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks. A small plant can have a gentle lukewarm shower; for my big one, I use a soft towel.
ZZ plants also lean towards their light source. I rotate the pot every time I water, so all sides get the same light and the plant grows even and balanced.
8. ZZ Plant Propagation
ZZ plants can be propagated by division, stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Division is the easiest and most successful: when you repot, carefully separate the plant into sections, each with its own rhizomes and stems. Stem cuttings root in water or a well-draining mix, and single leaves can grow new rhizomes too. All methods are slow, so patience is key. My youngest ZZ started as a cutting from my oldest plant.
Music for My Plants
I often play my calm Music for Plants tracks while I water and wipe the leaves. I can’t promise it makes a ZZ grow faster, but it turns plant care into a relaxing ritual for me. You can listen to them on my Music for Plants page.
Common ZZ Plant Problems and Mistakes to Avoid
If your ZZ plant is struggling, I made a video about the 5 most common mistakes people make with ZZ plants. Watch it below, or read my full post on ZZ plant problems.
Final Thoughts
ZZ plants really are one of the most forgiving houseplants, but they reward you for a little extra attention. Give her light, give her space and water wisely, and she'll push out strong new stems for years. My 10-year-old ZZ is the best proof of that.
You will find more plant care videos on my YouTube channel.
ZZ plants are famously low maintenance, but a simple watering routine keeps them at their best. My Plant Care Journal helps you remember when you last watered, so you never overdo it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water a ZZ plant?
Water only when the soil has dried out completely, often every two to four weeks depending on the pot size, and even less in winter. ZZ plants store water in their rhizomes and are very drought tolerant, so it is always safer to underwater than overwater.
Why is my ZZ plant turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are almost always a sign of overwatering and soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. Let the soil dry out fully, check that the pot drains well, and reduce how often you water.
Can a ZZ plant grow in low light?
Yes. ZZ plants tolerate low light better than almost any other houseplant, which makes them perfect for offices and dim corners. They grow faster and fuller in bright, indirect light, but they stay healthy even in low light.
Is the ZZ plant toxic to pets?
Yes, mildly. The ZZ plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and can cause irritation or an upset stomach if chewed or eaten. Keep it out of reach of curious pets and children, and wash your hands after handling cut stems.
How do I propagate a ZZ plant?
The easiest ways are division when repotting, or leaf cuttings placed in water or soil. Both are slow, as ZZ plants take their time to form new rhizomes, so patience is key, but it is very rewarding.
Related Articles
- ZZ Plant Problems: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
- How to Repot a ZZ Plant
- Organic Fertilizer for Houseplants
- Office Plants: Low-Light Desk Picks
Thanks for reading, and happy growing!
Written by Bojana
Plant lover, grower, and music maker behind Plant House & Garden, with 35+ years of hands-on houseplant experience. Read more about Bojana →
