ZZ plants are easy to care for and don’t mind a bit of neglect. But while that makes them popular amongst those who are busy and want a nice and easy plant, getting their watering right is going to make them really grow their best.
So this guide is designed to give you everything you need to water your ZZ plant the right way. I’ll take you through how to know when it needs water, how much is just right, common mistakes and a few extra tips to really help with it’s growth.
ZZ Plant Basics: Why Watering Matters
ZZ plants are slow growers that evolved in tough, dry and rocky areas in East Africa. It’s rhizomes – which are the the thick structures you’ll see beneath the soil – store water and help the plant to be able to survive without water for long periods.
That ability to survive means you can get away without watering it as much as other plants. But if you continue to water it the wrong way you could run in to problems over time.
Getting the right balance is the best way to guarantee its health over the long term.
How to Tell When Your ZZ Plant Needs Water
Knowing when the right is to water your ZZ plant is comes down to knowing your plant. You’ll get to understand when it likes it and when it doesn’t and sort of get a ‘feel’ for it.
But a few things can make it easier:
The Soil Touch Test
- Push your finger into the slip around about 2 inches deep.
- If the soil is dry then you can be confident you need to water your plant.
- If it’s damp then you should wait a few more days before you check again.
Observe the Leaves
- A healthy ZZ plant will Alec smooth and firm leaves. If they begin to curl, droop or wrinkle then it’s a sign your plant wants some water.
- However yellow or mushy leaves are also a sign you’ve given it too much water.
Weigh the Pot
- Once you’ve watered your plant then lift the pot and feel how heavy it is.
- Over time you’ll be able to tell the difference between a plant that has been watered properly and one that’s dry based on the weight of it.
Use a Moisture Meter
- If you want to be very precise then you can use a soil moisture meter. You want to get a reading of “dry” or “moderately moist” before you water.
How Much Water to Give Your ZZ Plant
You should be aiming to make the soil evenly moist but not end up with too much excess water in the pot.
Watering Steps
- Prepare: Use room temperature water as too cold water can shock the plant.
- Water Slowly: Pour the water over the soil evenly. Let it soak in to the water as you go.
- Watch for Drainage: When you see the water draining out the bottom of the pot means you should stop watering./li>
- Empty the Saucer: If water begins to collect in the saucer under the pot then empty it quickly so you don’t end up with root rot.
The best way to water is to do it deeply but not too often. This works because it’s how watering would have happened in nature – in Africa where ZZ plants would have grown the rain is heavy but sporadic.
How Often Should You Water Your ZZ Plant?
This is going to come down to multiple things like the season, the size of your plant and the environment you’re in.
Seasonal Watering Schedule
| Season | Frequency | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Every 2 to 3 weeks | The newer growth may mean it needs a little more water. |
| Summer | Every 2 weeks | During the hot weather you should check the soil more often. |
| Fall | Every 3 to 4 weeks | Growth slows so don’t water as often. |
| Winter | Every 4 to 6 weeks | Let the soil dry out in between each time you water. |
Environmental Factors
The condition of your home and where your ZZ plant lives will make a difference to how often your water.
- Light Levels: If your ZZ plant is somewhere bright then it will generally use up water faster than if it were in low light.
- Temperature: The higher the temperature the quicker the water will evaporate so you will want to water it more often.
- Humidity: In environments that are dry the soil usually dries out faster.
Pot and Soil Considerations
- Pot Size: Bigger pots hold on to moisture for longer. So if your ZZ plant is in a smaller pot you may find you need to water it more often.
- Soil Type: Use a mix that drains well. If the soil is too heavy it will hold on to the water and that can suffocate the roots.
Common Watering Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Getting the watering wrong is one of the main reasons ZZ plants can have problems.
Overwatering
Symptoms include yellow leaves, mushy stems and a nasty smell coming from the soil.
- Always let the soil dry out between every time you water.
- Make sure your pot has a good amount of drainage holes.
Underwatering
Symptoms include leaf curling, wrinkling and brown tips.
- Water on a regular basis, maybe making up a schedule. It’s even more important during the warmer months.
- Don’t let the soil become extremely dry for a long period of time.
Using the Wrong Pot
The wrong pot can result in waterlogged soil or an inability to hold on to enough moisture.
- Choose pots that have enough drainage holes.
- And don’t use a pot that’s too big as they can hold on to too much water.
Signs Your ZZ Plant is Struggling
Recognizing early signs of stress can save your plant:
| Sign | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Leaves | Overwatering | Let the soil dry out completely before you water your plant again. |
| Wrinkled Leaves | Underwatering | Water fully and keep a check on the moisture of the soil. |
| Stunted Growth | Chronic underwatering | Increase how often you water. |
| Mushy Rhizomes | Root Rot | Repot in fresh soil and remove the damaged roots. |
Extra Watering Tips
If you really want your ZZ plant to do well and look it’s best then there are a few ways you can go that extra mile with watering.
Use Rainwater or Distilled Water
- Tap water can contain salts and minerals that will build up in the soil over time. So using distilled or rainwater is a safer way to water your plant.
Flush the Soil Occasionally
- Every few months give your ZZ plant a very thorough water to flush out any build up of the salts and minerals.
Group with Other Plants
- If you have more than one plant then grouping them together can make a more humid and natural environment for them all. Basically they help each other out.
Final Thoughts
Watering a ZZ plant might seem straightforward but to do it just right can actually take a bit of effort and trial and error. You can help to know what your plant wants and likes by understanding it and keeping a check on how interacts to your care.
But once you get it right you’ll see the difference in how it grows and how healthy it is.
If you’re worried about your ZZ plant and that you might have made a mistake with watering then see our guide to save a dying ZZ plant.
Or if you want some help with caring for it the right way then you can try our guide to making your ZZ plant grow faster and healthier will help.