How to Fertilize ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Quick Answer

Feed your ZZ Plant with a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply once a month during spring and summer only. Stop feeding entirely from fall through winter when growth slows down.

When Should I Start Feeding My ZZ Plant?

Because ZZ Plants respond to day length and light levels more than temperature, your feeding window depends on when your region's natural light picks up in spring.

Pacific Mar–Sep

Mountain May–Aug

Midwest Apr–Sep

Northeast Apr–Sep

Southeast Mar–Oct

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How Often Should I Fertilize My ZZ Plant?

Once a month during spring and summer is plenty. ZZ Plants are naturally slow growers, so they use nutrients gradually and don't need frequent feeding.

Taper off in early fall and stop completely by mid-fall. The plant's growth slows significantly in lower light, and unused fertilizer just builds up as salts in the soil.

If you notice white crusty deposits on the soil surface, that's salt accumulation. Flush the pot with plain water a few times to clear it out before your next feeding.

Feeding Calendar

Spring & Summer

Half-strength balanced liquid once a month

Early Fall

One final quarter-strength feeding, then stop

Late Fall & Winter

No feeding

What Is the Best Fertilizer for a ZZ Plant?

A balanced liquid fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) works well for ZZ Plants. Because this plant grows slowly and stores energy in its thick rhizomes, it doesn't need heavy feeding.

Always dilute to half the label's recommended strength. ZZ Plant roots are fleshy and sensitive to salt buildup, so a lighter dose is safer than a full one.

Slow-release granules are another option if you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Sprinkle them on the soil surface once at the start of the growing season and let them do the work over several months.

Synthetic

Schultz All Purpose 10-15-10

Affordable liquid concentrate that's easy to dose. Use 3-4 drops per quart of water (half the label rate) for gentle monthly feeding.

Jack's Classic All Purpose 20-20-20

Water-soluble powder with a balanced ratio. Mix at half strength (1/2 teaspoon per gallon) for monthly ZZ Plant feedings.

Organic

Liqui-Dirt Organic Concentrate

Gentle all-in-one liquid with mycorrhizae that supports root health. One scoop per gallon, applied monthly during the growing season.

Worm castings

A mild, slow-release option that won't burn sensitive roots. Work a thin layer into the top inch of soil once in spring.

How Do I Fertilize My ZZ Plant?

Water your plant first

Give your ZZ Plant a thorough watering and let it drain before you fertilize. Feeding dry roots increases the risk of burn, especially with this plant's fleshy rhizome system.

Dilute to half strength

Mix your balanced liquid fertilizer at half the dose listed on the label. For most products, that's about 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water.

Pour evenly over the soil

Apply the diluted solution slowly and evenly across the soil surface until it starts to trickle from the drainage holes. Avoid pouring directly onto the stems or leaves.

Let it drain completely

Allow all excess water to flow out of the pot. Never let your ZZ Plant sit in a saucer of fertilizer water, as standing liquid encourages root rot in these rhizomes.

Flush the soil every few months

Run plain water through the pot two or three times to wash out any salt buildup. This is especially important for ZZ Plants since their roots are sensitive to mineral accumulation.

Got More Questions?

Can I use coffee grounds or banana peels on my ZZ Plant?

Coffee grounds acidify the soil over time, which ZZ Plants don't need. Banana peels break down too slowly in a pot to deliver meaningful nutrients. Stick with a diluted liquid fertilizer for reliable results.

What happens if I over-fertilize my ZZ Plant?

You'll likely see yellowing leaf tips, brown edges, or a white crust forming on the soil. ZZ Plant roots are fleshy and especially sensitive to salt buildup. If you suspect over-fertilizing, flush the soil with plain water several times and skip feeding for a couple of months.

Does my ZZ Plant even need fertilizer?

It can survive without it for a long time, but a light feeding schedule during the growing season encourages new shoots and fuller growth. Think of it as optional but beneficial.

Should I fertilize a newly repotted ZZ Plant?

Wait at least a month after repotting before feeding. Fresh potting mix already contains some nutrients, and the roots need time to recover from being disturbed.

Can I use slow-release granules instead of liquid?

Yes. Apply them once at the start of spring at half the recommended amount. Granules are convenient for ZZ Plants since they only need light feeding. Just be careful not to over-apply, because you can't easily flush out granules the way you can with liquid.

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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist

About the Author

Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.

See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.

Editorial Process

Fertilizer recommendations verified against Zamioculcas zamiifolia growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

47,856+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 9b–13b

Citations:
NC State Extension
Missouri Botanical Garden

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