ZZ plants are native to Africa’s tropical regions, which have rainy and dry seasons, resulting in wildly changing growing conditions. As a result, they are very forgiving houseplants! ZZ plants thrive in fluorescent lights in offices and commercial buildings since they need a lot of indirect light (direct sunshine can scorch the leaves). ZZ plants can be cultivated outside in zones 10 to 12 in regions with filtered sunshine and well-draining soil. (The sun is OK in the morning, but plants need shade from the intense afternoon sun.)
How many hours of sunlight does a ZZ plant need?
Your ZZ Plant will thrive in a position that provides 12 hours of bright, indirect sunshine per day.
This is usually a light room with south-facing windows, although not necessarily. Although the sun exposure will provide enough of gentle, indirect light in the room, the plant should be placed far enough away from the window that any hot, direct sunlight will not reach it.
Aside from light requirements, your ZZ should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment. It’s not uncommon for drafts to form near exterior doors or near a heating or air conditioning vent.
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lilies)
Peace Lilies, for starters, can be found in the wild from Mexico to South America. They grow towards the base of mountains and along rivers and other waterways in wet, shady regions. Spatches are the thin, leaf-like white blossoms that have a light aroma. The blooms range in size from 1 to 4 inches in diameter and develop to a pale green color. Their dark green foliage contrasts beautifully with their leaves, making them the center point of any area.
Peace Lilies tolerate shadow better than other houseplants, but blossoming requires indirect, bright, filtered sunshine. Flowering happens seldom, although with a higher possibility due to more sunlight. During active development phases, keep these plants uniformly wet and fertilize them every 6 weeks with a 15-30-15 houseplant fertilizer provided in our greenhouses. Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings, but never totally. Brown spots can occur if their leaves come into contact with chilly glass. Remove the diseased leaves and new ones will sprout in their place if this happens!
Their name comes from the fact that their blooms look like white peace flags!
Sansevieria (Snake Plants)
The origin of this plant’s name, on the other hand, should be obvious. Their erect, flat, broad, wavy foliage resembles the crawling snakes! While their appearance may capture your interest, Snake Plants provide much more than feng shui to our houses. They’re one of the most effective houseplants for purifying the air in our homes! These plants absorb harmful chemicals and require little upkeep in order to thrive, allowing them to exhale oxygen for us to breathe.
These plants thrive in low-light environments due to their versatility to practically any environment within your home or office. While they may go for weeks without water, a thorough watering once a week is recommended to keep them healthy. Avoid overwatering, as you would with most houseplants.
Fun fact: This plant’s air-purifying abilities have been linked to better productivity, mood, and health, as well as reduced stress. That sounds like the ideal plant for your workplace!
Epipremnum aureum (Devil’s Ivy)
Golden Pothos, Money Plant, Silver Vine, and Devil’s Ivy are all names for this next low-light houseplant. This tropical houseplant, native to the Solomon Islands, requires very little maintenance and is almost pest and disease free! Pothos should be watered after the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch, and it should be placed in regions with bright, indirect sunshine. Average to high temperatures and humidity, as well as potting with well-drained soil, help it thrive.
The Devil’s Ivy is a popular houseplant because of its amazing foliage design. Because they like to grow from the top, hanging their long vines down to the ground in jungles, these plants can reach lengths of more than 50 feet. As a result, they look great in hanging baskets! Their glossy, heart-shaped leaves develop on either side of the vine, growing in tandem with those around them. When cultivated indoors, the variegated green and yellow leaves can grow to be around 4 inches long. Pothos are easy to grow and thrive in a variety of environments.
Fun fact: Their nickname “Devil’s Ivy” comes from how difficult they are to kill.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
ZZ Plants are a must-have for every houseplant collector. They’re highly Instagrammable. Zamioculcas zamiifolia, sometimes known as the Zanibar Gem, is an East African plant. They have an upright, compact growth pattern, making them ideal for small settings in homes and offices. The ZZ Plant is attractive to indoor gardeners because of its high, glossy leaves that retain their inherent sheen. The waxy leaves of the ZZ Plant, despite its minimal light demand, actually reflect sunlight, brightening interiors. It grows slowly, filters the air, and can withstand almost any amount of light.
