ZZ plant care guide
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) has glossy, almost polished leaves and stores water in potato-like rhizomes under the soil. That makes it one of the toughest indoor plants, and our first choice for offices with no windows.
This guide covers light, watering, soil, winter care, repotting, propagation, common problems and care for raven, zenzi and other varieties.
Low light · Medium light · Bright, indirect light
Every 2 to 3 weeks
Easy
Not pet-safe
Where to water it
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
When: When the soil is fully dry. Its potato-like roots store water.
Where to put it
Interior offices, reception desks and corridors. Keep it out of hot direct sun, which bleaches the leaves.
Common mistakes
- Watering every week
- Direct afternoon sun
- Repotting too often; it likes being snug
ZZ plant care at a glance
A printable care sheet for a ZZ plant.
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Light | Low to bright, indirect light. Handles windowless rooms with office lighting. |
| Water | When the soil is completely dry, about every 2 to 3 weeks. |
| Temperature | 60°F to 85°F. Keep above 45°F. |
| Humidity | Any. Dry office air is fine. |
| Soil | Fast-draining mix: potting soil with perlite or cactus mix. |
| Fertilizer | Half strength 2 or 3 times in spring and summer. |
| Growth | Slow. A few new stems a year. |
| Pets | Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
How much light does a ZZ plant need?
ZZ plants tolerate low light better than almost any other plant, including rooms lit only by overhead fluorescent or LED lights. They grow fastest in medium to bright, indirect light.
Avoid hot direct sun, which yellows and scorches the leaves. In low light, stems may lean toward the nearest light source; rotate the pot every few weeks.
How often to water a ZZ plant
Water only when the soil is completely dry, about every 2 to 3 weeks in spring and summer and every 4 to 6 weeks in winter. In low light, it can go a month or more. Water thoroughly until it drains, then let it dry out completely again.
If you use a moisture meter, push it to the bottom third of the pot and water when it reads at the dry end of the scale (1 to 2 on a 10-point meter). The top of the soil dries long before the rhizomes do.
- Overwatering is the only common way to kill a ZZ. Rhizomes rot in soil that stays wet.
- Wrinkled stems or rhizomes that feel soft and shriveled mean it's truly thirsty.
Soil, repotting and fertilizer
Use a fast-draining mix: potting soil with a third perlite, or a cactus mix. A pot with a drainage hole is essential.
ZZ plants like to be snug. Repot every 2 to 3 years, or when rhizomes push against or crack the pot, going up only one size. Plastic nursery pots often bulge before you see roots.
Feed with a half-strength balanced fertilizer 2 or 3 times in spring and summer. ZZ plants need very little.
Winter, temperature and outdoor care
In winter, water every 4 to 6 weeks and don't fertilize. Keep it above 45°F and away from cold windows and doors.
ZZ plants can summer outdoors in full shade, and live outside all year in USDA zones 10 to 12. Direct outdoor sun burns them quickly.
Propagation
The fastest way to propagate a ZZ is division: unpot it in spring and separate a clump of rhizomes with stems attached. Leaf and stem cuttings also root in water or soil, but it can take 2 to 6 months before a new rhizome forms and up to a year for a new stem.
Common ZZ plant problems
Nearly every ZZ problem traces back to overwatering.
- Yellow leaves: overwatering. Check that the soil dries out fully, and look for soft rhizomes.
- Mushy stems or rhizomes: rot. Cut away soft parts and repot in dry, fresh mix.
- Pale or washed-out leaves: too much direct sun.
- Leaning or stretched stems: too little light. Rotate it or move it brighter.
- Wrinkled stems: underwatering. Water deeply once.
ZZ plants are the backbone of most of our office installs because they thrive under office lights. Care plans include watering, cleaning and free replacements.
Office plant serviceZZ plant varieties
All ZZ plants share the same care.
Raven ZZ
Also sold as Black ZZ, Dowon
Near-black leaves. New growth comes in bright green and darkens over a few weeks.
Care: Same as the standard ZZ. Its new green growth is normal, not a sign of a problem.
Zenzi
A compact, dwarf ZZ with curled, crowded leaves.
Care: Good for desks and shelves. Smaller pots dry faster.
Chameleon
Leaves that emerge yellow-green and mature darker.
Care: Medium to bright light keeps the coloring.
Variegated ZZ
Green leaves with cream or white streaks.
Care: Needs brighter, indirect light and grows even slower.
Your ZZ Plant watering schedule
Every 18 days · about every 3 weeks
Water the soil
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
Check first: When the soil is fully dry. Its potato-like roots store water.
Schedules are a starting point. Always check the soil before you water. Full ZZ Plant care guide
Too many plants to keep track of? We water them for you.
ZZ Plant questions
Are ZZ plants easy to care for?
Yes. They're one of the easiest plants there are: low light, dry air and infrequent watering are all fine.
How often should I water a ZZ plant?
When the soil is completely dry, about every 2 to 3 weeks in spring and summer and every 4 to 6 weeks in winter.
Can a ZZ plant live with no windows?
Yes. ZZ plants grow under fluorescent or LED office lights, though slowly.
Why are my ZZ plant leaves turning yellow?
Almost always overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely and check the rhizomes for softness.
How fast does a ZZ plant grow?
Slowly. Expect a few new stems a year, faster in bright, indirect light.
What soil is best for a ZZ plant?
A fast-draining potting mix with perlite, or a cactus mix, in a pot with a drainage hole.
Is a raven ZZ plant toxic?
Yes. Like all ZZ plants, it irritates the mouth and stomach if chewed. Keep it away from pets and children.
Is a ZZ plant easier than pothos?
For low light and infrequent watering, yes. Pothos grows faster and shows thirst more clearly.
ZZ plants for every office
We install ZZ plants and other low-light plants in offices without windows, then water and clean them on a schedule, with free replacements.
Plants that like the same light
Test what you know
Water It Right game
Ten plants, two questions each: how often, and where does the water go?
GameFind the Right Spot game
Place each plant in the room where it will thrive, from sunny windows to windowless hallways.
QuizPlant matcher quiz
Answer five questions about your light, space and style to get three plants that will thrive.