ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia · Araceae
- Light
- Low to bright-indirect
- Water
- Low
- Humidity
- Low to average
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pet-safe
- No
- Propagation
- Division, Stem Cuttings, Leaf Cuttings
Common problems: Root RotScale InsectsMealybugsFungus Gnats
Quick facts
- Light: Low to bright indirect · Water: Let soil dry almost completely
- Difficulty: Easy — excellent for forgetful watering
- Pet-safe: No
Description
A glossy, architectural houseplant with upright stems and thick oval leaflets. It stores water in potato-like rhizomes, which is why it tolerates neglect better than most leafy indoor plants.
Care
- Light: Handles low light, but grows best in medium to bright indirect light. Avoid hot direct sun through glass.
- Water: Let the pot dry most of the way down before watering. Overwatering is the main way people kill it.
- Soil & potting: Use a well-draining mix and a pot with drainage. Do not let the rhizomes sit wet.
- Humidity & temperature: Average home air is fine. Keep warm and away from cold drafts.
- Feeding: Light feeding spring-summer.
- Repotting / propagation: Repot only when crowded; ZZ is slow and does not need frequent disturbance.
Propagation
By division at repotting, or slowly from leaflet/stem cuttings. Division is fastest: separate a rhizome section with roots and stems. Leaflets can root, but they may take months to form a new rhizome. See Propagation Basics.
Toxicity
Not pet-safe. Like many aroids, ZZ plant can irritate the mouth and stomach if chewed. Keep it away from pets that sample leaves.
Common ailments, afflictions & pests
Click any item for how to identify and treat it.
- Root Rot — mushy stems or yellowing after wet soil; nearly always overwatering.
- Scale Insects — brown bumps along stems and leaflets.
- Mealybugs — white cottony clusters in tight stem bases.
- Fungus Gnats — a sign the soil is staying wetter than ZZ wants.
- Wrinkled stems? Usually prolonged underwatering, though root rot can mimic drought if roots are gone.
See also: Diagnose a Problem.