How often should I water my ZZ plant?

Water only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.

Does it need direct sunlight?

No, it prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates very low light levels.

Plant guide

ZZ plant.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Pronounced zam-ee-oh-KUL-kas zam-ee-oh-FO-lee-uh

Also known as ZZ Plant, Zanzibar gem, zeezee plant

The ZZ plant is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a tough, low maintenance houseplant. It features glossy, dark green leaves that grow on thick, succulent stems. It's incredibly resilient and handles low light conditions like a champ.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Indoor light: medium
Water: Every 14 to 21 days
Mature size: 60 to 90 cm tall.
Growth rate: slow
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 10
Bloom time: Rarely blooms indoors, usually in summer.

Care

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant is getting too much water. It thrives in average home conditions and doesn't need much fussing.

Watering: Allow the soil to dry out entirely before watering again.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim away any yellow or damaged stems at the base.
Repotting: Repot only when the rhizomes become crowded in the container.
Soil: Well draining potting mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 24°C
Humidity: 30 to 50%
Drought tolerance: high
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years or more with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: high

Signs it needs repotting

Rhizomes are pushing against the sides of the pot.
The plant has stopped growing despite good care.
Water runs straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: All parts of the ZZ plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation if ingested or handled.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children, as the calcium oxalate crystals cause painful swelling and irritation if chewed or swallowed.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There is no significant evidence that this plant causes respiratory allergies.
Edibility: This plant is toxic if ingested and should never be consumed by humans or pets.

How to identify it

Glossy dark green pinnate leaves
Thick succulent rhizomes underground
Upright arching stems
Waxy leaf texture

Height: 0.6 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: white, green, 5 to 8cm

Common problems

Root rot — This occurs when the plant is overwatered and the rhizomes sit in soggy soil.
Scale insects — These small, sap sucking insects appear as brown bumps on the stems or leaves.

Growing it

Propagation: division, leaf cuttings
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a warm spot and reduce watering significantly during the cooler months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers and prefers a pot that is not too large, as it likes to be slightly root bound.

Leaf Cuttings

Remove a healthy leaf from the stem.
Insert the base of the leaf into a well draining potting mix.
Keep the soil barely moist and wait for small rhizomes to form.

Group plants with similar water needs together to prevent accidental overwatering of your ZZ plant.

Grows well with

Snake Plant — They share similar low water and light requirements.
Pothos — They both thrive in indoor conditions with minimal fuss.

Keep away from

Ferns — Ferns require much higher humidity and moisture than the drought tolerant ZZ plant.

Similar species

Cast Iron Plant — It shares the same reputation for being nearly indestructible in low light.

Science

Family: Araceae
Genus: Zamioculcas
Order: Alismatales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Eastern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa.
Conservation: This plant is not currently listed as threatened or endangered in its native habitat.

It grows in dry, shaded forest floors or rocky outcrops where it relies on its rhizomes to survive long periods of drought.

Uses: Indoor ornamental, Air purification, Low light decor

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Light: 2/9
Temperature: 7/9
Nutrients: 3/9
Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Moisture: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my ZZ plant?: Water only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.
Does it need direct sunlight?: No, it prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates very low light levels.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Zamioculcas refers to its resemblance to the cycad genus Zamia, while the species name zamiifolia means leaves like a Zamia.

Good to know

It is often called the eternity plant because it is so hard to kill.
The plant stores water in its thick, potato like rhizomes.
It was only introduced to the global nursery trade in the late 1990s.
The leaves have a naturally waxy sheen that makes them look artificial.

Is your zz plant looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.