How to care for a ZZ plant (2024)

The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, or more commonly known as ZZ plant, is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for low-light places. In this guide, we'll go over everything you should know about ZZ plants and how to grow them successfully.

The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, also known as the ZZ plant, is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for low-light places. If you're someone who forgets to water plants often, this is a great plant for you.

In this guide, we'll go over some of the most important aspects of taking care of a ZZ plant. We'll go over these topics:

Taking care of a ZZ plant is quite easy, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Let's get into those things, so you can get back to taking care of your ZZ plant.

Watering your ZZ plant

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A ZZ plant grows from a big bulb, called a rhizome, which resembles a potato. This bulb, along with the thick stems, stores a lot of moisture. This means you won't have to water your ZZ plant very often.

The ZZ plant thrives when you forget to water it for weeks, sometimes months. If your ZZ plant is not growing a new stem with leaves, you can skip watering your ZZ plant for 2 months without a problem. When it starts to grow a stem, you should help it grow the stem by watering it a little more often.

Yellow leaves on a ZZ plant

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When you overwater your plant, the leaves on your ZZ plant will turn yellow, the stem will become wrinkled, and turn brown. The ZZ plant is very sensitive to overwatering and when it does happen, the weaker stems will die.

This is why it's best to water your ZZ plant thoroughly a maximum of once per month. The plant can easily recover from being under-watered, but overwatering is harmful.

Wrinkled stem on your ZZ plant

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When you see your ZZ plant get wrinkled stems, it can mean two things: Your ZZ plant is thirsty, or it has been overwatered. If you haven't watered your ZZ plant for a few weeks, it's probably thirsty and watering will resolve the wrinkles. If you've recently watered your ZZ plant, it has probably been overwatered and you should drain the excess water and let the soil dry completely.

Then it's best to wait for another few weeks before watering your plant again. If you need more help with this, you can look at How to rescue a plant from overwatering.

Light requirements for your ZZ plant

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The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, as we've gone over before, thrives in low-light places. The ZZ plants in the photo below have been in a dark room that doesn't get any direct sunlight, only indirect sunlight through open doors, for more than a year and they're in perfect health.

There is a little caveat to keeping your ZZ plants in a low-light place, which is that the growth of new stems will slow down a lot. Your ZZ plant, like almost every other plant, needs light to grow. If you don't give it enough sunlight, it'll do just fine, but it won't grow any bigger.

Stimulating growth on your ZZ plant

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If your ZZ plant starts to grow a new stem, like in the photo below, it's important to move it to a brighter spot temporarily.

If you've taken care of succulents, you'll know what happens when they don't get enough sunlight: they will try to grow towards the light and stretch themselves out. The ZZ plant will do the same thing.

When it's growing a new stem, it will try to grow towards the light. If it doesn't get enough sunlight, the new stem will become long, with the leaves far apart. This doesn't look very nice and the leaves will stay light green for a long time. This is why it's important to give growing ZZ plants a brighter spot until the stem has fully grown. At this point, you can move it back to the low-light location if you want to.

Rotating a ZZ plant

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As we've described in the previous paragraph, ZZ plants tend to grow towards the light. If you've got a very obvious light source, like a window close by, your ZZ plant will grow towards this light.

You can help your ZZ plant to grow straight by rotating it 90 degrees every once in a while. This way, you'll make sure your ZZ plant grows straight. This is only necessary when a new stem is growing. Established stems won't grow towards the light anymore.

Brown stems and/or black spots on your ZZ plant

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ZZ plants are low-light plants, giving them too much light or even direct sunlight could cause black spots to show up on the stems. These spots are not harmful, but rather, they're a sign that you should move your ZZ plant to a darker spot.

As long as those spots feel dry and not squishy, there is nothing to worry about. But these spots won't return back to their normal green color, as these are sunburns.

Temperature requirements

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The ZZ plant is a low-maintenance indoor plant that is known for its glossy green leaves and ability to survive in almost any environment. However, to make sure it has the best growth and health, it is important to provide it with the right temperature conditions.

Generally, the ideal temperature range for a ZZ plant is between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius (65 to 85 F). This temperature range is perfect for the ZZ plant to thrive and grow, as it provides a comfortable temperature for the plant without being too hot or cold.

It is important to note that the ZZ plant can tolerate temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius (59 F) for short periods, but longer exposure to cold temperatures can cause damage to the plant and limit its growth. On the other hand, temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) are also bad for the plant, as they can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow.

It is also important to avoid exposing the ZZ plant to extreme temperature changes, such as placing it near a drafty window or a heater. These temperature changes can also cause damage to the plant and affect its overall health.

Humidity levels

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While the ZZ plant can adapt well to different humidity levels, it still prefers a certain level of humidity in the air. In its natural habitat, the ZZ plant grows in areas with high humidity levels, such as tropical rainforests. However, it also survives in drier environments, making it an adaptable plant.

