ZZ Plant Care Guide - Georgina Garden Centre

ZZ Plant Care Guide

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Care Guide

The plant for people who swear they kill everything.

 

At-a-Glance Care

Best for:

Low-light homes, busy people, offices, and anyone who forgets to water.

Light

Best: Bright, indirect light

Tolerates: Low light (very well)

Avoid: Harsh, direct sun

Low light won’t kill it, it’ll just grow more slowly.

Water

How often: Every 3-5 weeks

Let soil dry: Completely between waterings

Overwatering signs: Yellowing leaves, soft or mushy stems

If you’re unsure whether to water, don’t.

Ideal Environment

Temperature: 18-30°C

Humidity: Not picky, average household is perfect

Draft sensitive: Yes, avoid cold drafts and unheated rooms

Pet Friendly?

Pet-safe: ❌ No

ZZ plants are toxic to pets if ingested. Best kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs.

Difficulty Level

Beginner

This is one of the toughest, most forgiving houseplants you can own.

 

How to Care for ZZ Plants

Pot & Soil

  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix (cactus or succulent mix works well)
  • Drainage: Mandatory, standing water leads to rot
  • Pot size: Likes to be slightly root-bound

Fertilizing

  • Fertilize lightly once a month in spring and summer
  • Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer
  • No fertilizer needed in fall or winter

Too much fertilizer causes more harm than good.

Pruning & General Maintenance

  • Remove yellow or damaged stems at the soil line
  • Wipe leaves occasionally to keep them glossy and dust-free
  • Extremely slow grower, pruning is minimal

 

Common Problems & What They Mean

Symptom Likely Cause Yellow leaves Overwatering Mushy stems Root or rhizome rot Wrinkled stems Severe underwatering No new growth Low light or normal slow growth

 

ZZ Plant’s Claim to Fame

The ZZ plant is famous for surviving conditions that would finish off most houseplants. Thick, waxy leaves and underground rhizomes allow it to store water for long periods, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant. It’s clean, architectural, and quietly reliable, the ultimate “set it and forget it” plant.

 

A Brief History of the ZZ Plant

Native to Eastern Africa, the ZZ plant evolved in dry, shaded environments where water is scarce and inconsistent. Its ability to store moisture underground is what makes it so resilient indoors.

Although it’s been around for decades, the ZZ plant surged in popularity in the early 2000s as offices and modern homes embraced low-maintenance greenery.

 

Is a ZZ Plant Right for You?

Great choice if you:

  • Have low or medium light
  • Forget to water regularly
  • Want a tough, no-drama plant

Maybe skip it if you:

  • Have pets that chew plants
  • Want fast growth or frequent change
  • Tend to overwater “just in case”

 

Where This Plant Shines at Home

  • Offices and workspaces
  • Bedrooms and living rooms
  • Low-light corners that need greenery

ZZ plants look intentional almost anywhere.

 

Final Thoughts

If you want a plant that doesn’t need reminders, schedules, or constant attention, the ZZ plant is hard to beat. Give it decent light, excellent drainage, and long breaks between watering, and it will quietly do its job for years.

Happy gardening!

 

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