The Zamioculcas zamiifolia—most of us just call it the ZZ plant—is a total rockstar in the world of houseplants. It’s famous for those gorgeous, waxy green leaves, but let’s be real: we love it because it’s practically unkillable. However, there is one way to break its heart, and that’s by getting a little too carried away with the watering can. Since the ZZ is a succulent, it’s way more sensitive to overwatering than you might think.
The ZZ Plant is a Succulent
Yep, you heard that right! The ZZ plant belongs to the succulent family. This means it’s a pro at storing water in its leaves and thick stems to get through long dry spells. Because it has its own built-in reservoir, you don’t need to hover over it with a watering can every few days. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” plant.
Common Watering Mistakes
Even though the ZZ plant is low-maintenance, there are two extremes you want to avoid: letting it turn into a desert bone and, on the flip side, drowning it.
Underwatering your ZZ Plant
Even though succulents are tough, they aren’t immortal. If you leave your ZZ plant completely dry for way too long, the roots will eventually shrivel up. Once the roots die off, they can’t send water or nutrients up to the rest of the plant. If you start seeing leaves or entire stems drying up and dropping off, your plant is likely crying out for a drink.
Overwatering your ZZ Plant
While underwatering is bad, overwatering is usually the bigger villain. The ZZ plant’s “storage tanks” can only hold so much. If the soil stays soggy, the roots will literally start to rot. When the roots rot, they stop working, which ironically means the top of your plant starts dying because it can’t get any nutrients.
You’ll know you’ve been a little too generous with the water if you see:
- Yellow or brown leaves
- Or in the worst-case scenario, mushy, rotting stems.
If you catch it early, you can often save your ZZ by repotting it into a fresh pot with dry, well-draining soil.
Soft Water is Best
If you want to give your ZZ plant the VIP treatment, try to use rainwater or filtered water. If your tap water is really “hard” (full of lime/calcium), it’s a good idea to boil it first and let it cool, or mix it with a bit of distilled water to soften it up.
ZZ Plants in Hydroponics
Did you know you can grow ZZ plants in water (hydroponics) instead of soil? It’s a great option if you want to make plant care even easier. In a hydro setup, you don’t have to worry about the traditional “watering schedule” at all, making it a perfect choice for the busy (or forgetful) gardener!
