How to Grow and Care for a ZZ Plant

Zanzibar Gem

The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant houseplant from eastern Africa. The ZZ plant has earned various nicknames, including the Zanzibar gem, aroid palm, and eternity plant. It earned the last nickname because some say this plant can live forever. With proper care, it seems to do just that¹. In this blog post, I will share some tips on how to grow and care for a ZZ plant, as well as some common issues and frequently asked questions.

Light

ZZ plants are tolerant of a wide range of lighting conditions, which makes them well-suited to indoor growing. The plants can grow in low-light conditions, but they can quickly become leggy if not given enough light. When placing the plant in your house, choose a bright, indirect light spot, preferably in a room with south-facing windows. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves of your plants².

 Soil

ZZ plants are not overly picky about their potting medium as long as it is well-draining. Most standard potting mixes should be sufficient for your plant. If additional drainage is required, mixing in perlite or sand will help².

Water

ZZ plants are very drought-tolerant plants that can survive for months without water. They store water in their fleshy underground roots (tubers), which help them adapt to their native habitat of eastern Africa, where they experience long periods of drought followed by heavy rainfall³⁴. However, this does not mean that you should neglect your ZZ plant completely. The best way to water your ZZ plant is to let the soil dry out completely between watering's and then water thoroughly until the excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Avoid overwatering your ZZ plant, as this can cause root rot and yellowing of the leaves².

Temperature and Humidity

ZZ plants can tolerate a range of temperatures from 15°C to 29°C (60°F to 85°F), but they prefer warmer temperatures around 21°C (70°F). They can also handle low humidity levels, but they may benefit from occasional misting or placing them near a humidifier or a tray of pebbles and water².

Fertilizer

ZZ plants do not need much fertilizer to thrive. You can feed your ZZ plant once or twice a year with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Avoid fertilizing your ZZ plant during the winter when it is dormant².

Pruning and Propagation

ZZ plants do not need much pruning, except for removing dead or damaged leaves or stems. You can also trim your ZZ plant if it becomes too large or leggy for your liking. To propagate your ZZ plant, you can either divide the tubers or take stem cuttings. To divide the tubers, carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the tubers into smaller sections with at least one stem each. To take stem cuttings, cut off a healthy stem with at least two leaf nodes and place it in moist soil or water until roots form².

Common Issues and FAQ's

•  Why are the leaves on my ZZ plant turning brown on the tips? This could be due to underwatering, low humidity, or salt buildup in the soil. Check the soil moisture and water your ZZ plant if it is dry. Increase the humidity around your ZZ plant by misting or using a humidifier or a pebble tray. Flush the soil with water every few months to remove any excess salts².
• Why does my ZZ plant have yellow leaves? This could be due to overwatering, root rot, or too much sunlight. Check the soil moisture and drainage and reduce watering if it is soggy. Repot your ZZ plant in fresh soil if you suspect root rot. Move your ZZ plant away from direct sunlight if it is getting scorched².
• Is ZZ plant toxic? Yes, ZZ plant is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and stomach. Keep your ZZ plant out of reach of children and animals and wash your hands after handling it²⁴.
• How often should I repot my ZZ plant? ZZ plants do not need to be repotted frequently, as they like to be root-bound and grow slowly. You can repot your ZZ plant every two to three years or when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one and use fresh, well-draining soil².
• How big can a ZZ plant grow? ZZ plants can grow up to 2-4 feet tall and wide indoors, depending on the pot size and the light conditions. Outdoors, they can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide in their native habitat²⁴.

Conclusion

ZZ plants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow and care for. They have glossy, upright evergreen foliage that looks good in virtually any location. They are tolerant of low light, low water, low humidity, and low fertilizer. They are also resistant to most pests and diseases. However, they are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so keep them away from children and animals. With minimal care, your ZZ plant can live for a long time and bring you joy and beauty.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about the ZZ plant. Happy gardening!

Source: 

(1) How to Grow and Care for a ZZ Plant (2023 Guide) - Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/reviews/home-products/zz-plant.

(2) All About ZZ Plants: Sunlight, Care, & Growing Tips - The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/zz-zanzibar-gem-plant-profile-4796783.

(3) ZZ Plant 101: How to Care for ZZ Plants | Bloomscape. https://bloomscape.com/plant-care-guide/zz-plant/.

(4) How to Grow ZZ Plant | BBC Gardeners World Magazine. https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-zz-plant-zamioculcas-zamiifolia/.

(5) ENH1219/EP480: Florida Foliage House Plant Care: ZZ Plant - EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP480.

Image Attribution: Mokkie, ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) 1, CC BY-SA 3.0

Watch this Video to Learn more about the ZZ Plant

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