Plant Care Guides / Indoor / Easy Care
The ZZ plant is built for survival. Its glossy, dark green leaflets march up thick, arching stems, and below the soil it stores water in fat, potato-like rhizomes, which means it can go weeks without a drink and still look pristine. It is the ideal plant for people who travel, forget to water, or just want something that looks polished with zero effort.
The ZZ plant is slow-growing, so do not expect fast results. New shoots emerge from the base as thick, pale green spears that uncurl into full stems over a few weeks, and watching one unfold is one of the small pleasures of indoor gardening.
Low to bright, indirect light. Like the snake plant, it thrives in almost any indoor light condition. A dark office, a shady hallway, a bright living room: all fine. It tolerates low light better than nearly any other foliage plant. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Water sparingly. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, then give it a thorough soak and let it drain. In winter, watering once a month is usually plenty. It is far better to underwater than overwater; the rhizomes rot if the soil stays wet. Normal household humidity is fine.
Feed two to three times a year through spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. It really does not need much.
Repot every two to three years, or when the rhizomes start pushing up out of the soil or distorting the pot. Use a well-draining mix; cactus and succulent soil or standard potting soil with extra perlite. Choose a pot with good drainage. The rhizomes are strong enough to crack a weak pot, so go for something sturdy.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of indoor plants. WhatsApp us to see what is in store, or pop in and we will help you choose.
