The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the toughest houseplants you can buy. It stores water in thick underground rhizomes, so it shrugs off missed waterings and dim rooms. This page gives the essentials: light, watering, soil, repotting, propagation and the problems that actually happen.
ZZ Plant at a glance
| Type | Houseplant |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Bright indirect light |
| Plant spacing | 0 in |
| Row spacing | 0 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Slow-growing; division gives instant new plants |
| How to start | You can pot or repot a ZZ plant at any time of year, though spring and early summer, when growth is strongest, are ideal. |
| Water | 0.5 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant ZZ plant
You can pot or repot a ZZ plant at any time of year, though spring and early summer, when growth is strongest, are ideal. It is native to eastern Africa and does not tolerate cold, so keep it above about 15°C (60°F) and away from cold drafts and windows in winter.
In frost-free climates it can live outdoors in shade. Check your growing zone before moving it outside.
How to plant ZZ plant
- Pick a pot with drainage. Choose a pot only 2 to 4 cm wider than the root ball. Drainage holes are essential because rhizomes rot in standing water.
- Use a gritty mix. A cactus or succulent mix, or regular potting soil with about one third perlite or pumice, drains fast enough.
- Set the rhizomes at soil level. The fat rhizomes should sit just below the surface, with the stems upright.
- Water lightly after potting. Then let the soil dry out before watering again.
- Place in indirect light. A spot near an east or north window works well. It also copes with low light, but grows slowly there.
Caring for ZZ plant
Water only when the soil is completely dry through the pot, roughly every 2 to 4 weeks depending on light and season. Overwatering is the number one killer; the overwatering checker can help you tell if that is the cause. In winter, water even less.
Bright indirect light gives the fastest growth and the glossiest leaves. Direct afternoon sun can scorch them. Feed with a half-strength balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month in spring and summer only. Wipe dust from the leaves every few weeks so they can photosynthesize well.
Repot every 2 to 3 years, or when the rhizomes push up out of the soil or bulge the pot. Wear gloves when handling: all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it away from curious pets and children.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Pothos, snake plant, peace lily, Chinese evergreen |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Moisture-loving ferns that need constant damp soil |
ZZ plants pair well with other low-light, low-water houseplants that share the same care routine. Keep them apart from plants that need frequent watering so no one gets over- or under-watered. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Yellowing and mushy stems at the base, usually from overwatering | Let the soil dry fully, check the rhizomes and cut away any that are soft and brown. See the yellow leaf identifier. |
| Rhizome rot | Soft, smelly rhizomes and collapsing stems | Unpot, trim rotted tissue, let cuttings dry for a day and repot in fresh dry mix. |
| Brown leaf tips | Dry brown edges, often from very dry air or salt build-up | Flush the soil with water every few months and avoid fertilizing too often. |
| Leaning or leggy stems | Long, thin stems reaching toward a window | Move to brighter indirect light and rotate the pot regularly. |
| Scale and mealybugs | Small bumps or white cottony masses on stems | Wipe with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. See the pest identifier. |
| Wrinkled stems | Shriveled stems from long drought | Water thoroughly and the plant usually recovers. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
ZZ plants are grown for their leaves, not for harvest. They are slow growers, producing only a few new stems a year, so patience pays off. A healthy plant reaches 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) tall indoors.
To propagate, divide the rhizomes when repotting, or root single leaves or leaf pairs in moist, well-drained mix. Leaf cuttings are slow, often taking 6 to 9 months to form rhizomes, but they work. Always wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.
Plan your ZZ plant
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant ZZ plants?
Space ZZ plants 0 inches apart in rows 0 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant rhizomes?
Plant ZZ rhizomes just below the soil surface with the stems upright and the pot only slightly larger than the root ball.
How long do ZZ plants take to grow?
Division gives instant new plants, while leaf cuttings take 6 to 9 months to form rhizomes and a few more to grow stems.
How much water do ZZ plants need?
About 0.5 inches of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Water only when the soil is fully dry, about every 2 to 4 weeks, and less in winter.
How often should I water a ZZ plant?
Water only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 2 to 4 weeks. Less in winter, since overwatering is the main cause of death.
Is the ZZ plant poisonous?
Yes. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and skin if eaten or handled, so keep it away from pets and children and wear gloves when dividing.