Water your ZZ Plant every 2-3 weeks, allowing it to dry out little between soaks. Between Spring and Fall, fertilize with a Miracid 30-10-10 fertilizer as directed on the label. You don’t need to prune your plant, but you can prune individual branches if necessary.
Fun Fact: Propagating your ZZ Plant is time-consuming but simple! To produce a callus, simply break off a healthy leaf and lay it in a cool, dry spot for several hours. Then, inside a half-closed plastic bag, place it in moistened sand. To keep the sand moist, place the bag in bright, indirect light and add water. When the leaf produces roots after a year, plant it in well-drained soil.
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Chinese evergreens are often regarded as one of the best indoor plants for beginners. They can survive in almost any environment, including low light, dry air, and even drought. When exposed to more light, this tropical plant has beautiful green foliage with silver edging and flowers in the same way that Peace Lilies do. Chinese Evergreens are excellent office plants because they are slow-growing and low-maintenance.
These plants go great with the ZZ, Pothos, and Snake Plants mentioned before. When watering, keep the soil equally moist but let the plant to dry out slightly between waterings. Temperatures in the room should be moderate, and fertilizer is not required for it to thrive. Quick trimmings will keep your Chinese Evergreen in check, and you can use the trimmings to propagate new plants! Check your Chinese Evergreen’s leaves for symptoms of spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs on a regular basis, and if a problem emerges, see one of our team members in store.
Chinese Evergreens are one of the rare houseplants that have silver in their foliage colors.
Neanthe bella palm (Parlor Palm)
When carried over from Central America, the Parlor Palm quickly became a favorite houseplant in the United States. Its decreased light tolerance, as well as its growth behavior, are two of its main advantages that have helped it become an indoor plant phenomenon. It has lush foliage that generally covers its smaller, less appealing limbs. They’re well-suited to hallways and offices because to their upright growth pattern, so you’ve definitely seen them at your local doctor or dentist. Not to add that they are fantastic air purifiers!
Lower temperatures and a variety of soil types are also tolerated by Parlor Palms. Avoid overwatering your palm and be cautious while repotting and propagating it (they have weaker root systems).
How often do you water a ZZ plant?
Always check your plant’s watering requirements as soon as you get it. Check the moisture level deep in the soil before giving your ZZ a drink to make sure it isn’t moist directly beneath the surface. Consider aerating your plant’s soil before watering it for the first time. Aerating the soil allows it to breathe and release moisture. Because ZZs love a dry climate, it’s critical to check the soil moisture at the root zone before watering.
A soil probe, which allows you to monitor your plant’s moisture level at the root level and can also be used to aerate the soil if overwatered, is the best tool we’ve discovered to get an accurate moisture reading throughout the soil. The Monitor Brass Soil Probe is a stylish choice.
Between waterings, ZZ’s want to dry completely. Because they have a very good water retention system, you shouldn’t water this plant until the soil in the pot is completely dry. In low-light environments or throughout the winter, this may mean watering only once a month.
Rotate your plant on a regular basis to guarantee even development on all sides, and dust the leaves frequently to ensure optimal photosynthetic activity. Take advantage of the opportunity to dust the leaves and inspect the undersides for bugs while you’re at it. Once every couple of months, clean your leaves with a microfiber cloth and a fine-spray mister.
If you’re going to pot your ZZ Plant in an organic container, we recommend adding a waterproof saucer underneath to protect your flooring from the moisture that may collect beneath the pot.
Remember that each plant is a unique living organism with distinct needs, especially in its own environment. Pay care to your ZZ’s health and watering requirements, and you’ll have a long and happy relationship.
Can ZZ plant live in shade?
When Curtis Howe Springer, an American radio preacher, needed a name for his spa and retreat in California’s Mojave Desert, he made one up, claiming it to be the very last word in the English lexicon, and the modern-day hamlet of Zzyzx was formed.
The ZZ plant might be the last word in houseplants. Because its botanical name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, was too difficult to remember, it was dubbed the ZZ plant.
