The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) has earned a reputation as the “unkillable” houseplant, and for good reason! This low-maintenance plant that’s native to Eastern and Southern Africa thrives on neglect and tolerates a wide range of conditions.

If you’re new to the world of indoor gardening or simply looking for a hassle-free plant to brighten your space, the ZZ plant is your perfect match. Let’s chat about how to grow this beautiful plant with success.

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A person (stacy ling) stands indoors, smiling and holding a potted zz plant with dark green leaves. They are wearing a maroon top and a dark vest. The room has a rug with a geometric pattern and a decorative table nearby.

Understanding Your ZZ Plant’s Needs

While the ZZ plant is incredibly resilient, understanding its basic needs will help it truly flourish in your home.

Light

ZZ plants are remarkably adaptable when it comes to light. While they can tolerate low-light corners, they truly flourish in brighter environments with ample indirect sunlight. Think of a spot near a window with a sheer curtain filtering the light, or a well-lit room with bright, but not direct, sunshine.

The key is to avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. However, don’t be afraid to give your ZZ plant a prominent position in your home where it can soak up those indirect rays. The more light it receives (within reason), the faster it will grow and the more vibrant its foliage will be.

To drill down on how to determine your home’s light conditions so you can provide the best environment for this beautiful plant, check out this article on houseplant light requirments.

Brightening Up Low-Light Spaces

If your home tends to be on the dimmer side, don’t despair! ZZ plants can still thrive with a little help. Consider supplementing natural light with a grow light, especially during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. This can give your ZZ plant the extra boost it needs to flourish. Choose a full-spectrum grow light and position it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

A tall potted zz plant with glossy green leaves is placed on a wooden stand by a large window. Sunlight filters through, highlighting the plant and a wooden cabinet nearby. Pebbles can be seen outside the window.
Close-up of a vibrant green ZZ plant with glossy leaves, set in a sunlit room. The background shows a checkered tile floor and part of a window with a blurred outdoor view. A shoe tip is partially visible at the bottom right.

Soil

Providing the right soil is crucial for your ZZ plant’s well-being. These plants are susceptible to root rot, a condition caused by overly wet conditions. Therefore, the key is to choose a potting mix that offers excellent drainage while still retaining some moisture.

Here’s what to look for in a ZZ-friendly soil:

  • Porosity: The soil should have plenty of air pockets to allow for proper aeration. This prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged.
  • Organic Matter: A moderate amount of organic matter, like peat moss or coco coir, helps retain some moisture without becoming soggy.
  • Inorganic Components: Inorganic components like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand improve drainage and prevent compaction.

Creating the Ideal Mix

While you can find commercial potting mixes formulated for cacti and succulents like this, you can also create your own ZZ plant blend. A good starting point is a combination of:

  • Potting Soil: Use a standard, well-draining potting mix as a base.
  • Perlite or Pumice: Amend the potting soil with perlite or pumice to increase drainage. Aim for a ratio of about 2:1 (potting soil to perlite/pumice).
  • Coarse Sand: If you have access to coarse sand, you can add a small amount to further enhance drainage.

Testing Your Soil

To ensure your soil has the right drainage, you can perform a simple test.

  • Feel the Soil: After a few hours, feel the soil. It should be slightly moist but not soggy.
  • Water the Pot: Thoroughly water the pot until water drains from the drainage holes.
  • Observe Drainage: The excess water should drain relatively quickly. If it takes a long time for the water to drain, your soil may be too dense and needs more perlite or sand.
Close-up of a ZZ plant with dark, glossy leaves in a white pot. The plant is in a well-lit room, with soft sunlight casting shadows on its leaves.

Temperature and Humidity

ZZ plants are quite adaptable when it comes to temperature and humidity, making them well-suited for typical indoor environments. However, understanding their preferences can help you optimize their growth and overall health.  

They prefer temperatures that mimic their native tropical habitat. Aim for a range between 65°F and 75°F (18°C – 24°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 60°F (15°C) and as high as 85°F (29°C), but prolonged exposure to extremes can stress the plant.  

  • Avoid Drafts: Keep your ZZ plant away from drafty windows, air conditioning vents, and heating units, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause leaf damage.  
  • Seasonal Changes: Be mindful of temperature changes throughout the year. In winter, ensure the plant isn’t placed near cold windows. In summer, avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can overheat the leaves.  

Humidity

ZZ plants are not particularly fussy about humidity and tolerate average household humidity levels well. However, they can benefit from slightly higher humidity, especially during dry winter months or in arid climates. You can increase your home’s humidity by:

  • Grouping Plants: Place your ZZ plant near other houseplants to create a microclimate with slightly higher humidity.
  • Pebble Tray: Set the plant pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.  
  • Humidifier: If you live in a particularly dry climate, consider using a humidifier to increase the overall humidity in your home.
Two potted plants sit on a sunlit floor by a window. The larger plant in a woven basket has broad green leaves, while the smaller one in a white pot has dark, waxy leaves. A wooden chest of drawers is in the background.

