ZZ plant care guide
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also called Zanzibar gem, zuzu plant
Published 2026-10-19
Quick care
- Light
- Low
- Water
- When the soil is dry all the way down
- Humidity
- Dry room air is fine
- Temperature
- 15 to 29°C (60 to 85°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix with extra perlite
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer two or three times in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Division, or leaf cuttings (slow)
The ZZ plant stores water in thick roots underground. That is why it survives weeks of neglect and why too much water is the only thing that kills it.
Light
A ZZ plant grows in low light, even in an office with no window nearby. It grows faster and fuller in medium to bright, indirect light.
Direct afternoon sun can yellow or scorch the leaves.
Water
Water when the soil is dry all the way down. In most homes that is every two to three weeks in summer and every four to six weeks in winter.
The potato-like roots, called rhizomes, hold water. If you are not sure, wait another week. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.
Soil and potting
Use a well-draining mix. Add a few handfuls of perlite to regular potting soil, or use a cactus mix.
The rhizomes grow strong enough to crack plastic pots. Repot when you see the pot bulging, usually every two to three years. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.
Humidity and temperature
Dry indoor air is fine. Keep it away from cold windows and drafts in winter.
Feeding
Feed two or three times in spring and summer at half strength. It grows slowly and needs little food.
Pruning
Cut yellow or broken stems off at the soil line. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, because the sap can irritate.
Propagation
Division is the quickest way. Separate the rhizomes when you repot, and pot each clump with its stems.
You can also root a single leaf or a stem in damp soil or water. It works, but a new rhizome can take three months or more to form, and a new stem even longer.
Problems
| What you see | Most likely cause |
|---|---|
| Yellow stems, wet soil | Too much water |
| Mushy stems at the base | Root rot |
| Wrinkled stems, dropping leaves | Too dry for too long |
| Leaning toward the window | Not enough light |
| No new growth for months | Normal in winter or low light |
Pests
ZZ plants rarely get pests. Check for mealybugs and scale now and then. Fungus gnats mean the soil stays too wet. Read how to get rid of fungus gnats in houseplants.
Pet safety
ZZ plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing them irritates the mouth and stomach.
Varieties
- ‘Raven’ has new leaves that start green and turn nearly black.
- ‘Zenzi’ is a compact type with curled, crowded leaves.
- Variegated ZZ plants have cream or white patches.
In my house
ZZ plants are easy. Mine need almost no care. The black ‘Raven’ ones are popular right now.
