ZZ Plant Care Guide
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Also known as: Zanzibar Gem
Watering
Summer
Every 17 days
Winter
Every 21 days
Let the top 2-3cm of soil dry out before watering. Stick your finger in - if it feels dry, water.
Light
Low light tolerant
Further from windows, shaded corners. Will survive, not thrive.
Humidity
20-40%
Thrives in dry air. No misting needed.
Pet & Child Safety
Mildly toxic - may cause irritation
Harmful to: cats, dogs, children
Pot & Soil
Very happy being rootbound - the rhizomes store water. Use well-draining mix and a pot with drainage.
Pot-size watering
The 17-21 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot dries quickly, but the soil should still reach its proper dry-down before watering. A 22cm pot can hold moisture deep inside even when the top looks dry.
Prefers snug roots
This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled.
Soil refresh
Refresh gritty mix when drainage slows, salts crust on the surface, or the potting mix collapses - usually every 18-24 months for stable plants.
Good to Know
Stores water in rhizomes. Thrives in offices.
Frequently asked
How often should I water ZZ Plant?▾
Every 17 days in summer and every 21 days in winter is the reference range. The 17-21 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot dries quickly, but the soil should still reach its proper dry-down before watering. A 22cm pot can hold moisture deep inside even when the top looks dry. Let the top 2-3cm of soil dry out before watering. Stick your finger in - if it feels dry, water.
What light does ZZ Plant need?▾
Low light tolerant. Further from windows, shaded corners. Will survive, not thrive..
Is ZZ Plant safe for pets and children?▾
Mildly toxic - may cause irritation if chewed. Keep out of reach of curious pets and small children.
What humidity does ZZ Plant prefer?▾
20-40%. Thrives in dry air - no misting needed.
What soil and pot does ZZ Plant need?▾
Very happy being rootbound - the rhizomes store water. Use well-draining mix and a pot with drainage. This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled. Refresh gritty mix when drainage slows, salts crust on the surface, or the potting mix collapses - usually every 18-24 months for stable plants.
Is ZZ Plant beginner-friendly?▾
Yes - ZZ Plant is a houseplant well-suited to beginners.
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