While the plant can survive in low humidity conditions, you should try to maintain a humidity level of around 40-60% for optimal growth and health. You can achieve this through several methods, like using a humidifier, grouping plants, or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase moisture in the air.

However, excessive humidity (anything above 60%) can lead to issues such as fungal growth and root rot, so it's important to find a balance in maintaining humidity levels for the ZZ plant.

Soil for your ZZ plant

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Your Zamioculcas Zamiifolia thrives in dry environments, which means you need to use soil that helps your ZZ plant to stay as dry as it can, but still absorb enough moisture when you do water it. You're looking for a succulent soil mix or a soil mix that doesn't retain moisture for too long.

The ZZ plant will store most of the moisture it needs in its bulb and stem and it doesn't rely on the soil to keep it hydrated. A succulent or cacti soil mix is perfect for the ZZ plant.

Fertilizing your ZZ plant

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We've gone over the fact that the ZZ plant grows very slowly if it grows at all. Quickly growing plants often require a lot of nutrients to grow at a fast rate. In the same way, the ZZ plant doesn't need a lot of nutrients, as it grows slowly.

If you choose to not fertilize your ZZ plant at all, this is fine. It doesn't need any fertilizer. If you do want to fertilize it, to help it grow a little bit more, you can. If you want to fertilize your ZZ plant, do so at the beginning of the spring, when the ZZ plant enters the growing period and gets out of its dormancy.

Pruning and trimming your ZZ plant

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You may be wondering if it's necessary to prune or trim your ZZ plant. Generally speaking, ZZ plants don't need frequent pruning or trimming, as they naturally stay quite compact and do not tend to become overgrown. Once a stem has reached its full length, it won't grow longer.

That being said, there are a few situations in which pruning or trimming might be a good idea. For example, if your ZZ plant has become overgrown, pruning some stems can help promote new growth and give your ZZ plant a cleaner look. Also, if your ZZ plant has developed any yellowed or damaged leaves, you should prune those away to prevent the plant from wasting energy on unhealthy foliage.

When pruning a ZZ plant, it is important to use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and to make clean cuts. It is also important to avoid over-pruning, as ZZ plants can be sensitive to excessive cutting and may struggle to recover from too much leaf loss.

Since new stems grow out of the rhizome, the bulb at the base of the plant, it doesn't have obvious nodes on the stem itself. Once you cut a stem, either at the base or along the length, it won't grow any further. It also won't regrow leaves if they're trimmed. The only new growth comes from new stems coming out of the rhizome.

How do I properly prune my ZZ plant without causing damage?

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When it comes to properly pruning your ZZ plant, it's important to understand how to plant grows first. The Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a type of succulent that stores water and nutrients in its rhizomes, which are underground bulbs that produce new stems and roots. This means that cutting into the rhizomes can cause damage to the plant and slow down its growth.

To prune your ZZ plant, start by identifying which stems or leaves need to be trimmed back. Typically, you'll want to remove any yellow or brown leaves or stems that appear to be damaged or diseased. You may also want to trim back any stems or leaves that are getting too long or are crowding the plant.

When cutting back the stems or leaves, use a clean pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors. It's important to make clean cuts to prevent damage to the plant. Avoid using dull or dirty pruning tools, as this can crush the stems and leaves, and introduce bacteria or disease to the plant.

For larger stems or leaves, you may need to use a sharp knife or other cutting tool. Again, make sure the tool is clean to prevent damage to the plant.

After pruning, it's a good idea to sterilize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or bleach to prevent the spread of disease. As an extra step, you can also wipe down the leaves and stems of the plant with a damp cloth to remove any debris or residue.

Propagating your ZZ plant

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Propagation is the process of creating more plants from a single plant. It's by far the easiest way to get more plants in your collection. There are multiple ways of propagating a ZZ plant:

• Propagation by division
• Leaf propagation

Propagation by division is the quickest way, but also the most harmful way. When you propagate your ZZ plant by division, you cut the large bulb in two. Essentially ripping two parts of your plants from each other to result in two plants. You can do this, but not very often. It takes a long time before the bulb grows back to its "normal" size.

Leaf propagation is taking a section of the stem with at least two leaves from the ZZ plant putting it in water or soil and waiting for it to grow roots. This method is less harmful to the parent plant, so this might be a good option if you'd like to propagate your ZZ plant. If you choose to use leca for this method, you will see roots show up after a few weeks (see image above). It's a slow-growing plant, but roots should appear quite quickly.

New roots will show up while a new rhizome is forming at the base of your cutting. The base will slowly start to thicken while the roots are growing and over time you might notice that the rhizome is starting to grow new stems. It's a very easy plant to propagate, just like most other succulents.

