ZZ Plant Care Instructions and Tips from Albino to ZZ

ZZ plants are native to the seasonally dry biomes of South Eastern Africa including Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Kenya which are dry grassland areas with shaded forests. Due to their natural habitats under a canopy of trees, they prefer bright and indirect sunlight as they grow in naturally shady areas where direct sunlight does not reach them.

Because the natural growing region of the ZZ plant is dry, the root system is called a rhizome and resembles a bulb or a tuber (potato shape) rather than a stringy root system found in other houseplants that grow in moisture rich tropical environments. The rhizome helps the ZZ plant to retain water during dry seasons so it can continue to thrive year round. This is why ZZ plants do not need to be watered as often compared to a Begonia or Pothos making them more durable than high-maintenance houseplants like Ferns .

Fun fact: Some cultures consider ZZ plants to be lucky and signs of fortune and stability as they are resilient and reliable plants that are resistant to pests and less susceptible to changing weather conditions.

One of the most popular houseplants on the market, ZZ plants have multiple names and specs.

ZZ plant care is easy as this plant is durable, does not need direct sunlight, or watered on a regular schedule. Unlike Philodendron where care instructions change based on species, all 15 known species of ZZ plant need the same care instructions.

Pro-tip: Wipe dust and debris off the foliage with a damp cloth to keep them shiny and vibrant.

Water your ZZ plant once a month once the soil or potting mix has completely dried out. Because they come from dry climates without a lot of water and have rhizomes to store water, they can sometimes go for up to two months without watering.

This same adaptation that allows ZZ plants to survive with little watering also makes them more prone to root rot, so make sure you do not water your ZZ plant until the soil or potting mix has thoroughly dried.

ZZ plants need bright but indirect sunlight to mimic their natural environment under a tree canopy, so place them near a window but not directly in front of it, where sunbeams will reach them directly. The corner of a room, in between two windows, or next to a couch in the middle of the room, are all perfect placements for proper sunlight to keep ZZ plants thriving.

ZZ plants do not need high-humidity levels like Monstera plants , so they thrive in normal indoor settings, including humid summers and dry winters in temperature ranges from 60 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although they’re durable and low-maintenance, ZZ plants can have health issues. Here are some of the most common ones and what to do.

ZZ plants are relatively pest-resistant, but it’s still a good practice to inspect for unwanted guests regularly, including aphids, scale insects, mealy bugs, and spider mites. Use treatments like applying neem oil or insecticidal soaps to the infestation to get rid of it.

If your ZZ plant does not have the mutation that causes yellow variegation, yellowing leaves either means the ZZ plant is being watered too often or it is not getting enough sunlight.

If over watering is the issue, use a washable marker to write or keep a piece of paper on the back of the pot that shows the last watering date, this way you can make sure it has had time to dry out. You may want to check for root rot if the ZZ plant has been overwatered.

When too little sunlight causes a ZZ plant's leaves to yellow, try moving it closer to a natural light source, but keep it out of direct sunlight as it needs indirect sunlight to thrive.

ZZ plants need well-draining potting mix or soil to let the moisture dry out in between waterings, so make sure they have perlite, orchid bark, or vermiculite and do not have moisture-trapping materials like peat or sphagnum moss.

Check out our signature blend, Dirt Bag – specifically mixed for aroids like these to ensure optimal soil quality and promote growth!

ZZ plants need to be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh their nutrients and give them room to grow. Because they are not heavy eaters and they go into a state of dormancy in the fall, fertilization to add nutrients can be skipped in the fall and winter seasons. Adding nutrients with each watering will help keep their foliage vibrant and full of color. Try our Arber Organic Plant Food as an option.

There are 15 known species of ZZ plants, including mutations that cause variegation (unique colors of leaves).

The Akebono ZZ Plant features soft green leaves with creamy-yellow variegation that often fades into pale chartreuse. What makes it unique is its subtle, sun-washed coloration, giving it a more pastel, airy look compared to deeper green varieties. Its lighter tone makes it a great pick for brighter interiors or minimalist spaces where a softer pop of color fits the aesthetic.

