ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant is characterized by its waxy green leaves above the surface of its potting mix, and its large potato-like rhizomes underneath. These rhizomes store water, making the ZZ a drought-tolerant plant that can go weeks without water.

Only water these hard-to-kill indoor plants when the soil is completely dry. This plant will go without water for long periods of time and over indulging them with water can lead to very bad results! They store water in their thick stems and leaves so there is no need to keep the soil moist on a continual basis.

Low to bright indirect light, but the brighter the indirect light, the better as more light encourages faster growth producing a healthier plant. If ZZ Plants are grown in light deprived spaces, they often become leggy and loss their deep, emerald green color.

No! This plant is not pet friendly!

YELLOW LEAVES: Yellow leaves on ZZ Plants are most commonly due to overwatering. This tends to happen to lower and older leaves first and may be accompanied by brown leaf tips, lack of growth, drooping stems, and wrinkled leaves if severe. Yellow leaves can also be due to excessive sunlight, pests, acclimation, or temperature stress.

NOT GROWING: If your ZZ plant is not growing new leaves, the most likely cause is insufficient light. ZZ plants prefer bright, indirect light. Cool temperatures or any other cause of stress can also result in your ZZ plant not growing.

BROWN TIPS: Brown tips on ZZ plants are most commonly due to overwatering, particularly if seen on new growth. Underwatering, excess heat or light, overfertilizing, or low humidity can also cause brown tips on ZZ plant leaves due to dehydration.

LIGHT GREEN GROWTH: The new growth of a ZZ plant is normally light green and will slowly darken to match the color of the existing foliage over a period of several months.

ROOT BULB EXPOSED: The root bulb or rhizome of a ZZ plant can become exposed over time due to soil getting washed away from repeated watering. The roots can also become exposed if your ZZ plant is becoming root-bound over time. An exposed rhizome/root bulb is not normally a sign of an unhealthy plant.

FALLING OVER: The most common cause of ZZ plant stalks falling over is overwatering, which leads to soft, rotting stems, that are unable to support the weight of the rest of the stem.

CURLING LEAVES: ZZ plant leaves curling is normally due to a lack of water available for the leaves to use. The leaves curl to reduce the surface area of the leaves and reduce the amount of water loss. Underwatering or overwatering, excess heat, pests, or very low humidity can all cause leaf curling.

WRINKLED STEMS: If your ZZ plant has a wrinkled stem, it is most likely to be deficient in water.

ROOT ROT: Prevent root rot by growing your plant in very well-draining soil, in porous pots with plenty of drainage holes, and ensuring adequate light.