Repotting your ZZ plant

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A ZZ plant is a fairly low-maintenance indoor plant, but it still requires occasional repotting to make sure it stays healthy and has enough space to grow. Typically, repotting should be done once every two to three years, or whenever the plant outgrows its container.

To determine if a ZZ plant needs repotting, check to see if its roots are visibly sticking out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If so, it's time to find a bigger pot and give the plant some more room to grow.

When it comes to repotting a ZZ plant, it's important to choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Too much extra space can cause the extra soil in the pot to hold onto too much moisture and overwater your plant. Choose a pot with drainage holes and add fresh, well-draining soil mixed with some perlite or sand to promote drainage and airflow.

Carefully remove the ZZ plant from its old pot, loosen any tangled roots, and gently tease them out before placing the plant in the new pot. Add more soil around the plant, gently tamping it down to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly and place the plant in a location with bright, indirect light.

Choosing the right soil when repotting a ZZ plant

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When it comes to repotting a ZZ plant, it's important to choose the right potting mix. Earlier in this plant care guide, we looked at the ideal soil for this plant and we concluded that this was a succulent soil mix.

The ideal potting mix for a ZZ plant should consist of a combination of general potting mix, peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. Peat moss is a great choice because it retains moisture and nutrients, while perlite helps to improve drainage and aeration. Coarse sand can create a more open texture, allowing water to drain through easily and prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.

This type of soil is extra important when you're repotting your ZZ plant because it needs to settle into its new growing environment for a few weeks. If you give it the soil it likes, the well-draining and oxygen-rich soil, it'll settle in much easier and you shouldn't notice any signs of stress.

Seasonal Care for a ZZ plant

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The ZZ plant is a tough plant that does quite well throughout the year. However, just like any other plant, the ZZ plant does have specific needs for every season.

During the summer months, the ZZ plant should be watered more often than in the winter. This is because hotter temperatures and extra sunlight make the moisture in the soil evaporate more quickly. To make sure that the plant stays healthy during this time, you should water it more often, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. If you want to give your plant a boost, you can fertilize it a few times during the growing season: spring and summer.

In autumn, the ZZ plant may become dormant, during which, you can water it less often and you shouldn't fertilize it. This is because the plant grows more slowly, because of the lower temperatures and less sunlight. At this time, it is important to keep the soil slightly drier to prevent root rot and other moisture-related problems.

When winter arrives, the ZZ plant will probably be completely dormant and will need even less water and no fertilization. However, it is still important to maintain a consistent watering schedule to avoid under-watering or over-watering the plant. It is also crucial to keep the plant away from direct sources of heat, such as radiators or fireplaces, which can damage the foliage.

In spring, as temperatures start to rise again and daylight hours become longer, the ZZ plant will start to grow again. At this time, it is important to resume regular watering and fertilization to support new growth and maintain the health of the plant.

Are there any specific steps I should follow for winterizing my ZZ plant?

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There are some specific steps that you can follow to make sure that your ZZ plant is winterized and protected from the chilling winter temperatures. First, you should slowly reduce the amount of water you give to your plant, as it will need less water during the winter months.

Consider moving your ZZ plant to a location in your home that is away from windows and drafts. This will provide a more stable temperature and protect your plant from cold drafts.

You may want to add some extra humidity to the air around your plant during the winter months. The dry indoor air can evaporate the moisture from the leaves and lead to browning or yellowing. You can use a humidifier or group your plants together to create a mini-microclimate.

You can also consider providing your ZZ plant with some artificial lighting. Since there is less natural light during the winter months, it is a good idea to provide extra lighting to make sure that your plant continues to thrive. LED grow lights are an excellent option for indoor plants as they provide plenty of light without generating too much heat.

Pests and diseases

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Several common pests can affect ZZ plants, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can be difficult to see with the naked eye, but their presence is often indicated by small webs and yellowing or stippling on the leaves.

Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that secrete a white, waxy substance, and they tend to gather in groups in hard-to-reach places of the plant.

Scale insects are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, and they can be identified by the presence of raised bumps on the plant's surface.

To prevent these pests from infesting your ZZ plant, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pest activity and remove any affected leaves or stems immediately. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to control infestations. Also, keep the plant away from other infested plants and wash your hands before handling the plant to avoid transferring pests.

If you're looking for more in-depth information about these pests, have a look at The 7 most common houseplant pests and how to control them.

How to identify and treat diseases in your ZZ plant

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Alone with a few pests that can attack your ZZ plant, there are also a few diseases that can affect their overall health. To maintain the health of your ZZ plant, it is important to identify and treat common diseases.

Here are some tips on how to do so:

Identify common diseases

ZZ plants can be affected by a few diseases including root rot, leaf spot disease, and fungal infections. Root rot is one of the most common diseases that affect ZZ plants and is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Leaf spot disease is characterized by small brown spots on leaves and is usually caused by fungal infections. Fungal infections can also cause yellowing leaves on the plant.

