How to Grow and Care for the Neverdie Plant
Learn to care for the ZZ Plant by understanding its natural resilience. This guide explains how its self-sufficient biology makes for a forgiving, low-maintenance houseplant.
Finding a houseplant that tolerates a missed watering or a dim corner can be a challenge. The “neverdie plant” has earned its nickname by being exceptionally forgiving. This houseplant is scientifically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, but is more commonly called the ZZ plant. Originally from eastern Africa, its popularity soared in the 1990s as people discovered its ability to thrive indoors with minimal attention.
Understanding the Neverdie Plant’s Resilience
The ZZ plant’s durability comes from its anatomy, which is adapted to survive long periods of drought in its native environment. Below the soil surface, it grows from stout, water-storing rhizomes. These thick, potato-like structures absorb and hold moisture, allowing the plant to sustain itself for weeks without water.
The waxy, glossy coating on the ZZ plant’s leaves also serves a practical purpose. This thick cuticle significantly reduces water evaporation from the leaf surface, a process known as transpiration, which conserves moisture within the plant.
Originating in regions with both intense sun and deep shade, the ZZ plant is well-suited to the lower light conditions inside homes. Its visible “branches” are actually compound leaves that can reach 16 to 24 inches in length. Its ability to survive in low light, coupled with its minimal water requirements, makes it a low-maintenance houseplant.
Essential Care Guide
Caring for a ZZ plant is straightforward and centers on the principle of “less is more.” The most common mistake is providing too much attention, particularly when it comes to water.
Light
While the ZZ plant tolerates low-light environments, it will have more robust growth when placed in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves. In very low light, the plant will grow much more slowly but will survive.
Water
Overwatering is the primary way to harm a ZZ plant. It is far better to underwater than to overwater, so the soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. If there is any moisture present in the soil, wait longer before watering. This could mean watering as infrequently as once every four weeks.
Soil and Fertilizer
A well-draining potting mix is needed to prevent the rhizomes from rotting. Standard indoor potting soils amended with perlite or sand to increase drainage will work well. The ZZ plant is a slow grower and does not require frequent fertilization; feeding it a balanced, half-strength liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season is sufficient.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even a tough plant like the ZZ can show signs of stress, and the issue is almost invariably related to water. If you notice lower leaves turning yellow and the base of the stems becoming mushy or soft, you are likely overwatering.
When these symptoms appear, stop watering and allow the soil to dry out completely. Check the base of the stems and the soil for root rot, which will appear as dark, mushy roots. If rot is present, repot the plant into fresh, dry soil after trimming away any affected roots and stems. Pests are rare, as the plant’s waxy leaves are not a favorite target for insects. Leggy growth, where stems become long and sparse, is a sign of insufficient light.
Other Nearly Indestructible Houseplants
If the resilience of the ZZ plant appeals to you, several other houseplants offer similar durability for those with less-than-ideal growing conditions. These plants, like the ZZ, have earned a reputation for being tough, each with its own unique aesthetic.
The Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is an excellent choice, known for its upright, sword-like leaves. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant due to its ability to store water in its leaves and can thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect sun. Its architectural look makes it a popular choice for modern interior designs.
Another forgiving option is the Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), a trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves. Pothos is adaptable, tolerating various light levels and surviving irregular watering. It’s also communicative, with its leaves visibly drooping when it needs water, making it easy to know when to give it a drink. It can be grown in a hanging basket or trained to climb.