{"id":528,"date":"2021-11-16T04:21:53","date_gmt":"2021-11-16T04:21:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plantdegree.com\/?p=528"},"modified":"2022-07-16T13:00:21","modified_gmt":"2022-07-16T13:00:21","slug":"zz-plant-care-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantdegree.com\/zz-plant-care-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner ZZ Plant Care: How to Care for a ZZ Plant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas Zamiifolia,<\/strong> is becoming more popular as a houseplant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This houseplant has become increasingly popular among new plant parents due to its hardiness and adaptability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words: the ZZ plant does not require complicated care and can survive almost everywhere.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you need to give the plant some attention to ensure that the bright lime leafy plant thrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, this ZZ plant care<\/strong> will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

About the ZZ Plant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The ZZ plant is a popular tropical perennial leafy plant native to Eastern Africa. It is famous as an indoor plant due to its small size and simplicity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can easily differentiate this plant by its shiny, pointy, green leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another noteworthy feature is the transition from a bright lime color to fascinating emerald green as the plant matures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also identify a ZZ plant from its thick and bulbous stalks. The thick stalks give the plants the ability to cope in low-light or low-water environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the ZZ plant is one of the best houseplants for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZZ plant is also an excellent air purifier<\/a> and can purify the air within a small space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you want to add more health benefits to your home, then the ZZ plant is a perfect choice for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that we have got acquainted with this wonderful plant, let\u2019s move on to how to care for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to care for ZZ Plant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ZZ plant’s beautiful leaves and low maintenance make this plant one of the best indoor plants you can find on the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is suitable for any home environment due to its ease of care. As a result, many people enjoy having this plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, you don’t need to be a botanist to care for a ZZ plant. In fact, you just need to pay attention to a few essential points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what you need to know before you start caring for your ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

ZZ plant does not require much attention to light conditions. It is highly resistant to a wide range of lighting conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why the ZZ plant is ideal for the indoor environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only thing you need to keep in mind is that it still needs some sunlight to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZZ plant will thrive if you give it bright, indirect sunlight.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t provide any light to the ZZ plant, the stalks and leaves can become too tall and thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, it is best to keep the ZZ plant inside a room. Direct sunlight can burn and damage the leaves of your ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soil<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Soil balance is critical to the long-term health of a plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZZ plants aren’t fussy about their soil mix, but the right blend can significantly impact their growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ZZ plant thrives in nutrient-rich, porous soil mixtures.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help with soil aeration and create a well-draining environment, use a pot with good drainage to house a ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also mix in some lava rock, perlite, or sand to your soil mixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Its thick roots and stalks allow the ZZ plant to be watered sparingly or not at all. There is no need to worry about underwatering it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, overwatering can be a problem for this plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why a good rule of thumb is to only water the ZZ plant once the soil begins to dry out.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the tiny plant can live for months without water. So, you can cut back on the amount of water you give the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t forget to drain any excess water from your pot when watering your ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperature and Humidity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You don’t want to put your ZZ plant in a place that is too hot or too cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Particularly, you don’t want to place the ZZ plant in a cold area below 45 degrees Fahrenheit because it is a tropical plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit are the ideal temperatures for a ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZZ plants can also tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but prefer 40 – 60% indoor humidity levels.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is important to note that excessively high humidity levels can encourage the growth of pests and disease in your ZZ Plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fertilizer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to fertilizer, ZZ Plants aren’t picky at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, fertilizing is unnecessary for a ZZ plant since it can survive quite a harsh environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you can add diluted indoor plant fertilizer to make it healthy during the growing season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You shouldn’t fertilize your ZZ plants in the late fall or winter because that’s when they’re supposed to be resting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salts can build up<\/a> and burn the roots of your ZZ Plant if you fertilize it too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Varieties of ZZ Plant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As I said, many people adore the ZZ plant because of its pretty leaf and ease of care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There aren’t many different types of ZZ plants available right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even so, new varieties are constantly being cultivated, so we can expect to see many more beautiful and unique ZZ plant varieties in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 5 types of ZZ plants<\/strong> you can easily find on the market today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Regular ZZ Plant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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This variety of ZZ plants will be the easiest to find at any gardening store. They are also the most common variety of ZZ plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also find them in nurseries that sell indoor plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regular ZZ plant has a beautiful green color with a glossy shine on its leaf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re just getting started with houseplants, this is the type you should choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only they are easy to care for, but the price is also cheaper compared to other types of ZZ plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Variegated ZZ Plant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Etsy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can identify a variegated ZZ plant by looking at the color of its leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A variegated ZZ plant will have yellow or white shades on the leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type might be harder to find in your local nurseries, but their care is almost