ZZ Plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia
At a glance
- Light
- Adaptable
- 200–15000 lux
- Water
- Every 14–21 days
- Soil completely dry between waterings
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- Tolerates dry air
- Temperature
- 18–30°C
- Ideal 18–26°C
- Soil pH
- 6–7
- well-draining
- Mature size
- 90 cm tall
- 60 cm wide
- Native to
- Eastern Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa
- Growth
- Slow
- Upright
Watering calculator
Estimate how often to water your ZZ Plant based on pot size, light, and season.
Always check the top 2 cm of soil before watering. Calculator output is an estimate, not a schedule.
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Click an issue to see causes and fixes for ZZ Plant.
Or use Plant Doctor — AI-powered diagnostic that picks the top 3 most likely causes with family-specific reasoning and step-by-step fixes (photo upload coming soon).
Compare with similar plants
| Trait | ZZ Plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia | Snake Plant Dracaena trifasciata | Heartleaf Philodendron Philodendron hederaceum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Adaptable | Adaptable | Medium indirect |
| Water | 14–21 days | 14–21 days | 7–10 days |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Difficulty | Very Easy | Very Easy | Very Easy |
| Mature size | 90 cm | 90 cm | 100 cm |
Light requirements in detail
ZZ Plant prefers adaptable (200–15000 lux) . Extremely adaptable; tolerates fluorescent office lighting and prefers indirect over direct sun
A spot 1–2 meters from a bright east or south-facing window usually fits this range. Direct afternoon sun through unfiltered glass can scorch leaves; sheer curtains help diffuse it.
Watering in detail
Water ZZ Plant every 14– 21 days during the growing season, allowing Soil completely dry between waterings to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
This plant tolerates the occasional missed watering — err on the dry side rather than overwater.
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Frequently asked questions about ZZ Plant
How often should I water ZZ Plant?
Water ZZ Plant every 14–21 days during the growing season, allowing Soil completely dry between waterings to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency by 30–50% in winter.
What kind of light does ZZ Plant need?
ZZ Plant prefers adaptable (200–15000 lux). Extremely adaptable; tolerates fluorescent office lighting and prefers indirect over direct sun
Is ZZ Plant toxic to cats?
ZZ Plant is toxic to cats (mild severity). Toxic compounds: insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Common symptoms: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, pawing at mouth.
Is ZZ Plant toxic to dogs?
ZZ Plant is toxic to dogs (mild severity). Toxic compounds: insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Common symptoms: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, pawing at mouth.
How big does ZZ Plant grow?
ZZ Plant reaches about 90 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity. Growth rate is slow.