Monitor plant health

Regularly monitor the health of your ZZ plant by checking the leaves, stems, and roots for any signs of disease. Look for brown or yellow leaves, soft stems, or a foul smell coming from the soil. These are all signs that your ZZ plant may be suffering from a disease.

Treat diseases

If you suspect that your ZZ plant is suffering from a disease, take immediate action to treat it. Begin by removing any infected leaves or stems and cutting away any damaged roots. Repot the plant in fresh soil or add a layer of sand or rocks to improve drainage. If you suspect a fungal infection, use a fungicide spray to treat the affected areas.

Prevent future disease

To prevent future disease, make sure to properly care for your ZZ plant. This means providing adequate sunlight, good drainage, and not overwatering. Avoid placing your ZZ plant in direct sunlight or an area with extreme temperatures. Also, avoid overcrowding your plant with other plants as this can increase the risk of disease.

Identifying and treating common diseases in ZZ plants is essential to keeping them healthy and thriving. By regularly monitoring your ZZ plant's health, taking immediate action to treat any disease, and preventing future diseases, you can make sure that your plant continues to thrive and bring beauty to your home.

Toxicity for your pets

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While the ZZ plant is generally considered safe for humans, there is some concern regarding its toxicity to pets such as cats, dogs, and other animals.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the ZZ plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion of the plant can cause a range of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, pets may experience difficulty breathing, seizures, and even death.

It's important to note that while the ZZ plant is toxic to pets, it is not usually fatal and most cases of pet poisoning are mild to moderate. However, if you suspect that your pet has ingested a ZZ plant or is showing any symptoms of poisoning, it's important to ask your veterinarian for help immediately.

To prevent pet poisoning, it's best to keep ZZ plants out of reach of pets and to avoid placing them in areas where pets spend a lot of their time.

Zamioculcas Raven

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The Zamioculcas Raven, or "The black ZZ plant", is a variety of ZZ plant that has the same requirements as the normal ZZ plant. This means that you can keep it in a low-light place in your house and it will do just fine. Its black leaves are just a cosmetic mutation to the plant, so you can take care of it in the same way as you would for its green version.

The Raven is a little more rare than the green ZZ plant, so it could take some time before you can find one.

New leaves

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When your ZZ raven gets new leaves, they're green, like the regular green plant. However, over time, these slowly turn to black like the image above.

Why is my ZZ plant not growing or showing signs of distress?

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If your ZZ plant is not growing or showing signs of distress, there could be several reasons behind it. First, make sure that your plant is receiving the right amount of light. ZZ plants thrive in bright, indirect light, but direct sunlight can damage their leaves. So, if you have placed your plant in a dark corner or direct sunlight, it could be the reason behind its slow growth.

Another factor that affects your ZZ plant's growth is water. Overwatering or underwatering your plant can lead to the death of its roots, which in turn can slow down its growth. You should water your plant not more than once per week or when the top inch of soil is dry.

Poor soil quality or lack of nutrients can also affect your ZZ plant's growth. The ZZ plant doesn't need to be fertilized, but if you want it to grow, you will need to fertilize it. If you have not fertilized your plant for a long time, it might not be getting the required nutrients. You can add a slow-release fertilizer or mix compost into the soil to give your plant a boost.

Finally, check for any pests or diseases that may be affecting your plant. Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects are common pests that can harm your ZZ plant. Look for signs such as sticky residue, webbing, or discoloration on the leaves and stems. If you notice any of these symptoms, take immediate action to control the infestation.

What should I do if my ZZ plant starts dropping leaves?

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If you notice that your ZZ plant is dropping leaves, it could have several causes. First, check the soil moisture level. Overwatering or underwatering can both cause leaves to fall off. ZZ plants don't need to be watered often, so make sure the soil is dry to the touch before watering again.

Another possible cause of leaf drop could be lack of light. ZZ plants need bright, indirect light to thrive, so make sure that your plant is receiving enough light. If your plant is in a dark corner, consider moving it to a slightly brighter location.

Pests or diseases could also be the cause. Check for any signs of mealybugs or spider mites, which can easily spread amongst indoor plants. If you suspect pests, isolate your plant and treat it immediately with an appropriate insecticide.

The natural growing cycle of the ZZ plant involves shedding older leaves to make space and preserve energy for new growth. If only a few leaves are dropping and healthy new shoots are emerging, it's likely just part of the plant's growth cycle and nothing to worry about.

Conclusion

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The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, more commonly known as ZZ plant, is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for low-light places. You can keep these in darker spaces in your house or an office, and you won't have to worry about giving them too little attention. The ZZ plant thrives when you forget about it. It's a slow-growing plant, so you won't have to worry about running out of space for it anytime soon. If you want to propagate it, however, you can.

Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.

Tags:beginner-friendly, Plant care tips, low-light