ZZ plant care guide

Pets and children

How often to water ZZ plant

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 10 days

As a guide, water thoroughly only after the soil has dried through; the tubers at the base store water, so about every ten days to two weeks is enough.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 2 weeks

Generally wait about a week after the soil dries before watering; growth stops as the days shorten.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every month

About once a month, just barely moisten the soil; it survives almost dry, and overwatering, not drought, is what rots it.

Light and placement for ZZ plant

Bright shade generally suits it, and it tolerates a room lit only by ceiling lights; direct sun scorches the leaves, and deep shade makes new shoots lanky.

Overwintering ZZ plant

Overwintering guide: 8°C (46°F) or above

Overwinter it indoors above roughly 8°C; kept on the dry side it takes the cold better, and it should not sit directly on a cold floor.

Fertilizing and repotting ZZ plant

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer about every two to three months from May to September is usually enough; it needs little feeding and none in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with ZZ plant

• Watered as often as other houseplants, the tubers rot and the leaves yellow.
• Standing water in the saucer rots the roots and the stems topple at the base.
• In a dark spot new shoots grow thin and the leaflets space out.

Tips for growing ZZ plant

• Lift the pot and water only when it feels light; that alone prevents most trouble.
• It grows slowly, so repotting about every two to three years is enough.
• A single leaf pushed into soil will root, though it takes several months.

More foliage plant care guides

• Aluminum plantPilea cadierei
• Amazonian elephant earAlocasia × amazonica
• Areca palmDypsis lutescens
• Arrowhead plantSyngonium podophyllum
• Asparagus fernAsparagus setaceus
• Autograph treeClusia rosea