Growing a Healthy ZZ Plant: The best Potting Soil Options

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet beautiful houseplant, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is perfect. It can survive neglect, low light, and even drought conditions. However, choosing suitable potting soil is crucial to help your ZZ plant thrive and grow healthy. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which soil is best for your ZZ plant. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top potting soil options to help you make an informed decision. From nutrient-rich to well-draining soil, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about growing a healthy ZZ plant and which potting soil best fits your plant’s needs.

The ZZ plant, in general

ZZ plants, scientifically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, are popular indoor plants appreciated for their attractive foliage and low-maintenance nature. Here’s some information about ZZ plants:

Appearance: ZZ plants have dark green, glossy, and waxy leaves that grow in a unique feather-like pattern. Each leaflet is long, elliptical, and typically has a smooth, shiny surface. The plant grows uprightly and can reach a height of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) when mature.
Native Habitat: ZZ plants are native to Eastern Africa, specifically Zanzibar, hence their common name. They are well adapted to survive in arid regions and can endure long periods of drought.
Low Light Tolerance: One of the critical reasons for the popularity of ZZ plants as houseplants is their ability to thrive in low light conditions. They can tolerate low levels of natural or artificial light, making them suitable for areas with limited sunlight. However, they can also tolerate moderate to bright indirect light.
Drought Tolerance: ZZ plants have succulent-like characteristics, including their ability to store water in their rhizomes (underground stems). This adaptation allows them to survive extended periods without water, making them forgiving plants for those who tend to forget to water regularly.
Easy Care: ZZ plants are known for being low maintenance. They require infrequent watering, as overwatering can cause root rot. It’s best to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. They can also handle a wide range of temperatures and are generally unaffected by pests or diseases.
Air Purification: Like many other houseplants, ZZ plants are known for their air-purifying properties. They can help improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins and pollutants from the air.
Propagation: ZZ plants can be propagated through division or by leaf cuttings. Division separates the rhizomes, while leaf cuttings can be taken from healthy mature leaves. Both methods can be successful with proper care.
Root System: The ZZ plant has a dense and fibrous root system that spreads horizontally, allowing efficient water and nutrient absorption. Its thick rhizomes store water, enabling the plant to survive in arid conditions and adapt to being potbound for extended periods.
Toxic: ZZ plants are generally non-toxic, but their sap can cause skin irritation or stomach discomfort if ingested. It’s best to keep them out of reach of pets and small children.

Overall, ZZ plants are excellent choices for indoor greenery, particularly in low-light environments, and their resilience and attractive foliage make them a popular addition to homes and offices.

Top 3 Potting Soil Options for ZZ Plants

A man transfers his ZZ plant to a new pot with perfect soil mix — A man transfers his ZZ plant to a new pot with the perfect soil mix that he created.

Choosing the wrong soil mix can lead to the failure of your ZZ plant, so it is important to choose the correct one. Various potting soil options are available for ZZ plants, each with unique properties. Here are the top 3 potting soil options for ZZ plants:

Cactus/Succulent Mix:

A cactus soil or succulent potting mix is one of the best potting soil for ZZ plants. This cactus mix is designed to provide excellent drainage and typically contains materials like peat moss, perlite, sand, and sometimes vermiculite. This type of soil helps prevent overwatering and root rot. Choosing a cactus mix will bring your ZZ plant growing to the best results and make a massive difference in overall ZZ plant care.

All-Purpose Potting Soil:

Regular potting soil can also be used for ZZ plants. Look for a high-quality commercial mix that has good drainage properties. You can amend the soil by adding perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage further.

DIY Soil Mix:

If you prefer to create your soil mix, combine equal parts of peat moss, perlite or pumice, and a well-draining material like coco coir. This mixture provides good aeration and drainage while retaining some moisture.

How to create the best DIY Potting Soil for ZZ Plants?

For a DIY potting soil mix for ZZ plants, you can create a blend that provides good drainage while retaining some moisture. Here’s a recipe you can use:

Ingredients:

1 part peat moss or coco coir
1 part perlite or pumice
1 part well-aged compost or composted bark

Instructions:

Step 1

Start by mixing equal parts of peat moss or coco coir and perlite or pumice. This combination will provide good drainage and aeration for the roots.

Step 2

Add an equal part of well-aged compost or composted bark to the mixture. This component will provide some nutrients and help retain moisture in the soil.

Step 3

Thoroughly blend the ingredients until they are well combined. You can use a large container or a tarp to make mixing easier.

Step 4

Before using the DIY potting soil mix, ensure the compost or composted bark is well-aged and free from pathogens or contaminants. This will help prevent any potential issues with the plant’s health.

