Easy Tropical Toxic to pets

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ Plant has very glossy leaves and is extremely tolerant of neglect.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 14 days
Light

Low light
Humidity

30–50 %
Temperature

15–30 °C

How to care for your ZZ Plant

Everything you need to keep your ZZ Plant healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia, native to eastern Africa, is one of the most resilient houseplants in existence. Its very glossy dark green oval leaves grow on characteristic arching stems. Its underground rhizomes allow it to store water and nutrients, making it extremely tolerant of watering neglect. Perfect for offices and poorly lit apartments.

Watering your ZZ Plant

Every 14 days

Water very sparingly; allow the substrate to dry out completely. The rhizomes store water, making this plant exceptionally drought-tolerant.

How to know it needs water

Substrate completely dry for at least one week
Leaves appearing slightly less lustrous

How much light a ZZ Plant needs

Low light

Low to moderate indirect light; extremely shade-tolerant. Avoid direct sun which scorches the glossy leaves.

Direct sun tolerated: No direct sun
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, North-west, West, South-east, South-west

Humidity and misting

30–50 %

Low (30–50%) Do not mist; the ZZ plant tolerates very dry air exceptionally well.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 60 days

Apply two or three times during spring and summer only; never fertilise in autumn or winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to quarter strength · 2-2-2

Repotting your ZZ Plant

Every 36 months

Use a well-draining substrate; do not overwater for several weeks after repotting while roots re-establish.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

Rhizomes visibly protruding above the substrate surface
Pot distorted by root pressure

Pruning your ZZ Plant

Remove yellowing stems or damaged leaves at the base as needed. Cut cleanly at the base of the stem using sterilised scissors or a sharp blade.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 21 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 11 in the growing season.

21 J
21 F
17 M
13 A
11 M
11 J
11 J
11 A
13 S
17 O
21 N
21 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; sap contains calcium oxalate crystals. Keep away from children and pets.

Good to know

Can survive several months without water thanks to its rhizomes
Its very glossy leaves reflect light

Frequently asked questions about the ZZ Plant

How do you care for a ZZ Plant?

Water it every 14 days. Give it low light. Ideal humidity: 30–50 %. Ideal temperature: 15–30 °C. Water very sparingly; allow the substrate to dry out completely. The rhizomes store water, making this plant exceptionally drought-tolerant.

How often should you water a ZZ Plant?

Every 14 days Water very sparingly; allow the substrate to dry out completely. The rhizomes store water, making this plant exceptionally drought-tolerant. How to know it needs water : Substrate completely dry for at least one week ; Leaves appearing slightly less lustrous.

How much light does a ZZ Plant need?

Low light Low to moderate indirect light; extremely shade-tolerant. Avoid direct sun which scorches the glossy leaves. No direct sun

Is the ZZ Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Toxic if ingested; sap contains calcium oxalate crystals. Keep away from children and pets. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my ZZ Plant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a ZZ Plant?

Repot every 36 months, ideally in spring. Use a well-draining substrate; do not overwater for several weeks after repotting while roots re-establish.