How to Grow a ZZ Plant So It Thrives for Decades

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, making it a perfect choice for almost anyone. This tropical, upright plant features oval-shaped, shiny, deep-green leaves and can live in nearly any environment, including low light. The ZZ plant offers great flexibility in care, is drought-tolerant, and is naturally resistant to most common pests.

Often regarded as nearly indestructible, this charming plant is perfect for beginners, busy professionals, or travelers. While the ZZ plant can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions, providing it with optimal care will allow it to truly flourish, rather than just survive. Ahead, plant experts provide their top tips for caring for the ZZ plant, including how to prune and propagate this easy-to-grow plant.

Care Requirements

While this low-maintenance plant thrives in various growing conditions, optimizing its care will encourage robust, healthy growth.

Sunlight

ZZ plants can survive in low light, but they grow best in indirect, bright sunlight. Emily Scott, the owner of Scott Farm in Maine, cautions that direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, making indirect light the ideal choice for these plants. While ZZ plants can tolerate low light, it may hinder their growth. Providing bright light will help your plant thrive.

Soil

Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil is ideal for ZZ plants. Scott recommends using mixes designed for cacti or succulents, as they allow water to drain quickly and keep the soil dry between waterings.

Water

ZZ plants are sensitive to overwatering and can go weeks without needing a drink, depending on the amount of sunlight they receive. Always test the soil before watering, and only water your plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry.

Temperature

These plant prefers average temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, says Scott. It does not like cold or excessively hot conditions and appreciates some humidity. Avoid cold drafts, as ZZ plant prefers consistently warm temperatures.

Fertilizer

You only need to fertilize ZZ plants once or twice during their growing seasons, in spring or summer, notes Scott. It’s best to use a water-based fertilizer to avoid burning the roots.

How to Prune a ZZ Plant

Prune a ZZ plant to maintain its shape and remove damaged leaves. "You only want to prune a ZZ plant to remove yellow or dead leaves," Scott says. Before making a cut, ensure you wear gloves, as this plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause skin irritation. Aim to prune your plant in the spring or summer when it is actively growing. Keep in mind, you can remove dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves at any time.

Always sanitize your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of pathogens. Using your pruners, remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves, cutting just above the leaf node. For stems that are too leggy, cut the stem at the soil line.

How to Propagate a ZZ Plant

If you enjoy having a ZZ plant, you can easily propagate it to expand your collection. "You can propagate a ZZ plant in a few different ways, and while none of them are particularly fast, they are all quite reliable if you’re patient," says Ankit K. Singh, an assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine. Here are two simple methods for propagating ZZ plants.

Division Propagation

The easiest and fastest propagation method is division, says Singh. "When you repot the plant, gently separate the thick, potato-like rhizomes so that each section has some roots and at least one stem attached," he explains. "Then, plant the divisions in a well-draining mix such as a cactus or succulent soil." Water lightly and let the soil dry between waterings, since ZZ plants are prone to rot if they stay too wet.

Water and Soil Propagation

Take a stem cutting from your ZZ plant and either place it in a glass jar filled with water or plant it directly in soil. Singh explains that over time, the cutting will develop roots and a small rhizome before producing new growth, which may take several months. "Individual leaflets can also root, but this method is the slowest and may take six months or longer to show any progress," he says. Providing bright, indirect light and warm temperatures will help. If potting the cutting in water, ensure you change the water every few days to prevent any diseases.

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How to Repot a ZZ Plant

Repotting the ZZ plant should only be done when it has outgrown its previous container. The best time to repot is in the spring or summer, when your plant is actively growing.

1. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot, ideally about 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter, and make sure it has adequate drainage holes.
2. Using a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus blend, add a layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot.
3. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot and place it in the new pot, ensuring that it is at the same depth as before.
4. Fill in the sides with soil and lightly pack it down, and water the plant thoroughly.

Common Problems

This resilient plant has minimal issues, and the few it does have are easy to fix.

Leggy Stems

ZZ plants can become thin and leggy if they don't receive enough light, Scott notes. To remedy this issue, she recommends relocating the plant to a bright spot while keeping it away from cold drafts.

Yellowing Leaves

This plant may develop yellowing leaves when it is overwatered. To prevent this, allow your plant to dry out completely before watering it again. Another reason for yellowing leaves could be poor drainage. Make sure your pot has sufficient drainage holes and that the soil is well-draining.