Looking for a low-maintenance houseplant?
Just keep in mind that ZZ plants are toxic to people and pets when ingested.
How to Grow ZZ Plants
ZZ plants are low-maintenance houseplants even beginner gardeners can keep alive.
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They thrive evenin almost complete shade.
Want more gardening tips?
Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch your plant’s leaves.
Soil
Standard houseplant potting mixes are sufficient for a ZZ plant as long as they drain well.
Water
Let ZZ plant soil dry out completely in between waterings, then water deeply.
Every few weeks should be sufficient, though it depends on the growing conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
ZZ plants are content to grow in average indoor temperatures and humidity.
They do not tolerate cold temperatures and can suffer damage below 45F.
Choose a spot away from drafts including cold air vents.
Plants may benefit from increased humidity during dry winter months.
Is This the Right Plant for You?
Use a sharp, sterile pruner and make cuts at a 45o angle just above a leaf node.
Use cuttings to start new plants.
Remove the bottom leaves as they age and start to fade.
Propagating ZZ Plant
ZZ plants arepropagated through division and leaf cuttings.
Division is simplest and can be done during repotting.
Leaf cuttings need to develop a root system so you’ll need some patience using this propagation technique.
Place the cutting in a warm spot that receives bright indirect light, and water thoroughly.
These houseplants tolerate some crowding but need attention when rhizomes start to press against the edge of the container.
Repot in spring or summer when your plant is actively growing to alleviate transplant shock.
Choose a pot one size larger than the current pot or divide the plant, removing outside rhizomes.
you’re free to replant the mother plant in its original container with new potting medium.
Keep plants free of dust and applyhorticultural oilif an infestation develops.
Water-soaked lesions and brown spots with yellow halos indicate a fungal or bacterial disease sparked by overwatering.
Isolate the plant, withhold water until soil dries out and treat with fungicide.
Remove severely damaged leaves.
The more light you give it, the more growth you’ll get.
Yellow Leaves
Overwatering ZZ plant leads to problems includingyellowing leaves.
Let the plant dry out completely and, if necessary, repot into fresh dry, potting mix.
ZZ plants are tolerant of many conditions and do not require a lot of light or water.
They are good plants for those just starting out as plant parents.
A ZZ plant is special because of its low care requirements and beautiful structural shape.
