ZZ Plant Care Guide UK | How to Grow Zamioculcas zamiifolia Indoors
There are so many incredible houseplants in fascinating colours, shapes and patterns, but sometimes you just want something easy. If you're looking for a stylish indoor plant that can cope with a bit of neglect, the ZZ Plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is one of the best choices.
With its glossy, deep green leaves and wonderfully forgiving nature, the ZZ Plant is ideal for homes, offices, darker corners and anyone who occasionally forgets to water.
Looking for a ZZ Plant?
Browse our classic ZZ Plant, the dramatic ZZ Raven or the compact ZZ Zenzi. You can also explore our Easy Care Houseplants and Shade Tolerant Plants collections.
In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about ZZ Plant care, including light, watering, feeding, repotting and common problems.
What is a ZZ Plant?
The ZZ Plant belongs to the Araceae family and is native to eastern Africa, where it grows in dry grasslands and shaded forest areas. It has adapted to survive long periods without water by storing moisture in thick underground rhizomes.
These potato-like rhizomes are the secret to its resilience. They allow the plant to survive dry spells, missed waterings and less-than-perfect care.
While there is only one naturally occurring species, several cultivated varieties have become extremely popular. Our favourites include the classic green ZZ Plant, the striking near-black ZZ Raven and the compact ZZ Zenzi, which is ideal for smaller spaces.
Good to know: the ZZ Plant is one of our most recommended houseplants for beginners because it is so forgiving.
How Much Light Does a ZZ Plant Need?
ZZ Plants grow best in bright, indirect light, but they are especially useful because they can tolerate lower light conditions better than many houseplants.
This makes them a great option for shadier rooms, offices, hallways and corners away from a window.
However, low light does not mean no light. ZZ Plants can cope with shade, but they cannot live indefinitely in complete darkness. If you're trying to green up a darker space, our guides to keeping houseplants happy in shadier areas and plants for bathrooms without windows are useful places to start.
Top tip: if your ZZ Plant is in a very dark spot, move it into a brighter room every couple of weeks for a little plant holiday.
How Often Should You Water a ZZ Plant?
ZZ Plants prefer to dry out completely between waterings. This is the most important part of ZZ Plant care.
Because they store water in their rhizomes, they need far less water than many other houseplants. In most homes, watering every two to four weeks is enough. In winter, or in lower light, they may need even less.
Always check the compost before watering. If it still feels damp, leave it a little longer. The pot will usually feel noticeably lighter when the plant is ready for a drink.
If you're unsure about watering, our guide on how to water houseplants covers the basics.
Worth knowing: overwatering causes far more problems than underwatering with ZZ Plants.
Feeding and General Care
During spring and summer, feed every four to eight weeks with a general liquid houseplant fertiliser. We recommend Liquid Gold Leaf to support healthy, glossy growth.
ZZ Plants are slow growers, especially in lower light, so don't worry if growth is steady rather than dramatic.
You can browse our indoor plant care collection for feeds, compost and other useful houseplant essentials.
Repotting a ZZ Plant
ZZ Plants like to be slightly root bound and generally only need repotting every two to three years. You'll know it may be time to repot when the rhizomes start pressing against the nursery pot or the pot begins to distort.
When repotting, choose a pot with drainage holes and only size up slightly. A pot around 5cm wider is usually enough.
Use a free-draining compost mix to prevent excess moisture sitting around the roots. This is especially important because ZZ Plants hate being waterlogged.
For more detail, read our guide on repotting your plants.
Common ZZ Plant Problems
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves are usually caused by overwatering. Check the compost and make sure the plant is not sitting in water.
Soft or mushy stems
Soft stems are often a sign that the rhizomes or roots have started to rot. Remove the plant from its pot, cut away anything rotten and repot into fresh, free-draining compost.
Leggy growth
ZZ Plants tolerate shade, but they still need some natural light. Long, stretched stems usually mean the plant is reaching for brighter conditions.
Dusty leaves
The glossy leaves can collect dust, which reduces the light they receive. Wipe them gently with a damp cloth every so often to keep them looking their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a ZZ Plant easy to care for?
Yes. ZZ Plants are among the easiest houseplants to care for and are ideal for beginners, offices and lower light homes.
Can a ZZ Plant survive in low light?
Yes, ZZ Plants tolerate lower light better than many houseplants. However, they still need some natural light to stay healthy long term.
How often should I water a ZZ Plant?
Water when the compost has dried out completely. This is usually every two to four weeks, but it depends on light, temperature and pot size.
Why are my ZZ Plant leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are most often caused by overwatering. Let the compost dry fully before watering again.
Is a ZZ Plant toxic to pets?
ZZ Plants are not considered pet friendly and should be kept away from pets that may chew houseplants.
Your ZZ Plant Care Checklist
- Place in bright, indirect light or lower light
- Avoid complete darkness
- Let the compost dry fully between waterings
- Water less in winter
- Feed every four to eight weeks in spring and summer
- Repot only when needed
- Use a free-draining compost mix
- Keep away from pets that chew plants
Looking to Add a ZZ Plant to Your Collection?
The ZZ Plant is one of the best easy-care houseplants for UK homes. Browse our ZZ Plant, explore more Easy Care Houseplants or shop our Shade Tolerant Plants collection.