The 10 Commandments of Zanzibar Gem Care

With its sculptural stems and glossy, deep-green leaves, the Zanzibar Gem — fondly known as the ZZ Plant — is the quiet hero of modern interiors. It’s serene. It’s stylish. And it’s famously tolerant. But even the most effortless plants appreciate thoughtful stewardship.

Follow these 10 commandments, and your ZZ will thrive with grace and almost no fuss.

1. Let In the Light…Or Not

The ZZ Plant will grow best in medium to bright indirect light, but will also happily adapt to lower-light corners where other plants refuse to grow. Avoid strong, direct sun, which can fade or scorch its leaves. Otherwise? This plant is delightfully unbothered.

2. Water Sparingly…Very Sparingly

Think infrequent but thorough. Let the soil dry completely between waterings, then water deeply until excess drains. Overwatering is the only true sin here — its rhizomes hold stored moisture, meaning too much water leads to rot.
Expect watering every 2–4 weeks, depending on light and season.

3. Honor Good Drainage

Pot your ZZ in a container with drainage holes and a fast-draining mix (standard indoor soil with added perlite works beautifully). This plant will tolerate forgetfulness — but never soggy soil.

4. Keep Things Predictable

The Zanzibar Gem thrives in typical household conditions. Temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C) are ideal. It tolerates dry air without complaint, though it also enjoys gentle ambient humidity. Avoid cold drafts, blasting heat, or sudden temperature shifts.

5. Add Support

Over time, your ZZ plant may become top-heavy. Don't be shy to add support such as string to pull the stems together.

6. Fertilize Lightly

The ZZ is not a heavy feeder. A diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer like Boost Vitaminé once a month during spring and summer is more than sufficient. In fall and winter, let it rest --no food required unless it's actively growing new leaves.

7. Rotate for Upright, Even Growth

Though slow and steady in its growth, the ZZ will lean toward its light source over time. A simple quarter-turn each watering keeps growth balanced and the plant beautifully upright.

9. Prune What Is Neccesary

Remove yellowing or shriveled stems at the base using clean shears. Pruning is rarely needed for health, but it can help maintain shape and encourage fresh, upright growth. Never cut into the rhizomes themselves.

9. Repot Only When It's Time

ZZ Plants prefer to be slightly root-bound. If you see your plant pressing its roots against the edge of the pot, or even nearly breaking a plastic nursery pot, that is actually a good sign. If the pot breaks, consider it time to repot! See our full guide to learn how to repot your plant for more tips.

10. Let It Be

Growth may be slow, especially in lower light, but slow growth is not a sign of suffering. Given time, consistency, and the occasional polish of its leaves, your ZZ Plant will remain one of the most reliable, stylish companions you can keep indoors.

The ZZ Plant isn’t just hardy: it’s iconic. Its upright architecture brings elegant structure to any interior, while its glossy leaflets add a touch of refined, low-maintenance luxury.

It asks for almost nothing, yet gives so much in return: beauty, resilience, and a reliably evergreen presence. Read our full guide on Zanzibar Gem care and enjoy growing this resilient beauty!

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