The ZZ plant is up there as one of the most popular houseplants. It’s tough, fairly easy to care for and looks great with wonderful green leaves.
Its those looks and its resilience that has made it become a favorite with beginner and experienced gardeners. Add in how little looking after it needs and how well it adapts to different environments and you’ve got the perfect choice for those who want a beautiful and easy to grow houseplant.
But if you want some extra tips and help with looking after your ZZ plant then this guide is for you. You’ll find all you could ever need to grow and care for a ZZ plant the right way.
The ZZ Plant’s Natural Habitat
ZZ plants naturally grow in places with lots of rain and low light. This is why they’re able to cope without much water and little light.
Which is another example of why it’s a great choice for growing indoors where you’re likely to have conditions like this.
Light Requirements
ZZ plants can do well in a lot of light conditions. But getting the light right and giving it what it really likes will make sure it’s grows properly and is healthy.
Low Light Tolerance
ZZ plants can survive in environments with very little light. So places like offices that have fluorescent lights or rooms that don’t have many windows and can’t get much natural light. But be warned – if the go too long without much light growth will slow down.
Best Lighting Conditions
To get the best results put your ZZ plant in bright, indirect light. A north or east facing window is usually the best place. And don’t put it in direct sunlight as it will burn the leaves.
Watering
Like most plants ZZ’s need the right watering. Its rhizomatous roots store water, which means it can cope without a lot of watering. But if you overdo it you can cause root rot.
Watering Frequency
- Let the top level of the soil dry out between each watering.
- When it’s warmer (summer and spring) only water every 2 to 3 weeks.
- In the cooler months being the watering down to around once a month.
Signs of Overwatering
- Yellow leaves that start from the bottom.
- Mushy or brown stems.
- Nasty smell coming from the soil.
Soil and Potting
Getting the soil and pot right will have a big impact on your ZZ plant and how well it grows.
Soil Type
A potting mix that drains well is going to be very important. A mix designed for cacti and succulents works surprisingly well as it doesn’t hold on to water, which can result in root rot.
Pot Selection
- Use pots with drainage holes as the water needs to be able to go somewhere and not sit.
- Go for a pot size that is big enough to hold the plant’s roots but not so large that it can lead to overwatering problems.
Temperature and Humidity
ZZ plants adapt well but also do best with the temperature and humidity within a certain range.
Temperature
- Ideal: 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
- Can tolerate: As low as 45°F (7°C) for short periods.
Humidity
Most ZZ plants can adapt to the average level of humidity found in our homes. So you don’t need to change anything or help out with the humidity.
Fertilization
ZZ Plants aren’t particularly big feeders but it can help to give yours some fertilizer occasionally to boost growth.
- Use a balanced fertilizer and be sure you dilute it to half it’s strength beforehand.
- Apply it once every 6 months during the spring and summer.
- Don’t use too much though as overfertilizing can cause more problems.
Pruning and Maintenance
You don’t need to do much pruning but a little bit here and there will keep it looking it’s best.
- Remove any yellow or dead leaves by cutting them at the base.
- Wipe the leaves with a cloth to take away any dust (it’ll also make them shine more).
Repotting
ZZ plants grow slowly and don’t need to be repotted very often.
- Repot every 2 to 3 years or if you find your ZZ plant has become root bound.
- Move it to a pot that is a bit bigger than the one it’s currently in.
- Spring is the best time for repotting as the plant is starting to move into its growth period.
Propagation Methods
You can propagate your ZZ plant through either stem cuttings or division.
Stem Cuttings
- Cut a healthy stem with at least one leaf.
- Let that cutting dry for a few hours (this will stop any sap from leaking).
- Plant the cutting in soil and make sure at least one node is buried.
- Water sparingly and put the cutting in bright, indirect light.
- The roots should develop in a few weeks.
Division
- Remove your ZZ plant from its pot.
- Separate the rhizomes and make sure each separated part has at least one stem or leaf.
- Plant each division in its own pot.
- Water a little and put it in bright, indirect light.
Common Pests and Problems
ZZ plants are tough when it comes to pests but can still have some issues.
Pests
- Mealybugs: Appear on leaves and stems. Remove them using a cotton swab that you’ve dipped in alcohol.
- Spider Mites: Cause lots of webbing and tiny yellow spots. Increase the humidity and wipe the leaves with a cloth to get rid of them.
Problems
- Yellow Leaves: Usually down to overwatering. Look at how often you’re watering and change it if need be.
- Leggy Growth: Probably down to not enough light. Move the plant to a brighter spot.
Toxicity Warning
All parts of the ZZ plant contain calcium oxalate crystals. This can cause irritation if ingested.
So it’s important to keep your ZZ plant out of reach of children and pets. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves when handling it if you have sensitive skin.
Benefits of the ZZ Plant
Aside from looking great ZZ plants have several benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps remove toxins from the air, improving the air quality in your home.
- Low Maintenance: Perfect for those new to looking after plants or someone who is very busy.
- Resilience: Can survive if neglected.
Uncommon Care Tips
These are a few unique tips that go beyond the basics.
Encouraging Variegation
ZZ plants occasionally develop variegated leaves (leaves with patterns or different shades). To increase the chances of variegation:
- Give your ZZ plant bright, indirect light consistently.
- Don’t over fertilize as it will make the plant grow green instead of the unique patterns.
- Be patient – variegation is rare and sadly there is no guaranteed it will happen whatever you do.
Using ZZ Plant Leaves for Propagation
As well as the usual propagation you can also take ZZ plant leaves and make new plants from them.
- Pluck a mature and healthy leaf from the stem.
- Let it’s base dry for a day to so it doesn’t rot.
- Put the base of the leaf about half an inch into moist soil.
- Give it indirect light and make sure the soil stays a little damp.
- It can take a few months but a rhizome can form at the base of the leaf, and this will eventually sprout a new stem.
Companion Plants
If you want an interesting display then finding the right companions for your ZZ plant is going to be important. These are a few plants that do well in similar conditions:
- Snake Plant: Similar in that it’s low maintenance and tolerates droughts. It looks great alongside the ZZ plant’s green and striking leaves.
- Pothos: look great next to a ZZ plant as the vines provide some contrast.
- Philodendron: Works well with the ZZ plant as they both need the same sort of lighting and care.
Unusual Watering Technique
If you keep overwatering your ZZ plant then give bottom watering a try:
- Put the pot in a shallow tray filled with water.
- Let the plant absorb the water through the drainage holes in the pot. Leave it for around 10 to 15 minutes.
- Take the pot off the tray and let any water left over drain away completely.
This works well to stop you from overwatering and also encouraging the roots grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow a ZZ plant outdoors?
If you live somewhere that doesn’t get frost and the temperature tags fairly mild then yes, you can grow a ZZ plant outdoors in a shaded area. However, for most regions it’s better suited to staying as a houseplant.
How big can a ZZ plant grow?
If given the right conditions ZZ plants can reach up to 3 to 4 feet in height. They grow slowly but steadily over the years.
Why is my ZZ plant drooping?
This is usually down to not enough light or too much water. Check the soil to see if it’s waterlogged and whether it’s getting the right amount of light.
Are there different types of ZZ plants?
Yes! There’s the traditional ZZ plant, which has deep green leaves and is probably the one you’re familiar with. But there are also cultivars like the Raven ZZ, which has amazing dark purple leaves, and the Zenzi ZZ, a smaller variety with curled leaves.
Final Thoughts
ZZ plants are brilliant – great to look at and very tough. So it’s generally a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a houseplant, both experienced or beginners.
The tips and guides found here should help you to make sure your ZZ plane stays healthy and grows well for many years.