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4.9 out of 5 (650 experiences)


About ZZ Plant
ZZ plants have survived 42 million years of plant pathogens, pests, and climate change. Their resilience and ability to tolerate water stress and low light has elevated them to international horticultural importance! Out of 15 plants tested, the ZZ plant was the best at absorbing and removing out of the air a major component found in gasoline. ā½ļø
Taxonomy
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Zamioculcas
Araceae
Alismatales
Also known as
Zanzibar gem, Zuzu plant, Aroid Palm, Eternity Plant and Emerald Palm

How to care for ZZ Plant
How often to water your ZZ Plant

every 12
ZZ Plant needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesnāt get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
12
Finding light for ZZ Plant in your home

a window
ZZ Plant can tolerate being far from a window and light source.
Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŖ.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of ZZ Plant in your home š”.
How to fertilize ZZ Plant

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itās likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your ZZ Plant after it doubles in size or once a yearāwhichever comes first.
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Curling & drooping help? #ZzPlant
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Why are the fresh leaves on my ZZ plant turning yellow? #ZzPlant
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Why the yellow leaves? My zz plant sits under a can light (like 4ā under it). These yellow leaves are a new growth. Iāve been waiting a few weeks but they arenāt changing color. #planthelp @RJG @AnthuriumQueen @FitBrowallia @greenlikethumb @HoyaAddict @jaysjungle @jazzyjess @kscape @PlantBabyMama @RealSimpleMama @sarahsalith @ShinyBudew @SirLiquorice @YammieOf3 @tango #NorthTexasGregGang
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It has new growth but the leaves are much paler, and some of the older leaves are turning yellow/brown
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Hey guys Iām Ash here! New to this community. Wanted to know why my ZZ leaves are turning yellow and brown at the tips.
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My forbidden potato props are growing nicely Edited to add the boyās photo #cafejack
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Ok, donāt laugh at me.. I overwatered my ZZ and one stem with two leaves turned yellow, so I thought Iād try this hack! The pot didnāt have a drainage hole & I was too lazy to get out my drill. I see the irony there now.. Has anyone tried this? #OverwaterHack #lightflowday #PlantHacks #PlantTherapy #HappyPlants
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One of her leaves is starting to brown Iām new to plants what should I do? What does this mean? #ZzPlant
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What is this growing in the dirt? I just watered my plant yesterday and what ever this is it just multiplied. How do I treat this?
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It was unwatered for a long time before I got it back a few months ago. Lots of breakage the stumps are grown over. Itās starting to grow again. Need help. #ZzPlant
ZZ Plant is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
š¦ Water Needs
ZZ Plant thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
āļø Sunlight Needs
ZZ Plant can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŖ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home š”.
š¶ š š¶ Toxicity
ZZ Plant is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
šØ Humidity
ZZ Plant prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.
šŖ“ Soil
ZZ Plant is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesnāt retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!
š© Fertilizer
ZZ Plant grows very slowly and doesnāt require added fertilizer. Replacing your plantās potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
āļø Dormancy
Itās common for ZZ Plant to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
š Native Region
ZZ Plant is native to Southeastern Africa.
šø Flowers
ZZ Plant produces flowers in the wild, but does not flower when kept as houseplants.
ā¬ļø ā¬ļø Growth Pattern
ZZ Plant is a clumping plant, meaning new growth will emerge from the soil around the parent plant.
š¦ļø Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
ZZ Plant can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
š± Propagation
ZZ Plant can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2ā long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
š§ Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
š Common Issues
Overwatering is a likely cause of issues with ZZ Plant. These plants are very sensitive to wet soil so if you notice your plant becoming squishy or translucent, overwatering is the likely culprit.
Cut your plant just past where the rot ends and allow it to callus over for a few days before replanting it in fresh, dry soil. Download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 12 days

< 6ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4ā pot your plant is in, and that it doesnāt get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say












Iāve had my ZZ for a year and a half now, overwatered once and thought I was going to lose her, but she bounced back! Let ZZs dry out between waters and be sure to trim dying leaves off immediately when you see them. Also, if a whole stem is dying, prune right down to soil, or a little bit underneath, then cover over with some soil - itāll grow right back. When pruning, be sure to use the right size shears because ZZs do not like jagged cuts.


