How to grow and care for a ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Beloved for its low maintenance, the ZZ plant is a must-have in your houseplant family. This is the one plant that succeeds even when you neglect it. It can adapt to low light and irregular watering. It even works in an office setting because it has no problem thriving with just the ceiling lights and irregular watering.

Sometimes called “the Zanzibar gem” or “eternity plant”, it originates from the dry grasslands and forests of eastern Africa.
 

Where should I place a ZZ plant in my house?

Unlike many other plants that require bright light, the ZZ plant can be much less demanding. It can grow in a wide range of light conditions, but it doesn’t do well in direct sunlight. Ideally, your plant should be placed in a spot that gives it at least two hours of indirect light a day.

How often do ZZ plants need water?

Overwatering this plant is basically the only way to kill it. Since the ZZ plant originates from dry regions, it can easily tolerate periods of drought. It has starchy potato-like rhizomes at the base of each stem that store water for dry times. The soil must be allowed to dry out completely between waterings, which generally means every two to four weeks, or even less frequently, depending on the light, heat and drainage of the soil.

Like most houseplants, ZZ plants prefer room-temperature water. Water that is too cold shocks the roots. Empty any excess water that accumulates in the drip tray.
 

Why is my ZZ plant turning yellow and brown?

This is a symptom of overwatering. Let the potting mix dry out. Remove damaged leaves. If the roots and rhizomes are soft and rotting from overwatering, remove much of the potting mix and repot. Adjust your watering schedule.
 

Ideal temperature and humidity for a ZZ plant

The ZZ plant likes to grow in temperatures that range from 13-26 °C. Be consistent in the air temperature: avoid placing your plant beside an air conditioning vent or near a heat register, the fireplace or an open window.

The ZZ plant has thick, waxy green leaves that make it adaptable to most humidity levels in the home. If it gets too dry, especially in winter, you can use a humidifier or a humidity tray with pebbles.
 

What is the best fertilizer for ZZ plants?

Because of the ZZ plant's slow growth, you only need to fertilize a few times a year, when watering. Look for a balanced, high-nitrogen, water-soluble or liquid fertilizer that can be added in the watering can, like Schultz All Purpose Liquid Plant Food 10-15-10.

Remember that the ZZ plant has a frustrating tendency to sit there for long periods, seemingly doing nothing but looking good. It doesn’t mean fertilizing is not working. This slow grower generally lives between 10 and 25 years, and can even exceed 30 years with proper care. So be patient: your plant will reward you for it.
 

When should you repot a ZZ plant?

The ZZ plant develops thick rhizomes under each stem. At one point, this can distort your pot, and maybe even crack it. It’s time to repot. Do this in the spring or early summer when the plant is more actively growing. Go up one pot size, adding fresh potting mix to fill the pot each time. It is important to use a potting mix that allows for proper porosity, good water retention and an appropriate fertilizer charge, like our Premium Potting Mix.

This can be the opportunity to pull the rhizomes apart, divide them and start a second plant!
 

Can you start a new ZZ plant from a cutting?

Zamioculcas zamiifolia can be propagated by division or cuttings, but dividing at repotting is the best method. You just have to remove the plant from the pot and separate the rhizomes by carefully pulling them apart, trying to keep as many roots intact as you can. Plant each clump in new pots.

Starting a new plant from stem cuttings is simple, but it is a very slow process. Cuttings placed in water can need two to four weeks to develop roots and once roots have formed, you may have to wait four to eight weeks before new growth. It is possible to propagate from leaves (no stems), but this is the slowest method. It may take a year or more to develop into a plant.

If you want to try, this is how to proceed.

1. Pick out a stem with at least three leaf nodes. 
2. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle just above a node. 
3. Remove the bottom leaves. Leave a leaf or two on the stem. 
4. Place the cutting in a clear jar with a few inches of water, with the nodes submerged and the foliage above the waterline. 
5. Place the jar in indirect light. Top up the water regularly and change the water from time to time. After a few months, you will see some roots developing.
6. Once roots are 1 to 2 inches long, transplant the cutting into a pot with fresh potting mix. 
7. Water deeply. 
8. Place your new plant in bright, indirect light.

You can also propagate directly in a seed starting mix. Use the steps above, but instead of placing the cutting in water, dip it in a rooting hormone and insert it into a pot filled with well-draining potting soil and cover with a plastic bag. Place in a warm location with bright, indirect light. After a month or two, check for root growth by tugging gently on the cutting. If you feel some resistance, then the roots are forming.

Warning: ZZ plant sap is known to cause irritation to sensitive skin. Wear gloves when dividing or making cuttings for propagation.

Toxicity to animals

The ZZ plant can cause oral irritation, vomiting and diarrhea if consumed, so it is considered mildly toxic.  Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.
 

So, how do I make a ZZ plant happy?

The ZZ plant is one of the easiest plants to grow. Far from being demanding when it comes to care, you practically only need to ensure that you don't overwater it.

Here are three tips for growing a beautiful and healthy ZZ plant:

1. Every time you water the plant, rotate it a quarter turn to give it even light exposure so one side won’t grow drastically more than the other side. 
2. Use a damp cloth to lightly clean the leaves when dust accumulates.
3. Prune out any dead or yellowing leaves and their stems.