Zz Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the easiest plants for beginners. Glossy, deep green leaves on sturdy stems. Stores water in its rhizomes, so it survives long gaps in care.
Buy zz plant online from our store, and use this guide for everything from light and watering to common problems and propagation.
Table of Contents
Why Choose This Plant?
Key benefits: extremely low maintenance, premium look. Its glossy, dark leaves look striking in a matte white or black planter on an office desk or reception table.
Zz plant is one of the easiest plants for beginners, and it stays a manageable size: a mature plant reaches about 45-90 cm, and growth is slow. Good spots include: office, living room, low-light corner.
Every plant we ship is healthy, well rooted and supplied in a nursery pot, so you can start growing it as soon as it arrives.
Plant Details at a Glance
- Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Also known as: Zanzibar Gem
- Care level: Very easy
- Mature size: 45-90 cm, slow
- Best placement: Office, living room, low-light corner
- Light: Low to medium indirect
- Watering: Every 2-3 weeks; drought tolerant
- Pet safety: Toxic
Zz Plant Care Guide
Light Requirements
Light requirement: low to medium indirect. Place it about a metre from a bright window, away from harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves. Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so every side gets even light and the plant grows straight.
Watering Schedule
Recommended watering: every 2-3 weeks; drought tolerant. Always check the soil with a finger before watering: if the top 2-3 cm is still damp, wait a few more days. Water thoroughly until it drains from the holes, then empty the saucer. Reduce watering in winter, when growth slows.
Soil and Potting Mix
Recommended mix: Well-draining mix: 40% garden soil, 30% cocopeat, 20% vermicompost, 10% perlite. Choose a pot only 2-3 cm wider than the root ball, with drainage holes. Repot every one to two years in spring or early monsoon, when roots start circling the pot or growing out of the holes.
Fertilizer and Feeding
Diluted organic liquid feed or 1 tbsp vermicompost every 4-6 weeks in growing season (Mar-Sep); none in winter. Always water the plant before feeding, and never apply more than the recommended amount.
Temperature and Climate
Ideal temperature range: 18-32?C. Indoor plants enjoy the same temperatures we do. Keep it away from air-conditioner vents, heaters and cold drafts, and avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause leaf drop.
How to Propagate It at Home
Divide the rhizomes when repotting, or root single leaflets in water or moist soil. Leaf cuttings take several months to form new rhizomes, so division is much faster.
Propagating is a simple, low-cost way to fill more pots or share plants with friends and family.
Common Zz Plant Problems and Solutions
The most common issue is yellow leaves if overwatered. Our pro tip: water only when top 5 cm is dry.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks and check the undersides for mealybugs and spider mites. If you spot pests, spray a mild neem oil solution every 7-10 days until they are gone.
Where to Place It and Pet Safety
Best spots: office, living room, low-light corner. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children, and contact a vet if any part is chewed or swallowed.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one live, healthy plant in a nursery pot, packed securely to arrive in good condition. Plants are natural products, so leaf size, shape and pattern can vary slightly from the photos.
To keep it thriving, we suggest pairing it with: potting mix + vermicompost + perlite from our store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a zz plant really hard to kill?
Mostly yes. Its thick rhizomes store water, so an occasional missed watering is fine. The most common cause of death is overwatering, so always wait until the soil is dry.
How often should I water this plant?
Our recommended schedule: every 2-3 weeks; drought tolerant. Always adjust to the season and check the soil first.
Is this plant good for beginners?
Zz plant is one of the easiest plants for beginners. Follow the care guide above and you should see steady growth.
Want to learn more about the botany? Read the Zamioculcas zamiifolia overview on Wikipedia.
Explore more indoor plants in our store, or pair zz plant with Money Plant (Green Pothos) and Marble Queen Pothos (Variegated Money Plant).
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