At a glance
- Light
- Low light tolerant
- Typical interval
- Every 21 days (summer)
Every 45 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–29 °C
- Humidity
- 30–60 %
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia
When and how much water
Water ZZ plant when the top 7 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 21 days. In winter, slow down to every 45 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
ZZ plant tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. Place it near a north-facing window, or a couple of meters back from a brighter one.
Feeding
Feed ZZ plant every 90 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
ZZ plant is comfortable between 18 and 29 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full ZZ plant toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a ZZ plant?
Water your ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) when the top 7 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 21 days. In winter, slow down to every 45 days.
How much light does a ZZ plant need?
ZZ plant tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. Place it near a north-facing window, or a couple of meters back from a brighter one.
Is ZZ plant safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep ZZ plant out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Parlor palm or Cast-iron plant.
Why are my ZZ plant’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a ZZ plant, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing stalks, mushy rhizome, or stalks splaying open. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see wrinkled stalks, curling leaflets, or dropping leaflets instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionLight · potting soil · watering · fertilizer · temperature · root rot
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxLight · seasonal water · fertilizer · direct-sun browning · root rot
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlZZ plant listed as Zamioculcas spp. · not species-exact for Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
