The ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia and nicknamed the “Zanzibar Gem,” is a plant native to Eastern Africa and is a perennial tropical plant.
Perennial tropical refers to plants and ecosystems that can thrive in warm, wet, and dry tropical regions for more than two years. Such plants grow continuously and produce seeds over multiple growing seasons within warm tropical climates, which are accompanied by distinct wet and dry seasons in the regions around the equator.
ZZ Plant Watering Requirements
Belonging to the succulent family, ZZ plants are very resilient and can even thrive in harsh conditions like droughts. Maintaining a ZZ plant is straightforward, but it is essential to know when and how to water it and which soil is best for the plant. This ensures that the plant can thrive longer without drying out or dying from excess water.
The ZZ plant, being very easy to maintain with the ability to thrive in low light and requiring less water, is the best option for new plant enthusiasts who are looking for easy-to-maintain plants while also learning how to care for plants properly. Even though the ZZ plant is very self-sufficient, it has specific water and maintenance needs that, if overlooked, can harm or kill the plant.
The ZZ plant requires soil that doesn’t retain water and allows it to be properly absorbed by the plant, ensuring proper growth and overall well-being. Therefore, knowing the type of soil to use for your ZZ plant is as crucial as knowing how much and when to water it to make sure it stays healthy and well-maintained.
How to Know When to Water Your ZZ Plant?
Belonging to the succulent plants, ZZ plants have a unique ability to guide you in maintaining them and recognizing when they need water and care. ZZ plants can be maintained and looked after with these steps:
Checking for the Soil and Moisture
ZZ plants can thrive with minimal water, so checking if the soil allows water to be absorbed by the plant without holding or collecting excess water is crucial. This helps keep the plant hydrated while protecting it from overwatering. By checking the soil for moisture, you can ensure you’re not watering your ZZ plant unnecessarily.
Keeping an Eye on the Leaf Appearance and Health
ZZ plants store water in their rhizomes, allowing them to survive longer periods without water, which means they need very infrequent watering. Checking the leaves can help you understand if the ZZ plant needs water again. Slightly droopy leaves indicate that the plant needs water, but this is not an immediate concern. Severe drooping, however, indicates that the plant needs care and requires proper watering.
Checking for Leaf Firmness and Texture
Pressing the leaves with your fingers will help you understand the plant's needs. Firm leaves are a good sign that the plant has enough water for the time being, and you do not need to water it immediately.
Be mindful of the Seasonal Changes and Weather
The ZZ plant may require more water in summer and spring compared to fall or winter. Therefore, you need to be mindful of the weather and seasonal changes, as these affect the plant's environment and its water needs.
How to Water Your ZZ Plant?
There are various ways to water a ZZ plant to ensure it is properly hydrated without being left to dry for too long or receiving continuous watering that could ruin the plant. Some effective methods for watering your ZZ plant are:
Bottom Watering
A very suitable and unique technique for watering ZZ plants is bottom watering. This involves placing the plant pot on a plate or in a container of water, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from the bottom. Excess water is removed to ensure the plant doesn’t sit in water for too long, preventing overwatering.
Also Read: Is Coconut Water Good for Plants
Conventional Watering
Another method is the conventional approach, where water is poured directly onto the plant and soil, allowing it to flow out through the drainage holes. Make sure to remove any excess water from the pot or tray to prevent the roots from rotting due to absorbing more water than needed.
Also Read: 14 Plants That Don't Need Drainage
Soaking for Dehydrated Plants
If the ZZ plant is dehydrated and the soil shows no signs of moisture, a helpful technique is soaking. Place the plant in a large pot filled with water and let it sit for some time. Afterward, remove the plant to ensure there is no excess soaking, as ZZ plants do not require a lot of water and excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
A very important factor to consider while watering the ZZ plant is the size of the plant. Larger ZZ plants need more water than smaller ones. If this is overlooked, it can lead to either overwatering or under watering, which may eventually harm the plant—either by causing root rot from excess water or by damaging the plant due to insufficient watering.
Conclusion
Watering your ZZ plant properly is crucial to ensure its overall well-being and health. The Zanzibar Gem is a very resilient and tolerant tropical plant belonging to the succulent family, making it suitable for harsh environments and conditions. It can store water in its rhizomes, which makes it easy to maintain even in drought-like situations and dry weather.
Although it is easy to maintain, the ZZ plant requires proper care and maintenance, such as adhering to a watering schedule to avoid overwatering while ensuring it remains healthy and moist. Soil plays a vital role in maintaining these watering schedules. Soil that doesn’t trap water and has a high capacity to allow the plant to absorb moisture while draining excess water.