Despite the fact that Zamioculcas zamiifolia was discovered in Africa in the 1800s, it did not gain widespread popularity until the last several decades. The ZZ plant is ideal for forgetful people since it can live for months without any attention.
This plant may have been seen in big public plantings in office buildings or malls, where the always green, always perfect-looking ZZ plant is so modest and requires so little maintenance that it could be mistaken for artificial. The ZZ plant is so resilient that it can grow just about anywhere in a home or workplace. Even under fluorescent lighting, it performs admirably.
It’s a strange plant, with three-foot-tall stems that are stout at the base and gracefully taper to the pointy ends. Thick, meaty leaves with a waxy sheen grow all the way up and down the stems. Straight stems and arched stems are sometimes found on the same plant. You can either leave them alone or chop them off to keep your plant full and shapely.
ZZ plants need bright to moderate light, although they can also flourish in partial shade. Even while your ZZ plant can withstand direct sunshine, it may cause part of the leaves to brown, yellow, and curl. So somewhere that isn’t under direct sunlight should suffice.
ZZ plants appear to thrive when they are neglected. They can go months without being watered; in fact, they require so little that you should only water them when the soil is completely dry. Too much water, which can damage the roots, is about the only thing that will kill a ZZ plant. Watering a ZZ plant is determined by how much light it receives; more light equals somewhat more water. Of course, regular, infrequent watering is preferable for your ZZ plant.
The ZZ plant can also grow without any fertilizer, though it will grow quicker if it is lightly fertilized. When the plant is vigorously growing in the summer, use a half-strength liquid houseplant fertilizer. Your ZZ plant may blossom at times, with tiny flowers at the base of the plant that are often hidden by the leaves.
Keep dogs and children away from the ZZ plant since every part of it might be harmful. As long as the temperature inside doesn’t drop below 45°F, the ZZ plant is good. Early in the spring, repot your ZZ plant with well-draining potting soil. The plant can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes or using leaf cuttings.
You can’t go wrong with the always green, always lush ZZ plant as a plant-it-and-forget-it houseplant. After all, it’s the king of houseplants.
Is my ZZ plant getting too much sun?
If you truly want to kill your ZZ plant, you’ll have to give it your all! To put it another way, it’s extremely long-lasting. Even though a ZZ plant can withstand a lot of neglect, if you want it to thrive, it’s best to give it regular care. Continue reading to learn how.
Light: Although ZZ plants like bright, indirect light, they may thrive in low-light environments. Even bright, fluorescent light can help these plants thrive. One of the main reasons they are a popular choice for indoor rooms with no windows is because of this. One thing to keep in mind is that ZZ plants dislike being in direct sunlight. Sunburned or dried-out leaves can result from too much direct sunlight. If this happens, you should move your plant to a shadier spot until the leaves return to their original green color.
Allow the soil to dry out in between waterings. Allowing your plant to sit in water can quickly lead to stem and rhizome rot. Your plant may go months without water, but it will grow more quickly if you water it more frequently. Because root rot is more likely to kill your ZZ plant than water deprivation, it’s always better to underwater rather than overwater.
Temperatures: The ZZ plant loves temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers humid settings, but can survive in less humid environments unless the air is too dry. You can sprinkle its leaves with water to battle the dry air in that situation. If your plant is near an air conditioning vent and/or the temperature goes below 45°F, it may experience stunted development.
Toxicity: Because this plant includes calcium oxalate crystals, it should be handled with caution. This can cause irritation to the skin as well as more significant problems such as stomach ache. Because of the oxalate crystals, the plant is highly dangerous to cats and dogs, so keep it out of their reach. If you keep Zamioculcas zamiifolia out of reach of curious pets and youngsters, they are still safe to have in your house. To avoid contact with the plant, you should wash your hands promptly after tending to it or wear gloves. More information on poisonous plants can be found in our poisonous plant guide.
Aphids, such as the “sap” from ZZ plants, are pests. If you detect strange yellow stains or patches on your plant, you may have an aphid infestation. Aphids can readily blend in with leaves, so you’ll have to examine closely (especially since they like to hide under leaves). Most bugs can be removed off leaves by wiping them with a moderate soap and hot water solution.
