The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the easiest houseplants to grow so it’s a great choice for beginners. Tolerant of all kinds of conditions, its dark, glossy foliage will thrive even if you forget to feed it or put it in a room with low light levels. This means ZZ plant care is a breeze.
Also known as fern arum, eternity plant and Zanzibar gem, this tropical plant is a native of east Africa, where it's naturally drought tolerant. This is another plus as it means if you're forgetful when it comes to establishing a watering routine this won't be an issue for the ZZ plant.
These beauties have a long lifespan and will live for years if you follow zamioculcas zamiifolia care needs, which is easy as they're one of the most low-maintenance houseplants around. Their beautiful shape means they are a great addition to your decor too, especially when paired with other modern houseplants with a shapely outline such as Sansevieria (snake plant) and Dracaena.
As well as the dark green leaf varieties there are newer unusual and unique ZZ plant varieties such as 'Raven', which has caused quite a buzz recently with its dark purple foliage, as well as variegated ones with distinctive white and yellow markings. Whatever type of ZZ you choose, be sure to follow our expert advice to keep your plant in perfect condition as well as looking good.
Quick ZZ Plant Facts
Botanical Name | Zamioculcas zamiifolia | Row 0 - Cell 2 | Row 0 - Cell 3 | Row 0 - Cell 4 | Row 0 - Cell 5 | Row 0 - Cell 6 |
Plant Type | Tropical houseplant | Row 1 - Cell 2 | Row 1 - Cell 3 | Row 1 - Cell 4 | Row 1 - Cell 5 | Row 1 - Cell 6 |
Height | 24-48 inches (60-120cm) | Row 2 - Cell 2 | Row 2 - Cell 3 | Row 2 - Cell 4 | Row 2 - Cell 5 | Row 2 - Cell 6 |
Spread | 24-48 inches (60-120cm) | Row 3 - Cell 2 | Row 3 - Cell 3 | Row 3 - Cell 4 | Row 3 - Cell 5 | Row 3 - Cell 6 |
Light | Bright/low indirect light | Row 4 - Cell 2 | Row 4 - Cell 3 | Row 4 - Cell 4 | Row 4 - Cell 5 | Row 4 - Cell 6 |
Soil | Well-draining | Row 5 - Cell 2 | Row 5 - Cell 3 | Row 5 - Cell 4 | Row 5 - Cell 5 | Row 5 - Cell 6 |
Hardiness | USDA zones 9 to 10 (Not in the US? Convert your growing zone) | Row 6 - Cell 2 | Row 6 - Cell 3 | Row 6 - Cell 4 | Row 6 - Cell 5 | Row 6 - Cell 6 |
Flowers | Rarely flowers. Sheath-like green spathe surrounds a spike of creamy white flowers | Row 7 - Cell 2 | Row 7 - Cell 3 | Row 7 - Cell 4 | Row 7 - Cell 5 | Row 7 - Cell 6 |
Native Range | East Africa | Row 8 - Cell 2 | Row 8 - Cell 3 | Row 8 - Cell 4 | Row 8 - Cell 5 | Row 8 - Cell 6 |
| Row 9 - Cell 1 | Row 9 - Cell 2 | Row 9 - Cell 3 | Row 9 - Cell 4 | Row 9 - Cell 5 | Row 9 - Cell 6 | |
| Row 10 - Cell 0 | Row 10 - Cell 1 | Row 10 - Cell 2 | Row 10 - Cell 3 | Row 10 - Cell 4 | Row 10 - Cell 5 | Row 10 - Cell 6 |
Identifying a ZZ Plant
There are so many dark green houseplants with glossy foliage to choose from when you're at the garden center or nursery it's helpful to make a note of some of the more distinguishing features of the ZZ plant so you can quickly spot one.
Here’s a quick guide to help you identify your plant:
- Leaves: The glossy oval-shaped leaves of the ZZ are a highlight. As they're so shiny it's a common misconception that they must be artificial as they look too good to be true. Check for waxy pinnately compound leaves, which means leaflets are arranged in two rows on either side of a midrib with a zigzag effect, like a feather.
- Stems: These grow in a tall, graceful, sometimes arching, shape that starts bulbous at the base, growing from a thick rhizome beneath the soil, with each stem tapering to an elegant point. This distinctive silhouette means they have sculptural qualities that will elevate any interior.
ZZ Plant Care Guide
The ZZ plant is one of the easiest to grow, low-maintenance houseplants you can add to your collection. In fact, ZZ plants will do better if you leave them alone. This means finding out about ZZ plant care is pretty straightforward.
Our expert guide covers all the basic requirements your plant needs, including the best place to position one in your home, how often you need to water and feed it, and the signs to look out for that indicate you need to repot your plant.
ZZ PLANT LIGHT REQUIREMENTS
ZZ plants do best in bright to moderate, indirect light, but will do fine in extremely low levels of light too. This means they will thrive in both light-filled rooms as well as darker spots in your home.
While they will grow in very low levels of light, they will always do best when you position them in bright indirect sunlight. They can also thrive in rooms where there is no natural light. This means the ZZ plant also makes an ideal choice for a window-less office or bathroom where it will only receive small amounts of fluorescent light.
