How Often Should You Water a ZZ Plant?

The short answer: water your ZZ Plant once the potting mix has dried out well, not on a set day. ZZ Plants store water in their thick stems and underground rhizomes, so they generally prefer drier conditions. How quickly the mix dries depends on pot size, soil, light, temperature, humidity and the season.

How often should you water a ZZ Plant?

There's no exact number of days that suits every ZZ Plant. They generally need water less often than many indoor plants, but the right timing still depends on their conditions.

Your ZZ Plant may need water more often with:

• More light
• Warmer temperatures
• A smaller pot
• A faster-draining potting mix
• A larger plant

It may need water less often in:

• Winter or cooler conditions
• Lower light

Why there isn't one fixed watering schedule

ZZ Plants use water slowly, and that pace changes with light and season. A routine that seems fine in summer can leave the roots sitting in wet soil over winter. Checking the moisture in the potting mix helps you water only when it's needed.

Why ZZ Plants prefer to dry out between watering

ZZ Plants hold water in their stems and rhizomes, so they cope well with drying out between drinks. Letting the mix dry allows air to reach the roots, while soil that stays wet for long periods can increase the risk of root problems.

Signs your ZZ Plant needs water

• Potting mix that feels dry well below the surface
• A pot that feels noticeably lighter
• Stems or leaves that look slightly wrinkled or less firm than usual

Leaf and stem changes can have more than one cause, so check the soil before reaching for the watering can.

How to check the potting mix

The top of the soil can look dry while moisture remains deeper in the pot. Check down near the roots, or feel the weight of the pot, rather than relying on how the surface looks.

Common ZZ Plant overwatering mistakes

• Watering on a fixed schedule
• Watering again while the potting mix is still moist
• Letting the pot sit in water
• Using a pot without drainage holes
• Watering as often in winter as in summer
• Only checking the surface of the soil

Yellowing leaves, soft stems and soil that stays wet can be associated with overwatering, though these symptoms can have other causes too.

Can Sustee help with ZZ Plant watering?

Sustee is a simple moisture indicator that sits in your plant's potting mix. It changes colour according to the moisture level around the indicator:

For a plant that's easy to overwater, it's a simple reminder to hold off while there's still moisture in the pot.

SHOP SUSTEE

The simple way to water your ZZ Plant

Your ZZ Plant doesn't need a strict watering schedule. Let the potting mix dry out, check the moisture before watering, and let excess water drain away.

SHOP SUSTEE