ZZ Plant Care: The Houseplant That Thrives on Neglect
Owen Petrakis · Oct 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Quick answer
Stores water in its roots and copes with low light. The main way to kill it is kindness with the watering can.
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) has glossy, upright stems and thick roots called rhizomes that store water. That makes it one of the most drought-tolerant houseplants you can grow.
It is toxic if eaten, so keep it away from pets and small children.
1 Light
ZZ plants tolerate low light and fluorescent office lighting, but grow faster and fuller in bright, indirect light. Avoid strong direct sun, which can yellow the leaves.
2 Water sparingly
Let the compost dry out completely before watering, which may mean every two to four weeks in summer and less in winter. Overwatering rots the rhizomes; yellowing stems and a soft base are warning signs.
3 Potting and feeding
Use a free-draining mix — houseplant compost with added perlite or grit — in a pot with drainage holes. Repot only when the rhizomes are pushing against the pot, often every two or three years. Feed lightly a few times in the growing season.
4 Propagation
Divide the plant when repotting, making sure each section has a rhizome and stems. Individual leaves can also root in water or compost, but this takes many months.
This is general gardening information. Results depend on your climate, soil, and conditions. Follow label directions for any fertiliser or treatment, and check whether plants are toxic to pets or children before bringing them home.