the same as a regular ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You just need to give a variegated ZZ plant a little bit more indirect light due to its color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lucky Classic ZZ Plant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The lucky classic ZZ plant is one of the most popular and beautiful ZZ plants you can find on the market today. It has a unique and instantly recognizable look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lucky classic variety has a more rounded leaf compared to most ZZ plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has the same beautiful green leaves, but just the shape of the leaf is a bit different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zamicro ZZ Plant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Also known as the Dwarf ZZ Plant, this variant is what you should choose if you don’t have a lot of space in your house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Zamicro has exactly the same green waxy leaves as the regular ZZ plant, but it will not grow to be as tall as the regular plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This variety also has smaller leaves than a typical ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raven ZZ Plant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Etsy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Last but not least, there’s the Raven ZZ Plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is one of the most beautiful houseplants available, not just among ZZ plant varieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike most ZZ plants with glossy green leaves, the Raven ZZ Plant has deep dark green leaves that look almost black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The leaves of the Raven ZZ Plant will definitely give a great first impression to anyone who sees this plant for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve seen this variety in my local nurseries as well as online stores more these days. So it should not be a problem if you want to get this variety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, please remember that the price is somewhat more expensive compared to the regular ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common ZZ plant problems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mistakes made in caring for the ZZ plant might make the beautiful green plant look weird and out of place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some common ZZ plant problems that you might encounter when keeping this plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZZ plant turning yellow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are so many reasons why a ZZ plant may turn yellow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It could be due to the sunlight, improper watering, or even too much fertilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one thing you need to keep in mind is that the ZZ plant should never turn yellow, ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, yellow leaves might be caused by too much sunlight exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As discussed above, direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause the ZZ plant to turn yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, always make sure to grow your ZZ plant in the shade or just give it indirect sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, yellow leaves can also be caused by too much water. Remember that the ZZ plant needs to be watered well once in a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, too much water will also cause the plant’s leaves to wilt, eventually leading to the leaves turning yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, yellow leaves can also be caused by the addition of too many nutrients to the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overfertilizing can cause salt build-up, which can damage the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you see, there are many reasons why a ZZ plant can turn yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is very important that you know how to prevent such problems from happening to your ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZZ plant leaves drooping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This one is another common ZZ plant problem that you should know about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might have noticed your ZZ plant leaves hanging lower than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my experience, the most common cause for this problem is when you overwater the ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overwatering can cause your ZZ plant to store too much water on its leaves, and this can eventually lead to the leaves drooping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So make sure to water the plant only when it needs it and not too much to keep your ZZ plant looking in shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, if you notice that the leaves still droop even after even after you water the ZZ plant properly, then it could be that you need to give the plant more light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the ZZ plant can survive a low-light condition, it will not look as good as a plant grown under direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, if you think the ZZ plant is growing poorly or its leaves are drooping too much, you should change the position of the plant where it gets lots of indirect sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to repot a ZZ plant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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First of all, the ZZ plant is a slow-growing plant that needs to be repotted only once every couple of years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So you should wait for some time to see if your ZZ plant actually needs to be repotted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repotting a ZZ plant is an easy thing to do as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, remove the ZZ plant from its pot and clean the roots to remove any soil that might be stuck on the root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, use a clean cutting tool to cut the root system to separate the old root from the new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When cleaning and inspecting the root, look out for root rot or fungal infection that can damage the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any part of the roots that are mushy, squishy, or smell foul should be cut off and removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, put the ZZ plant in a bigger pot than the pot it was growing in before. You might want to use a pot with good drainage to help you avoid overwatering your ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use a good quality potting mix or mix your own to ensure that the ZZ plant will have a good start in the new pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that you use new potting soil and not old soil, as it might contain salt that will damage your ZZ plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All you need to do next is to put the plant back inside and then give the plant under indirect sunlight grow light to let the ZZ plant recover for a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last but not least, make sure to water your ZZ plant properly to keep it thriving and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus tip:<\/strong> Repot the ZZ plant in spring or summer when the plant is growing inactive state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to propagate ZZ Plant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two ways you can go about propagating your ZZ Plant; you can use the stem cutting or the leaf-cutting method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stem cutting method is easy and quick to do, but you need to be careful to ensure that the stem cuttings you make have a strong root system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, the stem cutting method will give you faster results. On the other hand, the leaf-cutting process is more challenging, but it allows you to grow ZZ plants in small batches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re planning to propagate your ZZ Plant, then you should take a look at this excellent video tutorial on how to propagate ZZ plants using both of the methods I’ve mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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