How Often To Water ZZ Plants? (+Best Watering Methods)

Factors Affecting ZZ Plant Watering Schedule

Although some ZZ plants can withstand droughts, each plant has different water needs based on its growing environment and whether it is grown indoors or outdoors. Light, temperature, humidity, soil type, plant size, and container type can all have an impact on how much water a ZZ plant needs.

Temperature and Humidity

The climate in which you are growing your ZZ plant is a significant consideration that will affect how much and how often you should water the ZZ plant.

If you live in a warm, dry climate, water will evaporate from the soil more quickly. As a result, the plant will lose more water via its leaves. In such conditions, the plant will also grow faster than usual, increasing the amount of water it requires. 

Potting Soil 

Your ZZ plant’s watering requirements and the rate at which the potting soil dries up will be greatly influenced by the type of potting soil you employ. 

It’s vital to choose a well-draining potting mixture so that extra water drains away from the roots after watering your ZZ plant. A mixture of commercial soil mix and perlite is a good soil mixture for ZZ plants as it offers good drainage and aeration while still allowing some water retention.

When water quickly passes through the pot and begins to drain out of the drainage holes, it is a sign that the potting soil is well-draining. On the other hand, when water sits on top of the potting medium for a long time, it means that the soil drainage is not good. 

Potting Container

In glazed ceramic or plastic pots, the potting material will retain water until it is either absorbed by the plant, drains from the drainage holes at the bottom, or evaporates. But, Pots with porous walls, like terracotta pots, enable the free passage of oxygen and water through the pot’s walls.

If you want to use glazed ceramic or plastic pots, a drainage hole should always be present. When a pot has no drainage holes, it can be challenging to consistently add the correct amount of water needed. You will likely develop root rot since excess water will pool at the bottom of the pot. 

Generally, unglazed clay pots are the best container choice for ZZ plants as they have porous walls and can dramatically lower the chance of overwatering. 

How Often To Water ZZ Plants

The ZZ plant needs to be able to tolerate extended droughts in its native eastern Africa. That is why it is extremely well adapted to drought conditions, thanks to its thick stems and underground root rhizomes.

These two sections act as water reservoirs for the ZZ plant. Because of this, these plants are extremely drought-tolerant and can tolerate irregular watering. Therefore, it is okay if you occasionally forget to water the plant. Your Zamioculcas Zamiifolia should be able to survive without any water for up to three weeks. 

As a rule of thumb, once the soil has dried out fully, you should water ZZ plants—typically once every two weeks, depending on their growing conditions. Instead of watering on a timetable, pay attention to each individual plant. It is best to water your plant less than to overwater it.

How Often To Water ZZ Plants In Winter

ZZ plants prefer to let their soil fully dry out in between waterings. You should only water this plant once the soil completely dries throughout the pot since it has a very effective water retention mechanism. You can water your ZZ plant once per month throughout the winter season.

How Often To Water ZZ Plants In Summer

The inside environment is often warm in the summer unless you have good air conditioning. Generally speaking, watering your ZZ plant once a week is preferable in the summer. However, checking the soil’s dryness before watering is still recommended. 

ZZ plant stems

How To Water ZZ Plant Indoors

As mentioned above, before rewatering ZZ plants, the soil should be completely dry. If the soil is still wet, you may overwater your plant, which could cause it to decay.

Always keep in mind that a ZZ plant can be killed more easily by overwatering than by underwatering. In addition, saving a ZZ plant that has been underwatered is far simpler than the reverse.

How To Determine Soil’s Moisture Level

There are so many simple methods to determine the soil’s moisture level. You can perform any of the actions listed below to test soil moisture: 

• Check and feel the pot’s bottom carefully. There is no need to irrigate if the soil is still damp.
• Take a stick, and push it deep into the soil. If you pull up the stick and it comes out clean, it means that the soil is dry, and you need to water the plant.
• You can test the soil’s moisture using a moisture meter. Just water your plant when the moisture meter indicates it needs watering. The soil is still wet if the scale is between 4 and 7 and dry if it is between 1 and 3.
• Finger test: To determine if the soil is wet or dry, put more than half of your finger into the soil. If the soil remains on your finger after you remove it, it is a sign of moisture. But if your finger comes out relatively clean, it means that the soil is dry, and it is time to water your ZZ plant.

There are two ways to water ZZ plants. Select an approach that best suits you [1]:

Top Watering

1. Use a watering can to add water to the soil. 
2. Continue filling the pot with water until the drainage holes begin to overflow.
3. Never leave your plant to sit in water after irrigating it. if you have a tray underneath the pot, empty it afterward.

Bottom Watering

1. Add water to the plant tray and put your plant pot in the tray.
2. Ensure that the water on the tray is in touch with the soil.
3. Wait for about 20 minutes
4. Check the soil to determine whether it has absorbed enough water; if so, remove the extra water from the tray.
5. Fill the tray with extra water if it is still dry.
6. Let the excess water sit for 20 more minutes before removing it.