The ZZ plant stores water in thick underground rhizomes, making it almost impossible to kill through neglect. It tolerates low light, dry air and missed waterings better than nearly any other indoor plant. Glossy, dark-green leaflets march up arching stems for a sculptural, modern look.
Quick reference
| Scientific name | Zamioculcas zamiifolia |
|---|---|
| Common names | ZZ Plant, Zanzibar Gem, Eternity Plant |
| Family | Araceae |
| Native to | Eastern Africa (Zanzibar, Kenya, Tanzania) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Pet safety | Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals). |
ZZ Plant care guide
Light
Tolerates very low light, but grows fastest in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Water
Water only when the soil is completely dry — typically every 2–3 weeks, less in low light or winter. The rhizomes store water like a succulent; overwatering causes rot faster than underwatering ever causes damage.
Humidity
Indifferent to humidity. Thrives in dry indoor air.
Temperature
Comfortable between 15–27 °C (60–80 °F). Avoid temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F).
Soil
A standard well-draining potting mix with 30% perlite or a cactus mix.
Fertilizer
Feed once in spring and once in summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. ZZ plants grow slowly and need very little feeding.
Pruning
Cut yellow or damaged stems back to the rhizome at the soil line.
Repotting
Every 2–3 years or when rhizomes visibly press against the pot. Use a sturdy pot — mature rhizomes can crack thin plastic.
Propagation
By rhizome division when repotting, or by leaflet cuttings in water (very slow — months to root).
Common ZZ Plant problems
Yellow stems falling over
Cause: Overwatering causing rhizome rot.
Fix: Unpot, inspect rhizomes — discard any soft sections — and replant in dry cactus mix. Do not water for two weeks.
Brown leaf tips
Cause: Fertilizer salt buildup or chlorinated water.
Fix: Flush the soil with plain water every few months and use filtered water if possible.
No new growth
Cause: Low light or recent repotting.
Fix: Move to brighter indirect light. ZZ plants are also naturally slow growers — even healthy plants may produce only 2–3 new stems per year.
How PlantCare Pro can help with your ZZ Plant
Scan your ZZ Plant in the PlantCare Pro app to confirm the species, get a 0–100 health score, and receive a personalised, weather-aware care plan. Save it to My Garden to track its health over time and get notified when something looks wrong.
ZZ Plant FAQ
How often should I water a ZZ plant?
Every 2–3 weeks in bright light, every 3–4 weeks in low light, even less in winter. Always check the soil is bone-dry to the bottom of the pot before watering.
Can ZZ plants live in a windowless room?
Yes, briefly. The plant will survive for months even in deep shade, but growth stops and lower leaves will eventually yellow. An LED daylight bulb on a 10-hour timer is enough to keep it healthy long-term.
Are ZZ plants poisonous?
Yes — all parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and stomach. Keep away from pets and children, and wash hands after pruning.