How to grow ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia · Zanzibar gem, Eternity plant

Slow-growing evergreen aroid from tropical Africa with upright, glossy, pinnate leaves rising from thick underground rhizomes that store water, which makes it very drought tolerant and easy to keep.

Quick facts

Type	Houseplant
Family	Araceae
Light	Shade
Frost	does not tolerate frost
Soil for sowing	from 15 °C
Where it grows	At home

When to plant

Planted as a young plant from a nursery while it is dormant — in early spring before the buds open, or in autumn after leaf fall.

Frost dates · When to plant

Care

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Growth	every 14 days	18…26 °C	balanced (NPK), 14 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 104 days into the stage
Winter rest	every 30 days	15…26 °C	—

Growing notes

Light

Does best in bright, indirect light but grows even in very low light; direct sun scorches and browns the leaves.

Soil

Well-drained potting mix, such as an organic or sandy mix; it does not tolerate wet roots.

Care

Water only after the soil has dried out completely, about twice a month in summer and once a month in winter, and treat it much like a cactus or succulent. It is best at 18–26 °C and should not drop below 15 °C. Feed a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser only once or twice a year. Watch for scale insects. The leaves contain calcium oxalate and are toxic to cats and dogs, causing vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten in quantity.

Pests and diseases of ZZ Plant

Scale insects

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.