The *Zamioculcas zamiifolia*, or as most of us call it, the ZZ plant, is a total superstar in the world of houseplants. Its massive popularity comes down to one simple thing: it’s incredibly low-maintenance. Seriously, this plant is tough as nails, and that goes for its soil requirements too.
What Makes a Great Potting Mix?
When it comes to picking a substrate, the ZZ plant isn’t exactly a diva. It will do perfectly fine in your standard, store-bought potting soil. The only real “must-have” is that the soil needs to be loose and well-draining. To give your plant the best home possible, I recommend taking some regular potting mix and blending in a bit of:
- Expanded clay pebbles,
- Perlite,
- Or fine gravel.
Mixing these in keeps the soil airy and prevents it from compacting, which helps water and nutrients reach the roots easily.
Setting Up Proper Drainage
To keep your ZZ plant happy and avoid the dreaded “wet feet” after watering, you’ll definitely want to set up a drainage layer. Just drop a thin layer of clay pebbles, gravel, or even broken terracotta shards at the bottom of the pot before adding your soil. This creates a buffer zone so excess water can flow out freely instead of pooling at the bottom, which is the best way to prevent root rot.
Getting the Moisture Just Right
ZZ plants are pretty vocal when they’ve had too much to drink—they’ll start showing yellow or brown leaves, or in the worst-case scenario, you might see the stems starting to rot. Since the ZZ is a succulent, it’s a pro at storing water in its thick leaves and stems for a rainy day (or a dry month!).
The golden rule? Only water your ZZ plant when the soil feels completely dry to the touch. If you see mold forming on the surface, that’s a major red flag that things are too damp. During the summer, a little drink once every week or two is usually plenty. In the winter, you can often stretch that out to once every four weeks.
Can You Grow ZZ Plants in Hydroponics?
Believe it or not, even though it’s a succulent, the ZZ plant can actually thrive in a hydroponic setup (growing in water/clay pebbles) instead of traditional soil. If you think the ZZ plant is easy to care for in soil, hydroponics makes it even more of a “set it and forget it” plant!