This DIY potting soil mix balances drainage, aeration, and moisture retention, which is essential for ZZ plants. Monitor the soil’s moisture levels and adjust your watering routine accordingly. ZZ plants prefer slightly moist but not waterlogged soil, so be careful not to overwater.

How to Repot ZZ Plants

Repotting ZZ plants is generally done when the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil has become overly compacted. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to repot ZZ plants:

Choose the Right Time: The ideal time to repot ZZ plants is during the spring or early summer when they are actively growing. Avoid repotting during the winter months or when the plant is experiencing any stress.
Select a New Pot: Choose a pot one size larger than the current one. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. (You risk killing your houseplant by causing root rot if the container doesn’t have drainage holes)
Prepare the New Pot: Fill the new pot with a well-draining potting mix suitable for ZZ plants(You can choose your favorite potting mix from the list above, in my opinion, Cactus Mix is the best soil mix for starters!). Leave enough space at the top of the pot to accommodate the ZZ plant’s root ball.
Water the Plant: Water the ZZ plant a day or two before repotting. This will help loosen the soil and make removing the plant from the old pot easier.
Remove the Plant from the Old Pot: Gently turn the ZZ plant upside down while supporting the base of the plant with your hand. Tap the bottom of the pot or gently squeeze the sides to loosen the root ball. Carefully slide the plant out of the pot.
Inspect and Prune the Roots: Examine the root system for damaged, rotten, or excessively long roots. Trim away any unhealthy roots using clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Place in the New Pot: Position the ZZ plant in the center of the new pot, ensuring it is at the same depth as in the previous pot. Add more potting mix around the root ball, gently pressing it down to secure the plant.
Water and Settle the Soil: Give the newly repotted ZZ plant a thorough watering, allowing the water to soak through the potting mix and drain out of the bottom. This helps settle the soil and ensures good contact between the roots and the new potting mix.
Care After Repotting: Place the repotted ZZ plant in a location with appropriate light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Allow the plant to adjust to its new pot and avoid overwatering for the first few weeks.

Remember to adjust your watering routine after repotting. It’s generally better to underwater than to overwater, as ZZ plants are susceptible to root rot if their roots remain constantly wet. Monitor the plant for signs of stress or adjustment, and resume normal care once it shows new growth.

9 Tips for Maintaining Healthy ZZ Plants

Here are some suggestions for maintaining healthy ZZ plants:

Lighting:

ZZ plants can tolerate various conditions, from low to bright indirect light. However, they typically thrive in moderate, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Find a suitable location in your home where the plant receives adequate light for optimal growth.

Watering:

ZZ plants are drought-tolerant and prefer slightly drier, meaning they don’t need much water to survive. Allow the soil’s top inch or two (2.5-5 cm) to dry before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s better to underwater than overwater. Water thoroughly but infrequently, ensuring excess water drains out of the pot.

Temperature and Humidity

ZZ plants are adaptable to a wide range of temperatures but prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They can tolerate lower temperatures but are sensitive to frost. They can also tolerate average indoor humidity levels, making them suitable for most homes.

Best pots for ZZ plants

Note that the plant’s current pot is a good pot size, which means that your plant’s roots have enough room to develop and grow. If the roots are very compact current pot, it’s time to move the plant to a bigger pot, it is important to note that the bottom of the pot will have drainage holes (to avoid the risk of root rot, the unnecessary water should drain out of the pot)

Fertilization

ZZ plants are generally low-maintenance when it comes to fertilization. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half the recommended strength every 2-3 months. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to salt buildup in the soil.

Pruning

ZZ plants typically don’t require much pruning. However, you can trim off any yellowing or damaged leaves as needed. Pruning can help maintain the plant’s appearance and encourage new growth.

Pest Control

ZZ plants are relatively resistant to pests, but occasionally, they may encounter mealybugs or spider mites. If you notice signs of infestation, such as webbing or tiny insects, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product instructions.

Air Circulation

While ZZ plants can tolerate stagnant air, good air circulation can help prevent fungal diseases. Ensure airflow in the room and avoid placing the plant in a closed-off or poorly ventilated area.

Observation and Care

Regularly observe your ZZ plant for signs of stress, such as drooping leaves or yellowing. Adjust your care routine by adjusting watering, lighting, or other factors. Each plant is unique, so understanding its needs will help maintain its health.

Following these tips ensures your ZZ plant remains healthy and thrives as an attractive, low-maintenance houseplant.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the ZZ plant that came to us from East Africa and has become a popular choice for many people’s house plants is an amazing plant that can thrive properly. It is not difficult to maintain a healthy ZZ plant. It is only important to observe a few small rules and choose suitable potting soil for your ZZ plant to ensure it grows healthy and thrives and follow the tips for maintaining healthy ZZ plants to ensure that your plant continues to thrive and grow.