Fernhollow Plant Co.

ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant looks almost too polished to be real. Its stems arch up and out from the soil, lined with rows of thick, glossy leaves in a deep, even green. It is one of the toughest houseplants there is, and one of the few that genuinely seems to thrive on being left alone.

Its full name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia, which is why almost everyone shortens it. Below the soil it grows from fat, potato-like rhizomes that store water, and those are the secret to its toughness.

At a glance

Light

A ZZ plant handles less light than almost anything else we grow, which is why it anchors our collection for darker rooms. It will sit happily in an office or a hallway for years. In brighter, indirect light it grows faster, sending up new stems a few times a year, each one unfurling pale green and darkening as it matures.

Watering

Those rhizomes hold weeks of water, so the plant needs far less than most people expect. Too much water is the only thing likely to harm it: soggy soil rots the rhizomes, and yellowing stems are the first sign. Wait until the pot is light and the soil is dry all the way through, then water thoroughly and let it drain. Our guide to watering covers how to judge this for any plant.

Potting

The rhizomes are strong enough to crack a thin plastic pot as they grow. Repot every two to three years into a pot one size larger, with a drainage hole and a free-draining mix.

Pets

ZZ plants are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Keep the plant out of reach, and call your vet if a pet eats any of it.

Is it the right plant for you?

Choose a ZZ plant for a fuller, rounded shape and the darkest spots. If you need height in a narrow space, a snake plant gives you a similar toughness in a slimmer, upright form.