Zamioculcas zamiifolia

How much light does a Zamioculcas zamiifolia need?

Indoors, bright indirect light suits this plant best. It also tolerates low light, and bright, indirect to low light is the indoor range listed. Outdoors, plant it in partial to deep shade, with part shade preferred. Give it strong, filtered light with no direct sun. The listed hardiness range for growing it outdoors is USDA zones 9a to 10b.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light^1,2,2,3,4

How often to water a Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The water need of this plant is rated dry. Water it once or twice a month, only after the potting medium has completely dried. In summer the listed rate is twice a month, and only if the soil has dried out completely. The plant is highly drought tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

• Water: Dry^2,1,4,4

Best soil for a Zamioculcas zamiifolia

This plant needs well-drained soil. Soil drainage is rated good, and a coarse, well-draining mix suits it. Drainage matters because root rot may occur if ZZ plants are grown in poorly drained soil. A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is given for this plant. The same range comes with an electrical conductivity of 1.0 to 2.0 dS/m.

• Soil drainage: Well drained^1,2,1,5,4
• Soil pH: pH 6–7^6,6

Temperature and humidity

Temperatures should stay above 60 °F (16 °C). A plant kept outdoors is brought in once the temperature falls below 60 °F (16 °C). The stored minimum is 60.8 °F (16 °C). Regular indoor humidity levels are enough for it to thrive. Its humidity need is listed as average. In the ground outdoors, the listed USDA zones are 9a through 10b.

• Minimum temperature: 60.8 °F (16 °C)^1,2,2
• Humidity: Average^2,5

Fertilizing a Zamioculcas zamiifolia

A balanced fertilizer, applied only once or twice during the growing season, is the feeding this plant gets. The feeding level is classed as light. ZZ is a slow-growing plant, even under favorable conditions. Its growth rate is listed as slow.

• Fertilizer: Light, once a year⁵

How to propagate a Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Division and leaf cuttings are the two ways to propagate a ZZ plant. Propagation is vegetative, using leaf cuttings. Division is the other listed method. The erect, pinnate leaves emerge from a thick, underground rhizome. A mature plant stands 2–4 ft (0.61–1.22 m) tall and spreads 2–4 ft (0.61–1.22 m) wide. The growth rate of the species is slow.

• Propagation: Division and leaf cuttings^{6,1,6,7,3,3,8}

Common problems

Scale insects are the pest to watch for, and no significant problems are recorded. Opogona sacchari and scale insects are both on the list of common pests. Root rot is the disease listed for this plant. Root rot may occur in poorly drained soil, and overwatering can lead to it.

• Common pests: opogona sacchari and scale insects¹
• Common diseases: root rot^4,2,4

Questions and answers

Is a ZZ plant toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA classes this plant as toxic to both cats and dogs. Toxicity is recorded separately for each animal, and both entries read toxic. The ASPCA says ingestion by pets can cause a number of symptoms.

How often should I water a ZZ plant?

Water it once or twice a month, and only after the potting medium has completely dried. The plant is highly drought tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

How big does a ZZ plant get?

A mature plant stands 2–4 ft (0.61–1.22 m) tall. It spreads 2–4 ft (0.61–1.22 m) wide. The leaves stand erect and rise from a thick, underground rhizome. The growth rate is slow.