ZZ plant care: watering, pruning & fertilising Zamioculcas

In order for the ZZ plant to bring good luck, you should take good care of it. We show what to consider when watering, pruning and fertilising Zamioculcas – all about ZZ plant care.

Easy to care for, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is the optimal houseplant even where other plants do not quite want to thrive. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The ZZ plant thrives even if you do not have a green thumb. After all, it is one of the easiest houseplants to care for. It scores particularly well with its tolerance vis-à-vis lighting conditions. Although it is actually a sun-loving plant, it is also satisfied with little light. Although it grows more slowly in the absence of light, its leaves will take on a deep dark green shine. In a location with more light, the leaves of Zamioculcas are lighter in colour.

ZZ plant care: watering Zamioculcas

In its homeland in eastern Africa, the ZZ plant must also withstand long periods of drought. It is very well adapted to this with its underground root rhizomes and thick petioles. Both parts of the plant serve to store water. So if you forget to water the plant occassionally, it is not a problem. Your Zamioculcas should be able to go without water altogether for up to three weeks. The condition of the plant is best judged by how upright and taut it looks. If it is soft and droopy, it should be watered immediately. Too much water however, harms the plant and can quickly lead to root rot. It is better to water sparingly and allow the top layer of soil to dry before you reach for the watering can again. From February to October you can water the plant a little more often, and then reduce the frequency over the winter.

Pruning ZZ plants

The Zamioculcas does not like to be cut. If its leaves are old, it lets them fall off by themselves. To do this, the plant forms a break-off edge, which is carefully sealed. In this way, no diseases can occur. The stalk of the leaf remains on the plant for quite a while and serves as an additional water reservoir. The only reason you should cut your ZZ plant is for propagation via cuttings. To do this, you can cut the shoot at the base with a clean and sharp knife.

Fertilising

The ZZ plant does not need much fertiliser It is accustomed to barren and stony soils. Give the plant a portion of slow-release fertiliser such as our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food once in the spring and possibly again in early summer to provide it with an optimal supply of all the nutrients it needs all year around. Alternatively, you can also supply the plant with conventional liquid fertiliser when watering about once a month during the growth period in the summer months.

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If your ZZ plant gets yellow leaves, it indicates a care error. Here, you can find out why this is the case and what you can do about it.