ZZ plants are known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia and come from tropical regions. If you live in a region with seasons, you will need to know how to keep ZZ plants healthy throughout the winter. Luckily, we have provided vital information on ZZ plant winter care for you to follow and keep your plants alive.
Read through our guide below to gain all the knowledge you need about ZZ plants and how to take care of them during the colder seasons. Now, let’s get started!
What Is a ZZ Plant?
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia or ZZ plant first originated in Africa and has been around for centuries. It grows in drought-prone areas and does well in hot regions. Residents in South Africa began distributing the plant across the globe in 1996. Since then, it has become a popular plant worldwide.
ZZ plants have wide, dark green leaves that make them attractive for people looking to decorate their homes or offices. The ZZ plant is fine with low levels of light and can withstand a lack of watering.
What Do ZZ Plants Need in the Winter?
ZZ plants need to stay away from drafts and cold temperatures during the winter. Because of this, you will have to put these plants far from open windows or drafty doors. Leave the plants in a bright area where they will get indirect sunlight.
You do not need to fertilize the ZZ plant during the winter, but it does require some watering amid the cold seasons. ZZ plants also need a fair amount of stable humidity and warm temperatures. You may need to keep the house heated at higher temperatures throughout the winter. You may also want to use a humidifier around the plant.
Typical Issues ZZ Plants Suffer From During the Winter
ZZ plants slow down their growth and become dormant during the winter. A few of the typical challenges that ZZ plants face during the wintertime include:
- Overfertilizing
- Decreased growth
- Overwatering
- Leggy growth
- Loss of leaves due to drafts and cold temperatures
Generally, ZZ plants require less watering. During the winter, their water needs are even lower. As such, you need to ensure to give less water when the plant goes dormant. Otherwise, overwatering can lead to brown leaves and rotting roots.
The Best Ways To Care for a ZZ Plant During the Winter
Make sure your ZZ plant gets enough light during the winter. When the sun goes down early and fewer sunlight options are available, the ZZ plant suffers.
To ensure your plant is healthy and continues to grow, you will need to put the ZZ plant near an artificial light. Use fluorescent bulbs in the lamps and put the light source about 4 to 12 inches away from the plant.
During the winter, you should water your ZZ plant only when the soil in the pot is fully dry. To check if it is completely dry, put your fingers two inches deep into the potted plant. Furthermore, if the air in your home lacks humidity, you will need to water the plant more or get a humidifier for the house.
What Hardiness Zones Are Best for ZZ Plants Throughout the Winter?
Sometimes, ZZ plants can live and grow outdoors, even during the winter. While ZZ plants are considered tropical plants, they can withstand outdoor winter conditions in USDA zones 9 and 10.
Gardeners and ZZ plant owners who live in zones 1 through 8 can set their potted plants outdoors on sunny and warm days as long as they bring the plants indoors when the temperatures fall below 40° F.
Before You Go
Now that you’ve read through the guide above, you know all the essential aspects of ZZ plant winter care. Make sure your plant gets enough light and avoid overwatering or overfertilizing it in the winter. That way, you’ll have a beautiful plant brightening up your home all winter long.