ZZ plant care
Zamioculcas zamiifolia — also called Zanzibar gem. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Medium indirect. Tolerates low. No direct sun. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 21 days in summer, every 40 in winter. Let the soil dry out completely first. |
| Soil | Fast-draining succulent mix — 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand |
| Humidity | At least 20%, happiest near 45% |
| Temperature | 65–85°F. Cold damage below 45°F; heat stress in sun above 100°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~90 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 3 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Calcium oxalates. Is it toxic to cats? · To dogs? |
What people get wrong about zz plant
Yellowing stalks that go soft at the base mean the rhizomes are rotting — unpot and check before doing anything else.
Common problems
Watch for mealybugs, scale. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Go deeper
How often to water zz plant — the interval, and the four things that actually change it · How much light zz plant needs — what "bright indirect" means in a real room.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterZZ plant FAQ
How often should I water a zz plant?
Roughly every 21 days in the growing season and every 40 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. It stores water in underground rhizomes. Treat it like a succulent: soak, then forget it for weeks.
Is zz plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Calcium oxalates. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a zz plant need?
Medium indirect is ideal, and it will cope with low. No direct sun.
Why does my zz plant have brown tips?
ZZ plant is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for zz plant?
Fast-draining succulent mix: 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand. Succulents and dracaenas rot in moisture-retentive mixes. Grit is the whole point.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.