As with snake plant, this genus fails from overwatering far more often than underwatering — when unsure, wait another week.
Care
Exceptionally tolerant of dim rooms and artificial light, though grows faster in brighter conditions.
Stores water in its rhizomes; allow compost to dry out fully between waterings, water even less in winter.
Free-draining, gritty houseplant compost.
Remove any yellowing stems at the base; otherwise minimal.
Two weak feeds across the summer is all it asks. This plant stores its own reserves in the rhizome and is far more often killed by generosity — with water or fertiliser — than by neglect.
Divide the rhizomes at repotting. Leaf cuttings do work: a single leaflet pressed into compost eventually makes a small tuber, but it takes the better part of a year, so division is the practical route.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- AprilLight monthly feed through the growing season only. how ›
- AprilRepot every 2-3 years, dividing the rhizomes if desired. how ›
- NovemberWater very sparingly through winter. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- AprilLight monthly feed through the growing season only. how ›
- AprilRepot every 2-3 years, dividing the rhizomes if desired. how ›
- NovemberWater very sparingly through winter. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. From overwatering.
What to do. By far the biggest risk — err on the dry side.
How to spot it. From overwatering, or occasionally very low light for extended periods.
What to do. Adjust watering or move to brighter spot.
Questions
ZZ plant: is it hardy?
H1b: Tender, needs above 10°C. It survives above 10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Extremely tolerant of neglect and low light, ideal for offices and dim corners.
ZZ plant: when do you prune it?
Remove any yellowing stems at the base; otherwise minimal.
When do you feed it?
Two weak feeds across the summer is all it asks. This plant stores its own reserves in the rhizome and is far more often killed by generosity — with water or fertiliser — than by neglect. Feeding months, UK: May, July.