They call it the ZZ plant, the ZeeZee plant, the Everlasting Zz, but for me, it’s the “Almost Never Kill It” plant. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful houseplant, but keeping them alive? That can be a challenge.
If you’re new to indoor gardening or simply looking for a low-maintenance yet beautiful addition to your home, the ZZ plant is a fantastic choice. I’m here to share my experience, along with some not-so-common tips for the ZZ plant owner who, well, maybe isn’t the most high-maintenance caretaker.
Why ZZ Plants Are Awesome
First things first, why choose a ZZ plant? Here are a few reasons why I absolutely love them:
- Low Maintenance: ZZ plants are incredibly forgiving. They can tolerate neglect, making them perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Air Purification: These plants help clean the air by removing toxins like xylene, toluene, and benzene.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With their glossy, deep green leaves, ZZ plants add a touch of elegance to any room.
Tough Survivors: They can thrive in low light and with infrequent watering, making them ideal for darker corners of your home.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right ZZ Plant
When selecting a ZZ plant, look for one with vibrant, healthy leaves. Avoid plants with yellowing or wilted leaves, as these can be signs of overwatering or disease. I got mine from a local nursery, but they’re widely available online and in many garden centers.
Light Requirement
ZZ plants are famous for their low-light tolerance. They’ll survive in a dark corner, but mine actually seem to perk up with some indirect brightness. I have an east-facing window with a sheer curtain, and the plants seem happy there. West or south-facing windows might be too much for them, so watch out for crispy leaves as a sign of burning. The key here is flexibility – ZZ plants can adjust to most lighting conditions, so take your time thinking about it.
Watering: Less Is More
Most people will tell you to water your ZZ plant on a schedule. Weekly, monthly, it all depends. But here’s the thing: ZZ plants are succulent-like, meaning they store water in their rhizomes (underground stems). In my experience, the best way to water is to completely forget about the schedule and rely on the plant itself. Here’s my watering routine:
- Check the Soil: I water my ZZ plant only when the top inch of the soil is dry. Overwatering is the most common mistake with ZZ plants and I am always aware of it.
- Thorough Soak: When I do water, I make sure to water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom. This helps prevent root rot by ensuring excess water doesn’t stay in the soil.
Soil and Potting
Here’s where my experience deviates from most ZZ plant advice. Others recommend a standard potting mix. I, however, repotted mine into a succulent and cactus mix. The logic? These mixes tend to be lighter and drain faster, helping to prevent overwatering, which is the ZZ’s biggest enemy. My ZZ plants have boomed in this mix, so for the forgetful waterer, it might be worth a try. However, it’s important to note that some succulent mixes may lack essential nutrients for ZZ plants in the long term. To address this, I add a diluted dose of liquid fertilizer a few times a year.
Temperature and Humidity
ZZ plants thrive in average household temperatures, between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They can tolerate lower temperatures, but anything below 45°F (7°C) can be harmful. Humidity isn’t a major concern for ZZ plants, as they’re quite adaptable. They do well in both low and high-humidity environments, making them versatile for any home.
Fertilizing: Feeding Your Plant
ZZ plants are low feeders, so they don’t need much fertilizer. I feed mine once every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Over-fertilizing can damage the plant, so less is definitely more here.
Pruning and Cleaning: Keeping It Neat
ZZ plants don’t require much pruning. I occasionally remove yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best. Dust can accumulate on the glossy leaves, so I wipe them down with a damp cloth every few weeks. This not only keeps the plant looking good but also ensures it can photosynthesize effectively.
Propagation
One of the fun aspects of caring for ZZ plants is propagation. Here’s how I propagate mine:
- Leaf Cuttings: I cut a healthy leaf near the base and let it sit for a day to callous. Then, I plant it in a pot with moist soil and cover it with plastic to create a greenhouse effect.
- Division: For a quicker method, I divide the rhizomes when repotting. I gently separate the rhizomes and plant them in separate pots. Both methods are easy and rewarding!
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even though ZZ plants are tough, they can still encounter some issues:
- Yellow Leaves: This could be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil moisture with your finger test. If it’s soggy, hold off on watering and allow the soil to dry completely. If it’s bone dry, then it’s time to water.
- Brown Tips: This can be caused by too much direct sunlight or low humidity. Move the plant to a shadier spot and check your indoor humidity.
- Pests: ZZ plants are relatively pest-resistant, but mealybugs can be an occasional problem. Look for white, cottony clusters on the leaves or stems. If you see them, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leggy Growth: Often due to insufficient light. Move your ZZ plant to a brighter location with indirect light.
Bonus Tip
ZZ plant leaves have a beautiful glossy sheen. We do not need to wipe them down with a damp cloth to restore that shine. I, on the other hand, rarely touch mine. A little dust doesn’t seem to bother them, and honestly, I’d rather be reading a book than cleaning leaves. The plant seems happy with this approach.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a ZZ plant is a joy and incredibly rewarding. Their resilience and beauty make them a perfect addition to any home, whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out. By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy a thriving ZZ plant that brings a touch of nature indoors.
Happy planting, and may your ZZ plant flourish!