Overwatering is the most prevalent cause of mortality for ZZ plants, as previously stated. Before watering it, make sure the first three inches of soil are completely dry. If the plant’s leaves begin to drop, you know it’s seriously underwatered. If your ZZ plant’s leaves are turning yellow and dropping off, you may be overwatering it.
This plant takes a long time to mature. It could take several years for your plant to reach a height of a few feet. Giving your ZZ plant adequate light, water, and temperature conditions is the best method to aid its growth. If you’re not sure how to aid your ZZ plant while it’s struggling, check out our guide to reviving a plant.
Now that you’ve learned how to care for a ZZ plant, make sure you know what to do when it begins to thrive!
Fertilizing: Use a diluted liquid fertilizer like 20-20-20 to fertilize your plant once or twice in the spring and summer months.
Pruning: ZZ plants do not need to be pruned heavily. Throughout the year, remove yellow leaves and trim back any excessive stems. Remember to put on your gloves!
Repotting: Unless your plant has outgrown its existing home, you don’t need to repot it. The optimum time to repotte ZZ plants is in the spring. Select a pot that is one size larger and has adequate drainage. Take the ZZ plant out of its original pot. As needed, clean up and trim the roots. Replant in a new pot using potting soil that drains nicely. Continually add water until the bottom drains.
Sticking a mature stem in water and waiting for roots to sprout is one way to propagate the ZZ plant. The second procedure involves splitting the plant into two or three smaller plants. However, because ZZ plant rhizomes are known to grow slowly, this should not be done too frequently.
The ZZ plant is a virtually indestructible plant that may be used in any space of your house or workplace. It’s simple to care for Zamioculcas zamiifolia as long as you remember to keep it out of direct sunlight and to let the soil dry between waterings. If you have children or dogs, place it on a high shelf and out of reach to guarantee everyone’s safety.
What is indirect sunlight?
When something in the path of the sun’s light diffuses or filters the light before it reaches your plants, this is known as indirect sunlight. Sheer curtains, a piece of furniture, a tree outside your window, or even another indoor plant placed in front of the lower-light plant can all be used as examples.
Can ZZ Plant grow in LED light?
Regular LED illumination will work fine, and your plants will be able to accomplish some photosynthesis as a result.
If you have a dark nook with a ZZ plant, a golden pothos, or a snake plant, for example, a standard lamp will suffice.
Depending on how dark the corner is, though, your plant is unlikely to grow. It won’t necessarily die, but new growth will be scarce, and if it does appear, it will be pale and sickly.
This is perfectly OK if you only want a plant for aesthetic purposes. In fact, I maintained a few giant philodendrons in a corner with a conventional bulb for months because I didn’t need them to grow any longer (I later upgraded to grow lights). They had already grown to be enormous.
Is it true that they have stopped growing? No, that’s not it. My philodendron golden dragon has just begun to send out vines that are climbing towards the window and generating miniscule leaves that are about a twentieth the size of his previous leaves.
How do you make a ZZ Plant bushy?
The easiest technique to make a ZZ plant bushy is to give it plenty of light and take care of it properly. By developing a large number of new stems, your ZZ plant will become bushy, and if the conditions are right, the number and size of these stems will be maximized.
Another reason why appropriate care is crucial if you want to produce a full and robust ZZ plant is that a stressed or unhappy ZZ plant might drop leaves, making it appear less bushy.
Should you mist a ZZ plant?
ZZ Plants are resilient, which makes them ideal for forgetful plant owners. These tough plants can go months without water and thrive well in any light except direct sunlight.
With wand-like stems that taper to a point, ZZ Plants are graceful. The fleshy, oval-shaped, glossy leaves that run along the stems give them a characteristic feathery appearance.
ZZ Plants are native to East Africa and require very little water. They thrive when left alone. A ZZ Plant is a great choice if you want a low-maintenance plant that yet makes a statement.
Your ZZ Plant’s leaves are naturally polished and glossy, thus no leaf shine is required. To maintain them dust-free, simply wipe them down with a moist cloth or mist them from time to time.