ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia - The Eternity Plant
If you've killed every plant you've owned, the ZZ Plant is your redemption. With glossy, naturally shiny leaves and an almost supernatural ability to thrive on neglect, it's the ultimate plant for beginners, frequent travelers, or anyone who simply forgets their plants exist.
Very Easy
Any
Very Low
Drought Tolerant
Why ZZ Plants Are Indestructible
Native to East Africa, ZZ Plants evolved in harsh conditions with irregular rainfall. They store water in thick, potato-like rhizomes underground and in their succulent stems, allowing them to survive months without water.
Their glossy leaves aren't coated in anything—they're naturally waxy, which helps the plant retain moisture. This built-in shine means you never need leaf polish products.
ZZ Plants are also exceptional air purifiers and thrive in the low-light conditions of offices and north-facing rooms where Fiddle Leaf Figs or Monsteras would struggle.
Varieties
Classic Green
The original variety with glossy, deep green leaves. Most tolerant of low light conditions.
Raven (ZZ 'Dowon')
Dramatic black-purple leaves that emerge lime green and darken with age. Equally easy to care for.
Zenzi
Compact dwarf variety with tightly clustered, curled leaves. Perfect for small spaces.
Variegated
Rare variety with white and green variegation. Needs slightly more light but still very easy.
Light Requirements
ZZ Plants are legendary for their low-light tolerance. They can survive in conditions where most plants would fail, including windowless offices with only fluorescent lighting.
Ideal Light
Bright, indirect light produces the fastest growth, but is not required.
Low Light
Thrives in low light where Pothos and Snake Plants would only survive. Growth will be slower.
Avoid Direct Sun
Can tolerate some morning sun, but harsh direct light will scorch leaves.
See our Light Guide for more low-light plant options.
Watering Guide
When in doubt, don't water. ZZ Plants are far more likely to die from overwatering than underwatering.
Thanks to their rhizomes, ZZ Plants can go weeks—even months—without water. Water only when the soil is completely dry, and err on the side of underwatering.
Watering Schedule
- • Every 2-4 weeks in summer
- • Every 4-6 weeks in winter
- • Let soil dry completely
- • Can survive a month+ without water
Warning Signs
- • Yellow leaves = overwatering
- • Mushy stems = root rot
- • Wrinkled stem = needs water (rare)
- • Falling stalks = severe rot
Learn more in our Watering Guide.
Common Problems
Yellow Leaves
Cause: Almost always overwatering. ZZ Plants rarely need water.
Solution: Stop watering immediately. Check rhizomes for rot. Wait until soil is bone dry before watering again.
Slow Growth
Cause: Normal—ZZ Plants are naturally slow growers. Very low light slows growth further.
Solution: Move to brighter location if faster growth is desired. Fertilize sparingly in spring/summer.
Leaning Stems
Cause: Stems growing toward light, or root rot weakening base.
Solution: Rotate plant quarterly. If stems are soft at base, check for rot. Healthy stems are firm.