1. Getting started with your ZZ plant
Where to place your ZZ Plant
Place it somewhere bright but never under direct sunlight
If your plant is casting a sharp & defined shadow, the light is too hard. We're looking for a shadow that's soft and blurred
ZZ plants will even survive under fluorescent lighting without windows, hence their popularity in office spaces
Potting your ZZ Plant
Leave it in its nursery pot
Your plant is comfy in its nursery pot. It's best to let it acclimate to the lighting, temperature, and humidity in its new home for at least 2 weeks before repotting it
Pro tip: if you purchased a planter with your plant, you can simply place the nursery pot in that planter
2. Continually caring for your ZZ Plant
Watering your ZZ Plant
Water when the soil is completely dry
Like cacti, ZZ plants like their soil to dry out completely between waterings. We like to use a chopstick to check. Gently insert the chopstick all the way down to the bottom; if the chopstick comes out:
a) Clean: your soil is dry and needs a watering
b) Dirty: you'll know the soil is still moist and doesn't need a watering
Rule of thumb: expect to water your plant every 1-2 weeks, and more often with more light. Having said that, soil moisture should be your primary indicator for when you should water your plant, as the time may vary.
When watering, gently pour until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom and discard any excess water. Remember, never use cold water as this will shock your plant's roots
Finding your ZZ Plant's favourite temperature
Like most houseplants, ZZ Plants are happiest between 18°C - 30°C
Repotting your ZZ Plant
ZZ plants can grow fast, and will need a new pot every 2-3 years.
When you notice the roots growing out the bottom of the pot, that's the time to do it
When it's time, use a high-quality potting mix and transfer your ZZ Plant into a pot that's a about 1-2 inches in diameters larger than its current one
Cleaning/pruning your ZZ Plant
Though tedious, gently wiping your ZZ Plant free of dust with a damp rag once in a while will help it soak light and breathe through the little pores on its leaves (stomata)
Some common problems with ZZ Plants
1. Leaves or tips browning
Usually caused by a dry environment; if you plant is next to an AC vent, try moving it away
2. Leaves are falling
Older leaves will always dry and wilt; this shouldn't be alarming. However, if your fern is losing leaves excessively, then this is usually due to underwatering. Time for a drink!
3. Yellowing leaves
Usually caused by overwatering; allow the soil time to dry out completely (sometimes this can take 2-4 weeks), then slowly rewater it, following the watering guide above
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