Zamioculcas | ZZ Plants


Zamioculcas zamiifolia, universally known as the ZZ Plant, is one of the most reliable and architectural houseplants available. Native to eastern Africa, its glossy, dark green leaflets emerge from thick, fleshy stems that store water, making it extraordinarily tolerant of neglect, low light, and irregular watering.

Our ZZ Plant range includes the classic dark green species alongside cultivars such as ZZ Raven (near-black foliage) and variegated collector forms. Every plant is selected for health and ready to make an impact in your space.

2 products

    2 products
    Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven' 14cm Plants GrowTropicalsSale
    Black ZZ Plant

    Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven'

    £24.99 £29.99
    1
    Zamioculcas zamiifolia 12cm Plants GrowTropicalsSale
    ZZ Plant

    Zamioculcas zamiifolia

    £10.99 £15.99
    1

    Everything you need to know about ZZ Plants

    The ZZ Plant has earned its reputation as one of the toughest and most adaptable houseplants available. Its thick rhizomes and fleshy leaf stalks act as water reservoirs, allowing it to survive weeks without watering. It tolerates low light conditions that would stress most houseplants, making it a genuine option for darker rooms and office environments. Despite this resilience, a well-cared-for ZZ Plant grows steadily and produces impressive, glossy foliage all year round.

    ZZ Plant care

    ZZ Plants are among the most forgiving houseplants you can grow. They adapt to anywhere from bright indirect light to quite low light, though growth is faster in better conditions. Water only when the compost has dried out completely, typically every 2 to 4 weeks in summer and once a month or less in winter. They are exceptionally drought-tolerant but will suffer if left sitting in water. No misting required. Feed lightly in spring and summer, and repot only when rhizomes are visibly pressing against the sides of the pot.

    ZZ Plant varieties

    The classic Zamioculcas zamiifolia with its deep, glossy green leaflets is the most popular form. The cultivar ZZ Raven is a collector favourite: new leaves emerge bright green before maturing to a dramatic near-black. Variegated ZZ Plants showing cream-and-green patterning are rarer and highly sought-after. We stock a rotating selection of forms, so check back for the latest arrivals.

    A note on ZZ Plant toxicity

    ZZ Plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and people if ingested, and the sap can irritate skin during repotting. Keep them away from children and pets. For a pet-safe alternative, see our pet-safe plants.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    ZZ Plants are highly drought-tolerant and should be watered far less frequently than most houseplants. In spring and summer, water thoroughly when the compost has dried out completely, which is typically every 2 to 4 weeks depending on pot size and temperature. In autumn and winter, reduce this to once a month or even less. Always allow excess water to drain fully and never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of water, as soggy roots are the main cause of ZZ Plant decline.

    Yes, ZZ Plants are one of the best houseplants for low-light conditions. They will survive in quite dim spots that would cause most other plants to struggle, making them ideal for offices, north-facing rooms, and hallways. That said, they do grow more quickly in bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun which can bleach or scorch the leaves. ZZ Plants will not thrive in complete darkness, so some natural or artificial light is still needed.

    Yes, ZZ Plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, and lethargy. The sap can also irritate human skin, so gloves are recommended when repotting. Keep ZZ Plants out of reach of pets and young children. If you are looking for non-toxic alternatives, browse our pet-safe plant collection.

    Yellowing leaves on a ZZ Plant almost always indicate overwatering. Check that the compost has dried out completely before watering and ensure the pot drains freely. Other potential causes include too little light or the plant sitting in a cold draught. A small amount of lower leaf yellowing as the plant matures is normal. If the stems feel soft or mushy at the base, root rot may have set in and the plant will need repotting into fresh, dry compost.

    ZZ Raven (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Dowon') is a striking cultivar of the standard ZZ Plant that produces foliage in a dramatic near-black colour. New leaves emerge in a bright lime green, creating a vivid contrast against the dark mature leaves, before gradually deepening to their characteristic dark purple-black. Care requirements are identical to the standard ZZ Plant. It is one of the most sought-after dark-foliage houseplants currently available.

    ZZ Plants are slow to moderate growers that typically reach around 60 to 90 cm in height as a mature houseplant, though they can grow larger in ideal conditions. Each stem grows from a central rhizome underground, and the plant gradually spreads as new stems are produced each season. They are long-lived plants that reward patience: a well-established specimen with multiple stems is a genuinely impressive structural plant.