How To Care for a ZZ Plant?

How To Care for a ZZ Plant?

The famous ZZ works in virtually any space and delights everyone! Bright, waxy leaves adorn the arching tubes of this plant.

Is a ZZ an easy houseplant to care for?

Yes, the ZZ plant is one of the easiest houseplants to own or gift! ZZ plants need very little light, can survive long periods of drought and look pretty 24/7. Their shiny, structured leaves arch on long tubers that are anchored in roots made of little reservoirs called rhizomes. ZZ plants are able to withstand long periods of drought conditions due to the root system of a roots rhizomes. These round rhizomes store water like a reservoir that allows the plant to draw water as needed. ZZ plants typically grow in height and fullness during the spring and summer months. ZZ’s do not require repotting often and can remain happy for a few years at a time in a pot before needing to be potted up.

What type of sunlight does a ZZ require?

ZZ plants will thrive in conditions of bright indirect light, but can also manage in much lower conditions if they can get even a tiny bit of morning or afternoon light. Be mindful of avoiding harsh midday rays, the ZZ is very flexible and forgiving in nature when it comes to sunlight requirements.

Does a ZZ need humidity?

The ZZ plant stores water in its thick foliage, tuberous fronds and in it’s rhizome roots. This characteristic gives the ZZ resilience against fluctuating climates such as inside our homes or workplaces. If we think of plants in their natural habitat it is likely more humid then in the locations we’ve styled our plants, therefore a humidifier is always a welcomed idea to support our indoor house plants. 

Can I put my ZZ outside?

Yes! ZZ plants enjoy the great outdoors as long as they are not positioned to receive hot midday sunshine as this will scorch their shiny foliage. ZZ plants enjoy being placed somewhere with bright indirect sunshine for the majority of the day, think under a covered porch, styled around a patio or in a planter pot. Remember to check your plant before bringing inside for the winter, a good rule for this is to bring inside before there is risk of overnight frost. 

Are ZZ plants safe for pets?

This plant is not recommended for people with inquisitive pets, if ingested the ZZ plant can cause stomach irritation.

Care Guide

Fun Fact

You might spot large potato-like rhizomes under the surface of the ZZ Plant's soil. These store water to help the plant survive drought in its native habitat.

Sunlight

  • Prefers low to moderate light conditions. Your ZZ plant can happily live 2–3 metres away from windows.
  • Avoid direct sunlight as your plant will burn.
  • Wipe your ZZ foliage with a damp cloth making it shine & enabling it to capture all available light.

Water

  • Try to keep your plant’s soil slightly moist. Virtually “unkillable” your easy ZZ will forgive you if you put it through some drought conditions. (ZZ plants have reservoirs for storing water & can draw from these when needed!)
  • Overwatering can cause stem & root rot. Look for yellowing leaves as an indicator.

Sad Signs

  • Wilting plant, dry potting mix: Thirsty plant, underwatered
  • Wrinkled leaves: Thirsty plant, underwatered
  • Yellowing and becoming mushy, wet potting mix: Root rot, overwatered