ZZ plant care: light, watering and soil
Short answer
ZZ plants grow in anything from low to bright indirect light, as long as it isn’t full sun. Their thick underground rhizomes store water, so water only after the mix has dried completely, about once or twice a month. Use a coarse, well-draining mix, keep them above 60 °F, feed lightly in spring and summer only, and keep them away from pets.[1, 2]
ZZ plant care at a glance
| Light | Low to bright indirect light; no full sun |
|---|---|
| Watering | Only once the mix is completely dry |
| Soil and pots | Coarse, well-draining mix |
| Humidity | Normal indoor humidity is fine |
| Temperature | Keep above 60 °F |
| Feeding | Lightly, in spring and summer only |
| Propagation | Division, or leaf cuttings (slow) |
| Size and growth | 2–4 feet tall and wide, slow-growing |
| Pets | Not pet-safe |
Light
- It tolerates low light but grows best in bright, indirect light. [1, 2]
- Put it anywhere except full sun. [1]
- It grows very slowly; bright, indirect light speeds it up. [1]
Watering
- Water only after the potting mix has dried completely, typically once or twice a month. [1]
- It copes well with infrequent watering but not with soil that stays wet. [2]
- Cut back to about once a month in fall and winter. [2]
- Never let it sit in water: overwatering leads to root rot. [1]
- Its thick rhizomes store water, which is why it handles dry spells so well. [1, 2]
Soil and pots
- Use a coarse, well-draining mix. Clemson suggests about half peat- or coir-based potting soil, a quarter perlite and a quarter sand. [1]
- You can grow it much like a cactus or other succulent. [2]
- Let the pot drain fully before putting it back in a decorative pot or on a saucer. [1]
Humidity
- It does well in ordinary indoor humidity and adapts to changes. [1, 2]
Temperature
- Keep it above 60 °F: it is sensitive to cold. [1]
Feeding
- Feed lightly during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. Guides differ on how often: Clemson suggests just once or twice in the whole growing season, Illinois Extension a light dose once or twice a month when you water. [1, 2]
Propagation
- Division is the most common and fastest way: separate a section that has at least one stem attached. [2]
- Leaf cuttings are slower but can make many more plants: cut a leaf at its base, let it callus for a few days, then set it about half an inch deep in the mix. [2]
- Roots form first, then a small rhizome. Expect it to take a few months. [2]
Size and growth
- Upright leaves grow straight from the rhizomes and reach 2–4 feet tall and wide. [1, 2]
- The leaves are thick and waxy. It rarely flowers. [1, 2]
Is a ZZ plant toxic to pets?
- Clemson Extension lists the ZZ plant as not pet-safe, so keep it where pets can’t chew it. [1]
Compare with other plants in our pet-safe houseplant checker.
ZZ plant varieties
| Variety | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Standard | Dark green leaves on upright stems, 3–4 feet tall. [1] |
| Variegated | Glossy green leaves marked with cream or white, 1.5–3 feet tall. [1] |
| 'Chameleon' | New leaves come up yellow and mature to dark green. Up to 4 feet. [1] |
| 'Raven' | New leaves come up green and turn almost black. Up to 2.5 feet. [1] |
| 'Zenzi' | Dwarf, with slightly smaller dark green leaves. Only 10–12 inches tall. [1] |
Common ZZ plant problems
| What you see | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| Root rot | Overwatering, or the pot left sitting in water. [1] |
| Black spots on the stems | Normal for ZZ plants, not a problem. [1] |
| Pests | Few problems, but check for aphids, mealybugs, thrips and whiteflies. [1, 2] |
Not sure what's wrong? Use the plant doctor to match what you see to a cause.
Questions people ask
How often should I water a ZZ plant?
Only when the mix has dried out completely, usually once or twice a month in spring and summer and about once a month in fall and winter. [1, 2]
Can a ZZ plant live in low light?
Yes. It tolerates low light, but it grows faster in bright, indirect light. Avoid full sun. [1, 2]
Is a ZZ plant safe for cats and dogs?
No. Clemson Extension lists it as not pet-safe, so keep it out of reach of pets. [1]
How do I propagate a ZZ plant?
Divide it, keeping at least one stem on each section, or root leaf cuttings in the mix. Division is fastest; leaf cuttings take a few months. [2]
Are black spots on ZZ plant stems a problem?
No. Black spots on the stems are normal for this plant. [1]
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on November 6, 2026. The wording is our own.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Indoor Care, Growing Tips & Plant Guide (HGIC 1570). Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center. Published Jun 8, 2026.
- Houseplant spotlight: the ZZ plant. University of Illinois Extension, Good Growing. Jan 9, 2026.
Spotted a mistake? Report an error and we'll check it against the sources and update the page.