Author: florist Míša, KvětinyExpres.cz · Updated: October 2026
The zamioculcas (Zamioculcas zamiifolia, known worldwide as the “ZZ plant”) is one of the toughest houseplants. It has dark green, glossy leaves, tolerates partial shade and a forgetful owner, and survives almost anything except overwatering.
In this guide you will find out where to put a zamioculcas, how often to water and feed it, why the leaves turn yellow, how to repot and propagate it and what to watch out for if you have pets or children. At the end you will find answers to the most common questions.
Zamioculcas or ZZ plant? What the plant is called
Both names mean the same plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia. It comes from East Africa and is also called the “happy plant”. It gradually grows to a height of about 1 metre. It stores water in fleshy stems and underground tubers, which is why it copes even with longer dry spells.
Position: light and temperature
- Light: It does best in a bright place without direct sun. It also tolerates partial shade and darker corners very well, but grows more slowly there.
- Temperature: Room temperature of 18–25 °C is ideal. It dislikes drafts and temperatures below 15 °C.
Watering and feeding
A zamioculcas needs very little water, roughly once every 14 to 21 days. The substrate must dry out completely between waterings. In winter, watering once a month is enough. Overwatering and rotting roots are practically the only things that can kill it.
- Watering: Once every 14–21 days, in winter once a month if needed. Let the substrate dry out completely before the next watering.
- Feeding: In spring and summer once a month with liquid fertiliser for houseplants.
Why do the leaves of a zamioculcas turn yellow?
The most common cause is overwatering. A tip from florist Monika
“What should you do when the leaves of a Zamioculcas turn yellow? The most common cause of death of this otherwise indestructible plant is overwatering. If the leaves start to turn yellow, go soft or even fall off, stop watering immediately. If the soil is too wet, take the plant out of the pot, remove the rotting roots and repot it into new, dry substrate with good drainage at the bottom (for example expanded clay).”
Repotting and propagation
A zamioculcas grows slowly and does not need frequent repotting. Repot it in spring (ideally in March or April) and only when the underground tubers literally deform the plastic pot. Use a well-draining substrate mixed with sand, or a substrate for cacti and succulents. When repotting you can easily propagate the plant by dividing the clumps of tubers.
What to watch out for
A zamioculcas contains needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate. If a leaf is chewed it can cause irritation of the mouth, drooling or vomiting in cats, dogs and children. Keep it out of their reach. With normal handling and no chewing, the plant is safe.
Frequently asked questions about the zamioculcas
How often should I water a zamioculcas?
Roughly once every 14 to 21 days, when the substrate is completely dry. In winter once a month is enough.
Why are the leaves of my zamioculcas turning yellow?
Most often because of overwatering. Stop watering and, if the soil is too wet, repot the plant into dry substrate with drainage.
Is a zamioculcas toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, if a leaf is chewed it can cause irritation of the mouth, drooling or vomiting. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.
Does a zamioculcas grow in shade?
Yes, it tolerates partial shade and darker corners, but grows more slowly there.
When should I repot a zamioculcas?
In spring (ideally in March or April), and only when the tubers deform the pot.
How much does a zamioculcas cost?
427 CZK with us, a medium-sized plant 50–60 cm tall in a ceramic cover pot.
Looking for more low-maintenance plants for your home? Take a look at low-maintenance houseplants, at all houseplants or at the articles about the snake plant and the peace lily. Do you have pets? Read which are the houseplants safe for cats and dogs. You can find the zamioculcas with delivery on the page Zamioculcas.
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Míša, KvětinyExpres.cz
