Meet the ZZ Plant, a hardy and resilient companion that has become a staple in indoor gardens. Known for their durability in low-light conditions and minimal care requirements, ZZ Plants are an ideal choice for those seeking easy-to-maintain greenery. Hailing from the Eastern and Southern regions of Africa, ZZ Plants, scientifically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, have found their way into homes around the world. Thriving in areas with low light and sporadic rainfall, these hardy plants have adapted to survive in less-than-ideal conditions. Join us as we delve into the basics of light, water, and general upkeep, helping you cultivate a hardy ZZ Plant that effortlessly complements your indoor environment.
Light
ZZ Plants are renowned for their adaptability to low-light conditions, making them a perfect choice for spaces with limited natural sunlight. While they can tolerate low light, they thrive best in indirect, bright light. Place them in areas with filtered or moderate light, such as near a north or east-facing window. ZZ Plants’ ability to flourish under various light intensities makes them versatile additions to both well-lit living rooms and spaces without a lot of natural light.
While they are great plants for low light spaces, remember plants need light for energy. If you keep your ZZ Plant in a room with little light it may grow slower than usual, and it is already a fairly slow grow. However, this is perfect if you don’t want it to get too big!
Water
The key to successful ZZ Plant care is to adopt a minimalist approach to watering. Allow the soil to dry out almost completely before considering watering. This ensures that the roots don’t sit in consistently damp conditions. Overwatering is a common pitfall, so it’s crucial to avoid keeping the soil overly moist. ZZ Plants are more tolerant of drought than excess water. You may notice tubers in the soil, those actually store water so they can survive without water for a while.
When watering, ensure proper drainage, and empty the saucer beneath the pot to prevent waterlogging. ZZ Plants are forgiving, making them suitable for those who prefer a less frequent watering routine. Always check the soil’s moisture levels and water accordingly to maintain the optimal care for your ZZ Plant.
Soil & Potting
Soil
In my experience ZZ Plants can adapt to a wide variety of soil types. I kept mine in the soil it came from the store in for a long time before repotting and it never seemed to mind. However, to reduce the risk of root rot, I recommend putting it in a chunky aroid mix, or at least a well-draining soil. If you want my DIY recipes for both, check out this article.
Potting
When selecting a pot, choose one with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, minimizing the risk of root rot. I also prefer to keep mine in terracotta, because it will wick away excess moisture from the pot.
ZZ Plants generally prefer to be slightly root-bound, so there’s no rush to repot frequently. For ZZ Plants, repotting is typically recommended every 2-3 years. When repotting your ZZ Plant, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. I recommend increasing the pot size by two inches. This helps maintain the plant’s stability while providing room for gradual growth.
How to Propagate ZZ Plants
ZZ Plants can be propagated through various methods, offering a wide variety of ways to expand your ZZ plant collection. Keep in mind that while propagating, your cuttings will need light, as it takes a lot of energy for them to grow a whole new root system.
Division
The first and easiest way to propagate a ZZ Plant is by dividing its rhizomes. During repotting, carefully separate sections of the ZZ Plant that have both roots and stems, ensuring each division has viable growth points. Replant these divisions in fresh soil, and they will develop into independent ZZ Plants.
Stem Cutting
ZZ Plants can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a healthy stem cutting, ensuring has plenty of leaves. Allow the cuttings to dry for a day or two to form calluses. After it has callused, place the cutting in water, and leave in a bright spot. Once the plant has enough roots, you can pot it up, give it a good watering, and you have a new plant!
Leaf cutting
The last method of propagation is propagation by leaf cutting. An individual leaf can be used for propagation. Carefully remove a healthy leaf from the plant. Similar to stem cuttings, let the leaf dry for a short period before placing it in water. Given enough time, these leaf cuttings will root and grow into new ZZ Plants. I only recommend this method if you simply enjoy the process of propagation, as leaves take a very long time to propagate.
Caring for ZZ Plants is easy. Keep it straightforward by placing them in an area with filtered light, watering sparingly, and using well-draining soil. When potting, choose containers with drainage holes. ZZ Plants are hardy, so don’t stress about frequent repotting. If you’re feeling adventurous, try propagating your ZZ Plant! Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just starting, ZZ Plants make indoor gardening easy. Stick to the basics, and your ZZ Plants will thrive with minimal fuss. Happy growing!