A lot of people have a soft spot for ZZ plants.
It’s mostly because they often look perfect, they forgive a lot, and when something is off, they still manage to be dramatic without being loud.
So here are the biggest mistakes that tend to mess them up, even when you think everything is fine.
1. Watering on a schedule
This is the number one ZZ plant trap.
People water it because it’s Saturday. Or because they watered everything else. Or because they feel guilty.
Keep in mind that ZZ plants store water in their thick rhizomes, so a “little extra” water does not feel extra to them. It feels like a lot.
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Water only when the potting mix is dry all the way down.
Not just dry on top. If in doubt, wait a few more days. This type of plant usually loves a pause.
2. Using a pot that stays wet forever
The other very common mistake is using a pot that stays wet forever.
I know that a cute ceramic pot with no drainage looks great. The problem is the plant cannot breathe and the roots sit in soggy mix.
Always remember that ZZ plants can survive neglect, but they do not survive swamp living.
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Always check that the pot has a drainage hole.
If decorative pots are non negotiable, keep the ZZ in a plastic nursery pot inside the decorative one, and always dump the excess water.
3. Potting soil that is too heavy
Regular houseplant soil can be a bit too muddy for ZZ plants, especially if it retains moisture for a long time.
The plant might look fine for weeks, then suddenly yellowing starts and you are wondering what changed.
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Always go for a fast draining mix.
Something like potting soil plus perlite, pumice, or orchid bark works well. The goal is simple: water runs through, air gets in.
4. Too little light for too long
ZZ plants tolerate low light, but tolerate is not the same as thrive.
In very low light, growth slows, stems stretch, and the plant can look a little tired and sparse.
It is still alive, but it’s definitely not the best thing for these kinds of plants.
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Bright indirect light is the sweet spot for ZZ plants.
A few feet from a sunny window is usually perfect. They usually love some gentle morning sun too.
5. Moving it constantly
Another thing to consider is that some plants don’t mind being moved around, but ZZ plants kinda do.
Constantly shifting locations means constantly changing light and temperature, and the plant reacts by doing what it does best: nothing.
No growth, no new shoots, just a long pause.
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Pick a spot and let it settle.
If you want better growth, move it once to a brighter spot and then leave it alone.
6. Repotting too often
Beginner gardeners usually love repotting, and I get it, it feels like progress.
But ZZ plants actually like being a bit snug. They grow slowly, and their root systems do not beg for more space every year.
Repotting too often also increases the risk of damage to the rhizomes, basically the plant’s water tanks.
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Repot only when it is truly crowded, you should notice roots circling hard, the plant becoming top heavy, or the pot starting to bulge.
The time really depends on how fast the plant grows, it should usually be every two to three years.
7. Overdoing fertilizer
Another very common beginner mistake, thinking that more fertilizer equals more growth.
With ZZ plants, too much fertilizer can cause stress, weak growth, and leaf issues.
These plants are not heavy feeders. They’re more like a slow and steady kind of plant.
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Feed lightly during spring and summer, maybe once a month at half strength.
Skip fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
A few extra little tips that make a big difference
Wipe the leaves sometimes: dust blocks light, and shiny leaves are half the reason people love this plant.
Rotate the pot every couple of weeks: as we saw earlier, not constantly moving it around the house, just a small turn so it grows evenly.
Watch the stems: If a stem goes mushy at the base, that is usually a water issue. In that case, have a look at the common watering mistakes you should avoid.
To conclude, I just wanna say that ZZ plants are the kind of plant that rewards restraint.
Less water, fewer changes, fewer interventions. Give it decent light, let it dry out, and then let it do its slow, confident thing.