ZZ Plant Care
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) - sometimes known as Zanzibar Gem - are a popular, easy, and attractive houseplants. These exotic-looking beauties, originally from Africa, are great beginner houseplants due to their toughness and resilience. Because they come from an area of Africa that is semi-arid they’re very forgiving when it comes to watering - in their natural habitat they weather long periods of drought and big bursts of rain. They’re content to hang out while you go on vacation, if you forget to water, or if you have to leave the office for a while.💚
Potting Mix
A well-draining potting mix will do for your ZZ - they aren’t super fussy. We like to use a chunky mix of organic potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and horticultural charcoal as a basic recipe and adjust according to the plant. For a ZZ, less bark and more perlite works for us. (Want more info on soil amendments? Click here!) Just make sure your mix is “light and fluffy” and your pot has drainage.
Repotting
Repotting your ZZ is easy. If it’s outgrown its pot and needs a new home, choose a pot one size up from its current container. (As always, make sure you’ve got a pot with proper drainage - it makes life easier on you and your plants!) While you can re-pot any time, it’s best to do right before the growing season.
Light & Temperature
ZZ plants are ideally suited for bright indirect light, but part of their popularity comes from their ability to live in lower light situations as well. Remember that light impacts your watering schedule - the brighter the light, the more often you will water and vice versa. They thrive in normal household temperatures of around 60° - 75°F.
Water & Humidity
These African natives like to dry out between watering - check the moisture level of your soil with a moisture meter, by sticking a finger into the potting medium, or even by the “lift test” before deciding to water. ZZ plants have rhizomes that store water, allowing them to withstand long dry periods. They do, however, appreciate humidity like most of our favorite indoor plants. If your house is super dry, consider investing in a humidifier to help your plants thrive!
Pruning & Propagation
Your ZZ won’t mind if you need to prune it from time to time. Take sharp, clean scissors or shears and snip away parts that are damaged or overgrown. Propagating is just as simple as the rest of the care for these beauties - there are two methods you can use to grow yourself another ZZ. You can separate the rhizomes and re-plant them, or you can take a stem cutting with a couple of leaves.
Common Problems
If you notice yellowing and dropping leaves, the most likely issue is over watering. If the leaves begin to drop without turning, you may have an under watered ZZ. They’re not terribly prone to pests or diseases, but as always it’s best to inspect your plants for any problems so you can get ahead of them.
🌿If you want more tips and tricks from ZZ plant owners, need individualized care advice, or want to show off pics of your beautiful plants, check out our global community of plant people in the House Plant Hobbyist Facebook group!🌿