How to Water a ZZ Plant the Right Way
Learn the key to a healthy ZZ plant by understanding its unique water needs. Go beyond a fixed schedule to provide ideal moisture for long-term vitality.
The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a resilient and low-maintenance houseplant. Its ability to withstand drought stems from a specialized root system of large, water-storing rhizomes that look like small potatoes beneath the soil. This underground reservoir makes understanding its specific watering needs important for its long-term health.
When to Water Your ZZ Plant
The most reliable way to determine if your ZZ plant needs water is to assess the soil moisture directly, so forget rigid watering schedules. The guiding principle is to water only when the soil has completely dried out. This prevents the rhizomes from being exposed to constant moisture.
To check the soil, insert your finger about two to three inches deep. If you feel any moisture or coolness, wait longer before watering. For larger pots, a wooden dowel or chopstick can be used; if it comes out clean and dry, it’s time to water. If it comes out with damp soil clinging to it, the plant has enough moisture.
Environmental factors in your home influence how quickly the soil dries. During the spring and summer, when the plant is in an active growth phase, you will water more frequently. In the winter, the plant’s growth slows, and its water requirements decrease significantly, meaning you may only need to water it once a month or less.
The Right Way to Water
When you have confirmed the soil is completely dry, the best practice for watering is the “drench and drain” method. Pour water slowly and evenly over the entire soil surface until you see it flow freely from the drainage holes. This thorough soaking allows the rhizomes to absorb the water they need.
After the initial drenching, let the pot drain completely. Once the dripping stops, discard any water that has collected in the saucer or cachepot. Allowing the plant to sit in standing water saturates the soil and can lead to root rot.
An alternative technique is bottom watering. Place the pot in a basin or sink filled with a few inches of water, and the soil will absorb the water up through the drainage holes. After about 30 to 60 minutes, once the soil surface feels moist, remove the pot and let it drain any excess. Standard tap water is acceptable for ZZ plants.
Signs of Improper Watering
Overwatering is the most common issue that affects ZZ plants. The earliest indicators are often yellowing leaves, particularly on the lower parts of the stems. If the overwatering continues, you may notice the base of the stems becoming soft, mushy, or brown. In advanced stages, the entire stem may rot, a sign the rhizomes have decayed.
While less common, underwatering can also occur, though the plant is much more forgiving of dryness. The primary signs of a thirsty ZZ plant are wrinkled or shriveling stems, as the plant draws on water stored in its rhizomes. The foliage may also appear droopy. The soil will be bone dry and may have pulled away from the sides of the pot.