Looking for an Easy Houseplant? ZZ Plant Is the Way to Go
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The ZZ plant is having a moment, and rightly so! It’s one of the easiest houseplants to care for (right up there with snake plant and pothos!), so you don’t have to fuss with it or worry too much if you, ahem, forget to water, for example. Plus, ZZ plant, short for Zamioculcas zamiifolia, looks good in almost any room of your house with its glossy green leaves and upright form. First propagated in the 90s, it’s a tropical perennial native to dry grassland and forest in eastern Africa. “This is the go-to plant for those who don’t have a lot of light or a ton of time,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising and resident plant dad, 1-800-Flowers.com. “It’s one of the toughest choices around for beginners.”
Here’s what else you need to know about how to care for a ZZ plant:
What kind of light does ZZ plant need?
Unlike many tropical plants which require bright light, ZZ plant is one of the more forgiving plants out there. “It will grow anywhere from low to bright light levels,” says Palomares. “It even tolerates low-light conditions, such as dark corners of offices and homes.” But don’t think that low light means no light. It still needs a bit of illumination, so don’t stick it in a room with zero windows or it’s going to struggle. It’s also not suited for direct sunlight, which will cause it to get “sunburned.”
When should I water my ZZ plant?
Due to its native environment, ZZ plant can tolerate periods of drought (even if the drought is due to your forgetting to give it a drink!). Stick your finger in and feel the soil. When the top 2 inches or so feel dry, give it some water. That’s usually every 2 to 3 weeks. If it’s in bright light, you may need to water a bit more frequently or less frequently in low light, says Palomares.
Should I feed my ZZ plant?
ZZ plant doesn’t need fertilizer (remember, plants make their own food!), but if you’d like, you can give it a little boost with a regular houseplant fertilizer once or twice a year and only during its growing season in the summer, says Palomares.
Is the ZZ plant toxic to pets?
Unfortunately, ZZ plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating to pets. If you have a nibbler, keep this plant out of your pet’s reach, and call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested it.
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