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Green glossy leaves are clustered together, overlapping and reflecting light, creating a vibrant display of lush foliage. The background is blurred, enhancing the focus on the detailed leaf textures.

Caring for ZZ Plants

A dozen young, potted zz plants are lined up in a greenhouse

How to Care For ZZ Plants

A deep green plant with broad, oblong-shaped leaves, ZZ plants are an excellent option for gardeners of all levels because they're very low-maintenance and thrive indoors. They grow slowly in an upward direction and often look so vibrant and shiny that people think they're artificial. Also called "Zanzibar Gems," ZZ plants are native to the East African continent. As heirloom plants, they can live for so long that parents pass them on to their children. Their hardiness makes them great for any room in the house, though they should be kept away from pets and children due to their toxicity.

ZZ Plant Light Needs

ZZ plant care is easy; they do best indoors with bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate various lighting conditions. If your ZZ plant starts to look leggy - which means tall with only a few leaves on its stems - it needs more light. They do well near south-facing windows but avoid direct sunlight, or the leaves may get scorched.

How Often to Water ZZ Plants

It's easy to overwater ZZ plants, so err on the side of less instead of more. If the leaves turn yellow and drop, water it less; if the leaves drop without yellowing, water more. A good rule of thumb is to water your ZZ plant once every two weeks, adding enough water so the fluid seeps through the drainage holes. Discard any excess water that collects in the saucer.

Bring some green into your home now!

Follow these guidelines and watch your plants thrive and become cherished living decor in your home. Their vibrant color, freshness, and vitality provide daily health and well-being benefits that will make you feel like you are living in a garden paradise.