ZZ plants thrive in bright to moderate indirect light, although they may also thrive in very low light. This plant is suitable for a windowless workplace or washroom where only a little amount of fluorescent light is available.
Do ZZ plants need sunlight?
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.)
Should I mist my ZZ Plant?
On a ZZ Plant leaf, there is a sunburn. I put mine out in the rain one afternoon and kept it out until 11 a.m. the next morning. This one leaf was the only one that caught fire. It was also the end of October, and they burn quickly!
Humidity
Tropical climates are home to ZZ Plants. Despite this, they are adaptive and do well in our homes, which have dry air. Mine barely has a few microscopic, tiny brown tips here in hot, dusty Tucson.
Fill the saucer with stones and water if you think yours are stressed owing to a lack of humidity. Place the plant on the pebbles, but make sure the drain holes and/or the bottom of the pot aren’t flooded. Misting a couple of times a week should also assist.
Fertilizing
When it comes to fertilizing, ZZ Plants aren’t picky. I use worm compost and compost to feed my. I’ve been doing it once a year, but starting next year, I’ll start applying in late February/early March (here in Tucson, where the weather warms up quickly) and then again in July. Here’s where you can learn more about my worm compost/compost feeding.
If you have it, liquid kelp or fish emulsion would be good, as would a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (5-5-5 or lower). In the spring, dilute any of these to half strength and apply. If you believe your ZZ requires another application, repeat the process in the summer.
You shouldn’t fertilize houseplants in the late fall or winter because that’s when they’re supposed to be resting. Salts might build up and damage the roots of your ZZ Plant if you fertilize it too much. If your houseplant is strained, such as bone dry or dripping wet, don’t fertilize it.
Soil
My favorite combination is 3 parts potting soil, 1 part succulent and cactus mix, and 1 part coco coir. I always add a few handfuls of compost (how many depends on the size of the pot) and a 1/4-1/2 layer of worm compost on top.
I get my compost, succulents and cactus, and coco coir from a local supplier. I use this potting soil and worm compost. More online options for compost, succulent and cactus mix, and coco coir can be found here. Here’s where you can learn more about my worm compost/compost feeding.
Repotting/Transplanting
If you live in a warm environment, you can do this in the spring or summer; if you live in a cold climate, you can do it in the early fall. Your plant will need to be repotted sooner if it grows too quickly.
Both of mine are in plastic pots, but terra cotta or ceramic would work just as well. To allow them more room to expand, I potted them up a couple sizes.
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 much should you water a ZZ Plant?
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, sometimes known as the ZZ Plant, is a tropical perennial native to Eastern Africa that has gained widespread popularity in recent years due to its adaptability to a variety of environments. The smooth, naturally lustrous leaves of the ZZ range in color from bright lime in childhood to emerald green in maturity. Individual leaflets range in length from one to three inches. They emerge from thick, bulbous stalks that emerge from huge, water-storing rhizomes buried beneath the soil. Because it can survive low light and requires little water, the ZZ is a trustworthy houseplant.
In medium to bright indirect light, it thrives. Lower indirect light is tolerable. Intense, direct sunlight is not recommended.
Allow 2-3 weeks between waterings to allow the soil to dry out. Watering should be done more frequently in better light and less frequently in lower light.
Can ZZ Plant live in bright light?
Your ZZ Plant enjoys indirect light that is mild to bright, but it is very adaptable. In a windowless area, it will endure low light and fluorescent lights. During the spring and summer, use a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants once a month.
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.
How long do ZZ plants live?
Their foliage is quite distinctive, with almost symmetrical green leaves growing up taller stems.
The leaves make up 91% of this plant, and each leaf may persist up to 6 months in terrible conditions, which is why the ZZ plant can survive for up to 4 months without water in low light.
Because this plant is still relatively new to home plant owners, it is commonly seen to live for 5-10 years, however it is suspected to live much longer.
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.
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.