In the last decade, ZZ plants have popped up seemingly everywhere. Their gorgeous leaves and symbolic value have nestled their way into offices, and new plant parents appreciate the plant’s ability to tolerate a bit of neglect. While ZZ plants can survive adverse conditions, they won’t tolerate them for extended periods. That begs the question of how long do ZZ plants live for? We’re going to answer that and dive into factors that impact a ZZ plant’s lifespan.
How Long ZZ Plants Typically Live – The Essentials
ZZ plants typically live between five and ten years when kept indoors. However, the environment the plant is kept in and the care it receives can impact how long it lives. As long as you provide your ZZ plant with excellent care, it can live for over 20 years or more.
About ZZ Plants
ZZ plants gain their common name from their scientific name (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). These plants are also sometimes referred to as Zanzibar gems. The ZZ plant is the only species in the Zamioculcas genus.
While ZZ plants are now popular houseplants worldwide, they are native to East Africa. In their native habitat, they often spread when their stems droop down, touch the soil, and take root. While the plant has existed in the wild for hundreds of years, it has only made its way to homes across the world in the past 30 or so years.
ZZ plants have broad, ovular green leaves that appear waxy. The leaves appear on numerous upright stems that grow up from the base of the plant. ZZ plants typically max out at four feet tall and four feet wide when grown indoors.
What Is the Natural Life Cycle of a ZZ Plant in the Wild?
In the wild, ZZ plants often grow in clumps. While the plants can produce flowers and spread via seed, they also spread via underground stems called rhizomes. Sometimes, stems reach downwards and eventually root into the ground.
Since ZZ plants readily spread and appear connected, it’s sometimes difficult to tell when one plant dies. With that said, individual ZZ plants often live over ten years.
How Long Can ZZ Plants Live Indoors?
ZZ plants can live over 20 years indoors. However, most plants typically die after five to ten years.
Improper care, pest outbreaks, and disease can all cause a ZZ plant to die. Therefore, caring for your plant and protecting it from harm is the best way to keep it alive.
Key Factors That Contribute to the Longevity of ZZ Plants
Numerous factors relating to environment and care can impact how long a ZZ plants live. Keep the following in mind to help your plant live as long as possible.
Light Exposure
ZZ plants can handle a variety of types of light. However, they do best in lots of bright yet indirect sunlight.
While they can survive in shaded areas, they will not thrive. Additionally, direct sunlight can harm the plant’s leaves.
For more, see our in-depth guide on where to position ZZ plants in the home.
Temperature and Humidity
ZZ plants like warm temperatures and will suffer in the cold. Aim to keep the air temperature between 65ºF and 85ºF. You should also avoid large swings in temperature and drafts.
As far as humidity goes, average humidity will suffice.
Potting Soil
ZZ plants will not do well in waterlogged soils. Therefore, they prefer potting soil that provides plenty of aeration and drainage.
A standard peat or coco coir-based potting mix is often a good choice. You can also mix in extra perlite or pine bark to increase drainage.
Water
ZZ plants can tolerate dry soil and even periods of drought. That means it’s important to not overwater. However, you should avoid letting your ZZ plant’s soil become completely dry.
A good rule of thumb is to water your ZZ plant when the top two to three inches of soil is dry. You can use your finger to check the soil’s moisture.
Environmental factors, including light, temperature, and time of the year, will impact how often you need to water your plant. The size of the plant and the size of the pot can also affect the ideal watering frequency. With that said, expect to water once every two to three weeks.
When you water, make sure to soak the soil thoroughly. If excess water runs out of the pot’s drainage holes, remove it from the catch dish, so the soil does not soak it back up.
Repotting
ZZ plants like to be a bit snug in their pots, so you don’t need to repot your plant as soon as it fills up its container. However, if you notice your plant’s roots are growing out the bottom of the soil is not absorbing water, it’s time to repot.
Choose a pot that is a few inches larger in diameter than the original. You should also shake off excess potting soil and use a fresh mix when planting.
For more, see our in-depth guide on when and how to repot ZZ plants.
Fertilizing
ZZ plants don’t require much fertilizer, but they can benefit from light feeding. Choose a balanced houseplant fertilizer and apply it once a month in the spring and summer.
Be sure to not apply fertilizer too often, as this can stress the plant. It’s better to opt for less fertilizer than for more.
Pests and Diseases
One of the most common diseases ZZ plants experience is root rot. This is a fungal disease that attacks the plant’s roots (and will need pruning away).
While root rot can occur in various conditions, it is much more common in wet soil. This is especially true since ZZ plants like dry soil.
The best way to prevent root rot is by using a pot with drainage holes, choosing a well-draining soil mix, and watering only when the soil is dry.
As far as pests go, keep an eye out for sap-sucking pests like aphids, thrips, mealybugs, and spider mites which can cause a range of problems to the plant’s health, such as drooping, wilting, and yellowing leaves. You can remove these pests with a wet, soapy, or rag. Alternatively, you can spray the pests with insecticidal soap.
ZZ Plant FAQs
ZZ plants typically live for between five and ten years when they’re grown indoors. However, these plants can live for over 20 years if they receive excellent care.
Do ZZ Plants Outgrow Their Pots?
Yes, ZZ plants can outgrow their pots. If you see the roots growing out of the pot or the soil is not absorbing water, it’s time to repot.
How Often Do ZZ Plants Grow New Leaves?
ZZ plants can grow a new leaf every few weeks to every few months. This depends on the time of the year as well as the environment.
How Big Will a ZZ Plant Get?
ZZ plants can grow up to four feet tall and four feet wide. However, indoor plants often remain smaller.
Will ZZ Plants Live Longer When Grown Outdoors?
ZZ plants won’t necessarily live longer if they’re grown outdoors. Indoor plants can live just as long if they’re kept in a good environment and cared for.
How Long ZZ Plants Live For – The Final Word
ZZ plants are an easy-to-care-for plant that can handle a bit of neglect. However, if you want your plant to live as long as possible, you’ll need to provide excellent care. The average life of a ZZ plant is five to ten years, but they can live upwards of 20 years. For more, see our in-depth guide to growing and caring for ZZ plants at home.
If you’re looking for your next ZZ plant to add to your collection, see our in-depth guide to the best plant shops delivering ZZ plants nationwide.
Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State University. She manages a small market garden where she grows vegetables and herbs. She also enjoys growing flowers and houseplants at home.
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