ZZ Plant Care Guide: How to Look After a Zamioculcas zamiifolia

There are so many incredible houseplants in fascinating colours and patterns, but life gets busy—and sometimes you just want to add greenery without a plant that demands weekly attention. If you’re looking for an easy-care indoor plant that thrives on neglect, the Zamioculcas zamiifolia—better known as the ZZ Plant—is the perfect choice. This low-maintenance houseplant is one of the most resilient indoor plants you can grow, making it ideal for both homes and workplaces. Whether you’re new to ZZ Plant care or simply want a stylish, hard-to-kill plant, this one’s a winner.

The Zamioculcas zamiifolia belongs to the Araceae family and is one of our most popular indoor plants thanks to its shade tolerance and incredible resilience. Native to eastern Africa, it typically grows in dry grasslands and shaded forest areas. To survive long periods of drought, the ZZ Plant develops thick, tuberous rhizomes that store water—helping it go for weeks without a drink. These potato-like rhizomes are remarkably hardy and can even produce new growth if the plant loses all its leaves.

With its glossy, deep green foliage, the ZZ Plant is not only beautiful but also highly functional. The leaves contain a high concentration of chlorophyll, allowing the plant to photosynthesise efficiently even in low-light conditions. That’s why it’s one of the best houseplants for shaded rooms, offices, and low-light corners—perfect for brightening up spaces where other plants might struggle. Read our guide on how to keep houseplants happy in shadier areas for more tips on lighting.

There’s only one naturally occurring species of Zamioculcas, but several cultivated varieties have become firm favourites, including ‘Zenzi’, ‘Raven’, ‘Supernova’, ‘Variegata’, and ‘Lucky Classic’. All are exceptionally hardy, making them our go-to recommendation for commercial interiors where consistent plant care isn’t always guaranteed.

Care

ZZ Plants grow best in bright, indirect light, but they’re prized for tolerating shade. They won’t survive indefinitely in total darkness, but they can cope with very little light. If you keep your ZZ in a windowless space, move it into a brighter room for a day or two each week to give it a boost—or keep two plants and rotate them weekly between bright and darker spots.

Because of their water-storing rhizomes, ZZ Plants prefer to dry out completely between waterings. Depending on light levels, temperature, and pot size, this usually means watering about every 2–4 weeks. In winter or very low light, you can stretch that interval further. Always check that the compost is fully dry before watering again—the pot will feel noticeably lighter when it’s time for a drink.

During spring and summer, the plant’s active growing season, feed every 4–8 weeks with a general liquid houseplant fertiliser such as Liquid Gold Leaf to replace nutrients in the compost. Explore our full range of plant feeds and fertilisers for more options. This is also the ideal time to check if your ZZ needs repotting. You’ll know it’s ready when the roots or rhizomes begin to press against or crack the nursery pot.

When repotting, use a free-draining compost mix to prevent excess moisture around the roots. We recommend Soil Ninja base mix combined with grit, sand, and zeolite for the right balance of drainage and aeration. Always choose a pot with drainage holes and only size up by about 5 cm. ZZ Plants like to be slightly root bound, so they generally only need repotting every 2–3 years.

Tips & Tricks

Overwatering

Yellowing leaves and soft, mushy stems are a sign of overwatering. ZZ Plants store water in their rhizomes and need less frequent watering—especially in the cooler months. If you’ve overwatered, remove any rotten roots or stems, refresh the compost with a free-draining mix, and place the plant in a warm, bright spot to dry out fully. You can also browse more houseplant care tips and tools to keep your collection thriving.

Leggy Growth

Although ZZ Plants tolerate shade, they still need some natural light. Stems that grow long and leggy are reaching for light. Move your plant to a brighter position to encourage stronger, more compact growth.

Looking to add a ZZ Plant to your collection?
Explore our ZZ Plant — available to order online for UK delivery or in-store collection. Or browse our full easy-care houseplant collection for more low-maintenance favourites.