ZZ PLANT

DIG THIS

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) may be slow-growing, but it just might be the easiest plant to keep alive.

Its thick stems allow it to store water for a long time, and its waxy leaves lock in moisture and repel dust. This easily makes a ZZ the king (or queen!) of the set-it-and-forget-it lifestyle.

If you keep it happy long enough, you might get lucky and spot its rare “corn on the cob” shaped flower. It’s subtle. It's weird. But definitely a plant parent win!

Black outline of a thumbs-up gesture on a white background

Pretty Chill

Any Light
Except Direct Sun

Keep Soil Dry

Not Pet Safe

SHADE,
PARTIAL SUN, or INDIRECT SUN

AVOID HARSH, DIRECT SUN

The ZZ plant is notorious for not being very particular about sunlight. Please note that it will be its happiest in bright, indirect sunlight!

Although it can survive in dimmer areas, if you start to notice leggy stems, it may be time to relocate.

Cartoon sun character holding a flower and a potted plant with a cloud in the background.

FIND YOUR LIGHT

Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.

SOUTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹

EAST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants

WEST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹

⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants

NORTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹

⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!

OUR PICK

We recommend an east or north-facing window for a ZZ plant.

⚠︎ Avoid direct sun from south or west-facing windows. Or simply move the plant further away from these windows for softer light.

KEEP SOIL DRY

This is a drought-tolerant plant, so you can go longer periods without watering and it will still thrive.

Let the soil completely dry out before watering. Overwatering is the most common cause for issues for a ZZ plant. Remember, it is retaining moisture on its own, so don’t drown it!

LOW HUMIDITY

It isn’t fussy, so indoor humidity will work just fine. Try to keep moisture off its leaves if you can.

Cartoon water droplet character with a watering can and flowers on a white background

SOIL

ZZ plant needs soil that drains fast and stays dry. The best store-bought option is a cactus and succulent mix since it is already formulated for plants like the ZZ.

Avoid anything labeled "moisture control" or "moisture retention" as these tend to hold water longer. The opposite of what a ZZ plant needs!

Want to make your own?
Mix equal parts standard potting mix + any 1 gritty ingredient. Perlite, pumice, and coarse sand all work great.

Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Small white pot filled with soil and small white stones on a wooden surface

Looks like very tiny, gray and white pebbles. Helps prevent compact soil and improves airflow for the roots.

Looks like gritty and chunky beach sand. Like perlite, it improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Cartoon pot with face holding a trowel, surrounded by plants and flowers on a white background

COMMON ISSUES

YELLOW / MUSHY

Yellowing or mushy leaves is definite sign of overwatering. A ZZ plant that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.

Remove affected leaves. Dry out soil completely (1-5 days). Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.

If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.