ZZ Plant • Raven Care Guide

Care overview

Leaflet propagation is very slow and may take several months to form a rhizome and new shoot. Division is much faster. Allow the substrate to dry substantially between waterings.

Light

Low to bright indirect light (tolerates very low light)

Watering

Water only when completely dry; highly drought tolerant

Humidity

Low to moderate (30–60%)

Temperature

18–28°C

Feeding and fertiliser

Feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth at quarter to half strength. Do not fertilise fresh unrooted cuttings.

Potting mix

40% coarse sand or grit, 30% perlite, 20% base mix, 10% fine orchid bark

Propagation

Division, rhizome separation, or leaflet/leaf cuttings

Support

Naturally self-supporting and architectural. No support needed; thrives on neglect.

Mature size

Mature indoor size varies with the species, support, light and root space. Expect gradual development into a fuller specimen rather than a fixed final size.

Semi-hydro suitability

Suitability depends on the plant, root condition and the chosen semi-hydro system.

Dormancy and winter growth

No true dormancy is normally required indoors. Growth may slow during the darker UK winter, so reduce watering and feeding in line with the plant's actual growth rate.

About this plant

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is held in the Snip & Sprout permanent collection and propagated in small batches when suitable parent growth is available.

Mealybugs

Likely cause

Mealybugs may hide in leaf joints, stems, crevices and around the root zone.

What to do

Inspect regularly, isolate affected plants and identify whether the infestation is above or below the growing medium before treating.

Root or stem rot

Likely cause

Prolonged wet conditions, poor drainage and low root-zone oxygen can damage roots and favour root-rotting organisms.

What to do

Use a suitably free-draining medium, provide adequate light and allow the medium to dry to the degree appropriate for the species before watering again.

Stretched growth

Likely cause

Weak, elongated growth is commonly associated with insufficient light.

What to do

Increase light gradually to a level suitable for the species. Existing stretched growth will not become compact again.

Does ZZ Plant go dormant in winter?

No true dormancy is normally required indoors. Growth may slow during the darker UK winter, so reduce watering and feeding in line with the plant's actual growth rate.

How large can ZZ Plant grow indoors?

Mature indoor size varies with the species, support, light and root space. Expect gradual development into a fuller specimen rather than a fixed final size.

What is the most important care point for ZZ Plant?

Leaflet propagation is very slow and may take several months to form a rhizome and new shoot. Division is much faster. Allow the substrate to dry substantially between waterings.