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Houseplants · Evergreen tropical perennial

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Glossy, deep-green fronds and a near-indestructible constitution make the ZZ plant the ultimate low-maintenance statement piece for any indoor space.

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Sunlight
Low to bright indirect light
Water
Every 2-3 weeks, allow soil to dry fully between waterings
Harvest
n/a - grown for foliage
Hardiness
Zones 9-11 outdoors, best as a houseplant
About

Built to Survive, Designed to Impress

Native to the dry grasslands and forests of eastern Africa, the ZZ plant evolved to handle long stretches of drought by storing water in its thick rhizomes. Those plump underground stems act like a built-in reservoir, keeping the plant fed and hydrated long after you have forgotten to water it. This is not a plant that punishes busy schedules.

Each arching stem is lined with pairs of waxy, oval leaflets that catch and reflect light beautifully, giving the plant an almost polished look without any effort on your part. Growth is slow and steady, but patience pays off - a mature ZZ plant is a genuinely striking presence on a shelf, floor, or desk.

How to grow

Planting & care

Plant your ZZ in a well-draining potting mix - a blend formulated for cacti and succulents works perfectly. Choose a pot with a drainage hole and size it just slightly larger than the root ball. Overwatering is the single most common mistake with this plant, so err firmly on the side of dry. In the growing season, water when the top 2 inches of soil are completely dry, then cut back further in winter.

ZZ plants tolerate low light remarkably well, but they grow faster and look their best in bright, indirect light. Keep them out of harsh direct sun, which can scorch those glossy leaves. Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep that signature shine.

Good to know

Handle with Care

All parts of the ZZ plant are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats if ingested, and the sap can irritate skin on contact. Wash your hands after handling and keep it out of reach of curious pets and small children. The toxicity is real but the risk is low as long as you treat it with basic caution.

Common questions

How much sun does ZZ Plant need?

ZZ Plant grows best in low to bright indirect light.

How often should you water ZZ Plant?

Give it about every 2-3 weeks, allow soil to dry fully between waterings.

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