ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Family Araceae
Glossy enough that people ask if it's fake, the ZZ plant thrives precisely where real plants aren't supposed to: dark offices, dim hallways, homes of frequent travelers. Underground rhizomes bank their own water — it practically runs on neglect.
At two to four feet of upright shine, it gives structure without demanding a window seat, and its slow pace means it never outgrows its welcome. Not one for pets or toddlers to chew. If your track record with plants is grim, start here.
Low to bright indirect — famously tolerant
Low water
Slow growth
None winter chill
From the print shop
Growing zz plant? Hang it.
Our Plant Library collection carries zz plant — Zamioculcas zamiifolia, print Nº 526, “ZZ Plant.”
526 designsfrom $12.99white or black backgroundmatte poster, unframed
Will it thrive where you are?
Enter your ZIP — we look up your USDA hardiness zone (2023 map) and check it against what zz plant actually needs.
Hardy inZones 10-12ZZ Plant · Common problems
Common zz plant problems
Pests
1 problem on file
- Almost none
Diseases
1 problem on file
- Rhizome rot (overwatering)
ZZ Plant · Growing & propagation
Growing zz plant
- Light
- Low to bright indirect
Famously tolerant
- Water
- Very low
Rhizomes store water; monthly is plenty
Soil- Well-drained mix · pH 6.0 - 7.0
Fertilizer- 2-3 times a year
Pruning- Rarely needed
Remove yellowed stems at soil level.
Spacing- One per pot
How to plant & propagate zz plant
- Propagate
- Stem/leaf cuttings, division, or pups
ZZ Plant · Calculators & field guides
A little help in the garden.
ZZ Plant · Yearly calendar
The zz plant year, month by month
No fixed season calendar for zz plant — its care follows conditions, not the calendar.
ZZ Plant · Ecology & uses
Ecology & uses
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ Plant in the garden system
Moisture- Upland / dry
Deer- Browsed
Protect young plants
Origin- Introduced
What zz plant is grown for
! Some parts toxic — see notesToxic to cats/dogs and kids
Use- Low light
- Use
- Travel-heavy households
Edibility, identification, and traditional-use notes here are general reference — not medical or veterinary advice, and not a claim that any plant treats or prevents anything. Medicinal ratings record how strongly a plant features in herbal tradition, nothing more. Never eat or dose a plant you have not positively identified. More on how to use this library.
ZZ Plant · Varieties & cultivars
Choosing a zz plant variety
'Raven' (black foliage); standard
Sources & plant identity
Know what you’re growing.
See where the knowledge comes from.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
The plant, at a glance.
- Botanical name
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Plant family
- Araceae
- Growth habit
- Houseplant · Perennial
- Origin
- Introduced
- Invasive risk
- Low
Hardiness, size and timing vary with your cultivar, soil and climate.
Rooted in research.
University extension research, brought together with hands-on growing experience at Story Thyme Farms.
for ZZ Plant
Research from these sources
Publisher marks identify sources, not sponsorship or endorsement.
Questions
ZZ Plant questions, answered straight.
Is zz plant safe for kids and pets?
With care. Toxic to cats/dogs and kids Site it accordingly if children or pets roam the garden. This is general reference, not medical or veterinary advice — call a vet or poison control if something has actually been eaten.
How do you propagate zz plant?
Stem/leaf cuttings, division, or pups.
Elsewhere
Where zz plant sits in the library.
Monstera
Golden Pothos
Snake Plant
Heartleaf Philodendron