Water

One of the biggest mistakes you can make with a ZZ plant is overwatering. These plants are drought-tolerant, thanks to their thick, rhizomatous roots that store water. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. To learn when to water, stick a chopstick into the soil and see if it comes out dry. But you can also use this moisture meter instead if you prefer. When you do water, completely saturate the soil so to ensure your zz plant gets a good drink!

Fertilizing

While ZZ plants are light feeders, they benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer and follow the package instructions. This organic liquid fertilizer is a great option to feed plants all year round.

Repotting

ZZ plants are slow-growing and don’t need frequent repotting. Only repot when the plant becomes root-bound, usually every 2-3 years. Choose a slightly larger pot with drainage holes and use fresh potting mix.

A lush, dark green ZZ plant with glossy leaves sits near a window, basking in bright sunlight. The light highlights the plant's vibrant foliage, contrasting with a cream-colored wall and a glimpse of another plant nearby.

Troubleshooting Common Problems With Your ZZ Plant

Even the “unkillable” ZZ plant can encounter issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

  • Yellowing Leaves: The most likely culprit is overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely and reduce watering frequency.
  • Pests & Diseases: ZZ plants are generally pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract common houseplant pests like spider mites or scale. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Propagation: Sharing the ZZ Plant Love

Want more ZZ plants? They can be propagated through leaf cuttings or division.

  • Leaf Cuttings: Take healthy leaves and allow them to callus (dry out) for a day or two. Then, insert the callused end into a well-draining medium. Keep the medium slightly moist and provide indirect light. New growth will emerge from the base of the leaf cutting.
  • Division: For larger plants, carefully divide the rhizomes (underground stems) and pot each division into separate containers with fresh potting mix.
A sunlit room with a wooden cabinet, featuring various potted plants including a rubber plant and amaryllis on top, surrounded by other potted greenery like aglaonema and ZZ plant. A decorative wall piece hangs above.

ZZ Plant Varieties: Beyond the Classic

While the classic ZZ plant with its deep green, glossy leaves is a beloved favorite, did you know there are a few stunning variations? These cultivars offer unique foliage colors and textures, adding even more diversity to this already fascinating plant family.  

  • Raven ZZ: Living up to its name, the Raven ZZ boasts dramatic, almost black foliage. New growth emerges green but quickly matures to a deep purple-black, creating a striking contrast with other houseplants. Care requirements are identical to the standard ZZ plant.  
  • Zenzi ZZ: If you’re looking for a more compact variety, Zenzi ZZ is an excellent choice. It has a denser growth habit with smaller, slightly curled leaves. This cultivar is perfect for smaller spaces or those who prefer a more petite plant.  
  • Variegated ZZ: A rare and highly sought-after variety, the Variegated ZZ features splashes of cream or yellow on its leaves. The variegation patterns can vary, making each plant unique. Due to the reduced chlorophyll in the variegated leaves, this variety may require slightly brighter conditions than the standard ZZ plant.  

These are just a few examples of the exciting ZZ plant varieties available. As breeders continue to experiment, we can expect even more captivating cultivars to emerge in the future, adding to the allure of this already “unkillable” houseplant.

A woman stands in a warmly lit room, holding a potted plant with dark green leaves. She is wearing a purple sweater and a black vest. Behind her is an arched doorway, a white cabinet with another plant, and a wooden chair with a pillow.

Embrace the ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant, with its sleek, modern aesthetic and almost indestructible nature, truly deserves its place one of the best houseplants to grow. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your indoor gardening journey, the ZZ plant offers a rewarding experience with minimal fuss that’s hard to rival.

From personal experience, I can attest to the ZZ plant’s easy-going nature. My own ZZs have been thriving for over a decade, effortlessly adapting to various corners of my home and survived a move. While they tolerate lower light, I’ve found they truly flourish when given a brighter spot – their growth becomes more vigorous and their foliage even more vibrant.

More recently, I’ve welcomed the dramatic ‘Raven’ ZZ into my collection, and it has quickly become a favorite. Its deep, moody foliage adds a touch of drama to my space, and it’s proven to be just as low-maintenance as its classic counterpart. If you’re seeking a plant that embodies both beauty and resilience, the ZZ plant is the perfect choice!

Are you growing a ZZ plant? If so, what variety? I am growing two! Let’s chat about it more in the comments below.

For more information about growing ZZ plant, please see this article from the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension.

To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo

Stacy Ling bricksnblooms logo
Close-up of a ZZ plant with dark green leaves. Text overlay reads: "Indoor Gardening; ZZ Plant Care; The Unkillable Houseplant; stacyling.com.
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