HOW OFTEN TO WATER A ZZ PLANT
Adopt a less is more approach with the ZZ plant, as they store water in their rhizomes. This plant can be treated in much the same way as you would cacti and other succulent plants. It can survive months without water, but will grow faster if watered regularly.
Water the plant only when the top of the soil has dried out in between waterings. In the winter months water it only once a month as it won't be actively growing. Water twice monthly in the summer or more during hot spells, but only when the soil has dried out completely.
You can kill a ZZ plant by overwatering it. A clue you're overwatering is that your ZZ plant develops yellow leaves. This means its underground rhizomes may be rotting too. If this is the case your plant will probably feel wobbly in its pot and the stem will be loose, in which case it's a good idea to repot it in fresh soil and trim off any waterlogged or ailing parts of the plant.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
The ZZ plant is native to tropical Africa, found growing in countries such as Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. This means it's drought tolerant and thrives in warm temperatures.
Average house humidity will suit your ZZ plant perfectly, as long as temperatures don't drop below 50°F (10°C). Make sure your plant isn't positioned near any cold drafts such as a windowsill or close to a porch. Despite its tropical origins there is no need to mist your plant to create more humidity.
FERTILIZING ZZ PLANTS
Fertilizer is not an essential part of your ZZ plant care routine. But if you don't want your plant to miss out you can always apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser for indoor plants during the growing season, which is from spring to autumn, to give it a little boost. If preferred try ZZ Plant Fertilizer, available from Amazon, which boosts glossy leaves and strong roots.
HOW TO PRUNE A ZZ PLANT
While pruning isn't a regular part of ZZ plant care, an occasional tidy-up if it needs it will make your plant look fuller as well as encouraging a more attractive shape.
Remove any damaged stems or dead leaves, especially from the bottom of the plant as they start to age. Always use sharp, sterile pruners or precision gardening scissors like these ones from Walmart, and make each cut carefully just above a leaf node. Keep any healthy plant cuttings as these can be used to propagate new plants.
Repotting a ZZ plant
You will only need to repot your ZZ plant when it has outgrown its current container. An easy way of checking if it's time to do this is to upend the plant and gently ease it out of the pot. Make sure the soil is dry beforehand, so don't attempt this after watering your plant. If you see a compact rootball and very little soil this is a good indication it's time to repot your plant.
ZZ plants should be repotted in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing to lessen any stress as they will be at their strongest then. Choose a new pot the next size up and make sure it has adequate holes in the bottom to enable the good drainage your ZZ plant needs.
ZZ PLANT SOIL
Over time, the soil in the pot will lose nutrients as your plant absorbs them. This means your ZZ plant won't be getting what it needs to thrive. The soil may also lose its ability to retain water effectively to irrigate the plant. Repotting will add nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to ensure your ZZ plant flourishes with the right essential elements, plus stays hydrated.
When repotting a plant it's also the perfect opportunity to check for pests that can get established in the soil and will negatively affect the health of your plant.
Standard houseplant potting mixes work well for a ZZ plant. Or try Gardenera Premium ZZ Plant Ultra-Performance Potting Mix, available from Amazon. As ZZ plants prefer to stay on the dry side it's best to use a soil that provides adequate drainage. You can also use cactus or succulent compost, which offers the right consistency for the drainage conditions ZZ plants need.
REPOTTING A ZZ PLANT STEP BY STEP
- Carefully slide the ZZ plant out of its pot, gently squeezing the sides to loosen the roots and make it easier. If the plant is rootbound and is growing out of the holes at the bottom of the pot, first trim these roots before attempting to free the plant.
- Gently tease the root ball with your fingers to loosen any compacted roots and let some air in so you can see what's going on. Trim off any roots that don't look healthy.
- Decide if you are going to propagate your plant at this stage by splitting it into two or more new plants.
- Add a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix to the bottom of the new pot, filling it about a third full.
- Place the plant in the new pot, filling the empty space around the root ball with more fresh potting mix, lightly compressing it as you go.
- Water the plant lightly to settle the plant in its new soil.
- Keep the newly repotted plant out of direct sunlight for a few days. This helps it recover before you move it back to its usual spot and resume your normal ZZ plant care routine.
ZZ Plant Varieties
Just because they are undemanding and easy to grow doesn’t mean that ZZ plants are dull or uninspiring. There are several unusual and unique ZZ plant varieties that can liven up the quietest corners with bold contours and lush foliage.
Make the most of this alluring combination of drama and easy living by introducing one of these extraordinary houseplant varieties into your indoor space. If you’re ready for some ZZ plants that combine easy living with show-stopping credentials, here are several different types of ZZ plant that we think are extra special.
1. Chameleon Zamioculcas
While many different ZZ plants are noted most for their vibrant foliage, the Chameleon ZZ, available from Costa Farms, is known best for its unique color-changing habit. Expect bright, near-neon leaves, gradually deepening in hue as they continue to age.
This gives the plant its characteristic two-toned appearance, shifting subtly as part of an exotic summertime display and as a group of winter indoor plants.