The Albino ZZ Plant is one of the rarest types, producing pale, nearly white leaves with limited chlorophyll. Because of its low pigmentation, it's extremely sensitive to light and grows more slowly than standard ZZs. Best suited for collectors or low-light areas where direct sun won’t stress the plant.

Bitkisi is a lesser-known cultivar often confused with the standard green ZZ but typically has slightly shorter stems and rounder leaves. It offers the same durability and low maintenance as classic ZZ plants, making it a solid choice for offices or entryways where structure and simplicity are key.

The Chameleon ZZ lives up to its name with new growth that emerges in light green or yellow tones and gradually darkens to deep green or bronze. This shifting coloration adds visual interest over time, making it a fun option for plant lovers who enjoy watching their plants evolve. Its color-changing leaves make it a conversation piece for living rooms or well-lit bedrooms.

Dowon is a compact ZZ cultivar known for its glossy, tightly stacked leaves and upright growth habit. It’s ideal for smaller pots or narrow shelves where space is limited but visual structure is still desired. A great pick for modern interiors or as a tidy desk plant.

The Dwarf ZZ Plant is a smaller-growing variety with shorter stems and more compact spacing between leaves. Its tidy shape makes it perfect for desks, shelves, or small-space styling where a full-sized ZZ might feel oversized. Despite its smaller stature, it shares the same hardiness and low-maintenance care as its larger counterparts.

Often used as another name for the classic green ZZ, the Emerald Palm features glossy, deep green leaves on upright stems that resemble a stylized palm shape. It’s the most widely known variety and a go-to for beginners, thanks to its tolerance of low light and drought. Best used as a foundational plant in any room that needs structure and greenery.

The Gold ZZ Plant produces foliage in shades of bright lime to golden green, giving it a vibrant, almost neon quality. Unlike the more muted Akebono, the Gold variety is bolder and more consistent in its warm tones. It’s an excellent choice for adding contrast in plant groupings or brightening up dim corners with color.

This is the standard variety most people associate with ZZ plants—upright, glossy, dark green leaves on thick stems. It’s incredibly adaptable, low-maintenance, and ideal for homes, offices, or anyone new to plant care. A staple for good reason, it thrives with minimal light and infrequent watering.

Jungle Warrior is a robust, dark-toned ZZ variety with thick, strong stems and a slightly more dramatic silhouette than the standard green. While not as black as Raven, it leans into deeper green or bronze hues with a rugged, architectural look. Ideal for modern interiors or as a bold accent in a minimalist room.

The Lucky ZZ—sometimes called Lucky White—features creamy variegation that appears along the edges or centers of otherwise green leaves. It’s brighter and more consistent than the random streaks of Variegata, offering a clean, striped look. A good choice for decorative pots or high-visibility areas like entryways or countertops.

The Raven ZZ is known for its jet-black leaves that start out bright green and darken as they mature. Its rich, glossy foliage makes it a popular statement plant, especially in modern or monochrome design schemes. Like all ZZs, it’s extremely tolerant of neglect and low light, making it both stunning and easy to care for.

Super Nova is a dark-leaved cultivar that sits between the green and Raven ZZ in terms of tone—leaves often appear deep green or nearly black depending on the light. It has a slightly faster growth rate than Raven and offers a sleek, bold look without the fully black coloring. Ideal for anyone wanting a moody, dramatic vibe without going full monochrome.

The Variegata ZZ is a rare, highly sought-after variety with cream, yellow, or pale green marbling across its leaves. Variegation is unpredictable and varies from leaf to leaf, giving the plant a one-of-a-kind appearance. Due to its limited chlorophyll, it needs brighter light than other ZZs but still retains that easygoing ZZ personality.

Zenzi is a compact ZZ cultivar with thick, tightly stacked leaves that curl slightly inward, giving it a dense, sculptural look. It stays much shorter than the standard ZZ and has a more upright, tidy growth habit—making it perfect for desks, small shelves, or minimalist spaces. Zenzi is just as low-maintenance as other ZZs but with a bolder, more structured form.