Zz Plant Growth and Care

Plant Care

ZZ is about the easiest plant to care for. With its excellent indoor performance, high tolerance for lighting variations, and ability to store water in its thick rhizomes, it is great for forgetful waterers.

Just put it in indirect light, be sure to only water when the soil is fully dry, and resist the urge to fuss over it. ZZs prefer to be left alone.  If you’re looking for a bulletproof houseplant with major style, this is it.

Light

ZZ Plants thrive under a variety of lighting conditions. While they prefer a sunny windowsill, they will survive—and in fact, even thrive just fine—in low-light corners where most plants would fail.

Avoid intense, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. If you’re placing it near a window, filtered or sheer light is ideal.

Soil

As a soggy root is a true killer, make sure to use a good potting mix with good drainage. Use either a cactus or succulent mix, or regular potting soil mixed with perlite or coarse sand for drainage.

Drainage is key as ZZ Plants are susceptible to root rot in consistently wet conditions.

Watering

ZZ Plant is widely recognized for its extreme drought tolerance. It stores water in underground rhizomes and can survive weeks without watering. The most important part of watering is to allow the soil to dry out thoroughly before watering again. 

When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly and let any excess drain away—never let the plant sit in standing water. During winter, its growth slows, and you’ll likely only need to water once a month. The most frequent issue is overwatering, so when in doubt, wait a few more days.

Pruning

Much pruning is not necessary for ZZ Plants, but a light trim is a good way to keep them looking tidy:

• Remove damaged and yellow leaves at the base
• Prune overly tall stems to maintain shape
• Clean cuts with sterilized shears

You can do pruning any time of year, but spring and summer are ideal for encouraging new growth.

Propagating

There are two simple methods for propagating new ZZ Plants—dividing the plant and using a leaf cutting:

• Division: Carefully remove the plant from its pot and pull apart the thick underground stems (called rhizomes). Make sure each piece has roots, then plant them in fresh soil.
• Leaf cuttings: Cut off a healthy leaf or a whole leaflet. Let it dry for a few hours. Then insert it into wet soil / or put it in the water. Roots can take several months to grow, so give it time.

It is a slow process, but if you like to watch plants grow from the start, then it can be fun.

Growing in Pots

ZZ Plants are perfect container plants and grow well indoors year-round:

• Choose a pot with proper drainage
• Opt for breathable materials like terracotta
• Only repot when rootbound — typically once every 2–3 years

Potted ZZs are perfect for desk tops, bookshelves, and even low-light bathrooms.

Overwintering

ZZ Plants need no special overwintering if you are growing them indoors (which is most common). Simply place them in a warm room where the temperature ranges from 60–75°F and is steady.

In winter, reduce watering even more—less frequent waterings help prevent root rot. Avoid drafts and don’t fertilize until spring growth begins again.

Blooming

ZZ Plants rarely bloom indoors, but when they do, it’s a subtle event. The flowers are an inch or two-long, yellowish-green spathes that form near the base of the plant—more curious than showy.

Blooming typically occurs in summer or early fall and only under very bright, ideal conditions. Most ZZ owners never see flowers, and that’s perfectly normal.

Common Issues

ZZ Plants are tough but there can be some problems if the conditions are not right.

• Leaves turn yellow → Often from excess water or bad drainage
• Mushy stems or rhizomes → Indication of root rot; remove affected parts and repot
• Leaf curling or wrinkling → Usually caused by underwatering
• Brown tips → Caused by dry air or inconsistent watering

Pests are rare, but spider mites or mealybugs can occasionally appear. Wipe down leaves and treat with neem oil if needed. Overall, most problems stem from too much love, not too little.

Summary

With its glossy leaves, sculptural form, and almost indestructible nature, the ZZ Plant has earned its spot as one of the most popular houseplants in the world.  It's beautiful, low-effort, and perfectly suited to modern life—thriving in apartments, offices, or anywhere light is limited and care is casual.

Suitable for anyone from the experienced indoor gardener to a houseplant starter, the ZZ Plant is a loyal, forgiving friend.  Its quirky name may come from a tongue-twisting Latin moniker, but its success lies in pure simplicity.

If you’re looking for a green, glossy plant that asks for very little and gives back a lot—look no further than the ever-stylish, ever-surviving ZZ.