ZZ Plant Care
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Low to bright indirect. One of the best for dim rooms. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the soil is completely dry. Every 2β4 weeks. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Fast-draining: our Arid Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 15β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Any. Normal home air is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Beginner Low light OK |
| π Grows to | 40β90 cm. |
The ZZ plant stores water in potato-like rhizomes under the soil, so it shrugs off missed waterings, dim corners and busy weeks. Its glossy leaves look almost polished. If you've been told you have a black thumb, start here.
Light + placement
ZZs tolerate low light better than almost any houseplant, including a north window or an office with fluorescent light. In brighter, indirect light they grow faster and fuller. Avoid hot direct sun, which yellows and scorches the leaves. Raven ZZ comes in bright green and turns near-black as each stem matures.
Watering
Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. The rhizomes rot if they sit wet, so when in doubt, wait. Wrinkled stems mean it's thirsty; yellow, soft stems mean too much water.
Soil + repotting
A gritty, fast-draining mix like our Arid Potting Mix, in a pot with a drainage hole. ZZs like to be snug; repot every 2β3 years, or when the rhizomes start pushing the pot out of shape.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
A light sprinkle of worm castings on top of the soil every few months gives it a slow, natural boost (keep it thin so the gritty mix still drains fast). Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep the shine. Cut yellow stems at the soil line.
Propagation
Divide the rhizomes when you repot, or root a single leaflet in moist soil (slow: it can take months to sprout). See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow, soft stems | Overwatering, rhizome rot | Unpot and check the rhizomes; remove mushy ones, repot dry. |
| Wrinkled or curling leaves | Thirsty | Water deeply. |
| Leaning, stretched stems | Low light | Move closer to a window; rotate the pot. |
| Brown, scorched patches | Direct sun | Move out of the sun. |
| No new growth for months | Normal in winter or low light | Be patient; new stems come in spring. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for the classic ZZ, Raven and Chameleon ZZ. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water a ZZ plant?
Only when the soil is completely dry: usually every 2β3 weeks in summer and about monthly in winter.
Can a ZZ plant live in a room with no windows?
It tolerates very low light and fluorescent office light, but it still needs some light to live long-term.
Is a ZZ plant safe for pets?
No. It's mildly toxic and can irritate a pet's mouth and stomach if chewed.
Why is my Raven ZZ growing green leaves?
New stems start bright green and darken to near-black over a few weeks.
ZZ Plant care kit
- Arid Potting Mix: Our fast-draining Soil Bar mix for plants that like to dry out.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Plant Cleaning Gloves: The easiest way to dust big leaves.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Pothos Β· Calathea Β· Hoya Β· Heartleaf Philodendron Β· Peperomia Β· Ferns Β· Prayer Plant Β· Scindapsus Β· All plant care β