How often should I water my ZZ plant?

Water only when the soil has dried out completely, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.

Why are my leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing is almost always a sign of overwatering.

Plant guide

ZZ Plant.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

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

Also known as ZZ Plant, Zanzibar gem, zeezee plant

Zanzibar gem — Photo by Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The ZZ plant is a tough, low maintenance houseplant that thrives in many indoor conditions. It features glossy, dark green leaves that grow on thick, succulent stems. This plant is perfect for beginners because it handles neglect quite well.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 14 to 21 days
Mature size: 60 to 90 cm
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal overwatering. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and dust free.

Watering: Water only when the soil is dry to the touch throughout the pot.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Remove yellow or damaged stems at the base as needed.
Repotting: Repot only when the rhizomes become crowded or the pot begins to bulge.
Soil: Well draining potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 29°C
Humidity: 30 to 50%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years or more.
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Rhizomes pushing against the pot sides.
Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Soil drying out much faster than usual.
Plant growth has completely stalled.

Safety

People: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and skin.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children as ingestion of any part can cause painful swelling and digestive distress.
Contact allergens: Handling the sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested and can cause significant irritation.

How to identify it

Glossy, dark green, oval leaflets
Thick, fleshy, succulent stems
Rhizomatous root system
Upright, arching growth habit

Height: 0.45 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.9m
Leaves: dark green, glossy, evergreen
Flowers: green, cream, 5 to 7cm
Fruit: white, Autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, leaf cuttings, stem cuttings
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a warm spot away from cold drafts. Reduce watering significantly during the winter months.
In containers: It thrives in containers and prefers a snug fit, so do not repot too frequently.

Leaf Cuttings

1. Carefully pull a leaf from the stem.
2. Let the leaf callus for a few hours.
3. Insert the base of the leaf into moist potting mix.
4. Keep the soil barely moist.
5. Wait several months for a new rhizome to form.

Group plants with similar low water needs to avoid accidental overwatering of the ZZ plant.

Grows well with

Snake Plant — They share identical water and light requirements.
Pothos — Both tolerate low light and neglect well.

Similar species

Raven ZZ — It is a cultivar with striking near black foliage.

Science

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

It survives in the wild by growing in rocky, dry soils and utilizing its rhizomes to store moisture during droughts.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: indoor ornamental, office plant, low light decor

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my ZZ plant?: Water only when the soil has dried out completely, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.
Why are my leaves turning yellow?: Yellowing is almost always a sign of overwatering.

Where the name comes from

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

Good to know

It is often called the eternity plant because it is nearly impossible to kill.
The thick stems are actually rhizomes that store water for dry periods.
It was only introduced to the commercial plant trade in the late 1990s.
The leaves are naturally shiny, so you do not need to use leaf shine products.

Also in

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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.