2. ZZ Raven 'Dowon'
If you’re looking to grow a black houseplant, you’ve come to the right place. The Raven ZZ 'Dowon', available from Costa Farms, is a deep purple-black color. Raven’s new foliage opens in light shades of green, changing over time to reveal its true hue.
This plant performs best in deep shade, or under low-light conditions, where the foliage can develop its stunning color. Although this variety is considered rare, it’s especially popular among plant enthusiasts and collectors.
3. ZZ Gem
Like other varieties of ZZ, Gem is loved for its ease of growth and carefree nature. Another perfect option if you are looking for a hard to kill houseplant, these large beauties feature dense, green foliage.
Their glossy texture adds further beauty as potted specimens, introducing a fresh feel to any indoor space. While many different kinds of ZZ plants work well for newbies, this variety is especially good for first-timers and inexperienced growers.
4. ZZ Gold Variegated
Gold Variegated ZZ plants are amongst the most attractive types available. For anyone keen to expand their collection of bright and bold houseplants, this ZZ’s foliage varies greatly across the plant, as each leaf is adorned with its own distinct pattern in multiple tones of gold and green.
Variegated plants are amongst the most common ZZ plants available, and can often be found at specialty garden centers. For the best growth, site the plant in a warm space, positioned so that it receives bright, indirect light throughout the day.
5. ZZ Lucky
Similar to other ZZ cultivars in appearance, Lucky is best known for its lush, tropical feel. Each stem produces an abundance of thick, wide leaves that adds to the plant's larger size and impressive stature when grown indoors.
An ideal choice if you are keen to cultivate indoor plants for shade, this ZZ variety can also be used as an attractive landscape feature or focal plant throughout most frost-free regions.
6. ZZ Super Nova
Super Nova ZZ plants are another variety that feature stunning inky-black foliage. Slowly, each new leaf morphs from green, continuing to darken as it ages. This variety is another great addition to your indoor plant collection, adding both color and texture to pots and containers.
While black ZZ plants are sometimes included in groups of hard to find houseplants, these ZZs are well-adapted and tolerant to a wide range of growing conditions. They are an ideal choice for anyone looking for a truly carefree houseplant.
How to Propagate ZZ Plants
It's easy propagating ZZ plants if you want to grow your collection of these easy plants. There are three ways to propagate them, and the good news is they are all easy to do. You can propagate by division, by stem cuttings or by leaf cuttings.
The best time to do it is in spring or summer during the growing period. It's also a good time to do it if you are pruning or repotting your plant. Always remember to use sterilised scissors or pruners so you don't risk spreading disease. Before you start check out our Houseplant Propagation Guide to make sure you have all the basics covered.
Common ZZ Plant Problems
Easy-going ZZ plants don't require much effort from you to keep them looking good. But if you don't follow basic ZZ plant care your plant might hit some problems.
- Drooping leaves
If the leaves on your ZZ plant are drooping it could be because you aren't giving it enough water. As you know your plant doesn't need a lot of watering you might forget and let the soil dry out for too long. If in doubt try using a soil moisture meter, available from Amazon, and don't leave things to chance. - Discoloration and curling of leaves
While ZZ plants can take direct light, you may see some scalding on the leaves if they are left in direct light. Additionally, curling leaves, yellowing, and leaning towards a window can all be an indication your plant is getting too much light. If you notice curling taking place, it typically means the plant is trying to move away from the light source. Move the plant to a shadier location or further away from the light. You can also try filtering the light with curtains or blinds if moving the plant is not feasible. - Sparse growth
If your plant isn't getting enough light it will also grow in a leggy fashion that doesn't look very nice. Remember the more light you give your plant the more it will grow, so move it to a spot where it will get more light to improve matters. - Pests
Although it's not a regular occurrence ZZ plants can sometimes be affected by common houseplant pests such as aphids, mealybugs and fungus gnats. This means it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to deal with these bugs as part of your ZZ plant care routine.
Outdoor Care
If you live in a mild frost-free climate such as the Southwest ZZ plants can be planted outside as part of your landscaping, with the caveat that they are not exposed to the hot sun as their leaves will become scorched.
Another alternative is to take your potted houseplant outdoors for a summer vacation, but again, be sure it's in the right spot to shelter it from harsh sunlight, such as in a porch or under a pergola. Always check your potted plant for pests before bringing it back indoors when temperatures start to get cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A ZZ PLANT?
When conditions are ideal, growers can expect ZZ plants to flourish for upward of 20 years. Established plants of this age are most often found within the landscape, throughout frost-free growing zones. Pots, containers and those grown as houseplants will generally have a shorter lifespan, ranging between 5-10 years.
WHAT ARE THE CONS OF GROWING A ZZ PLANT?
The many different varieties of ZZ plants that are available makes them suitable for many ornamental purposes. There are some drawbacks to the plant. Most notable is its toxicity. Oxalate crystals, a chemical found in the plant, are especially harmful to pets. Skin reactions to plant sap are also common upon exposure. ZZ plants should always be kept safely away from children and animals.
