You will often find the ZZ plant on lists of easy-to-care-for houseplants, and rightfully so. They have a well-deserved reputation for being one of the toughest and almost impossible to kill plants. They are great for people who are new to taking care of plants. How to care for a ZZ plant is what often puzzles beginners. Let’s take a look at some of the essentials this plant needs to flourish.
With their shiny, plump leaves bursting from bulbous bases, ZZ plants make great easy-care houseplants. But exactly how big can these quirky looking plants get when grown indoors? Let’s take a look at the factors that determine their maximum size potential.
Typical Indoor Height and Width
On average, most ZZ plants reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide when grown as houseplants. Some varieties or individual plants may attain slightly larger or smaller dimensions, but this is the typical size range.
Their growth rate is fairly slow, so you can expect them to gain around 6 to 12 inches per year under ideal indoor conditions. It takes at least 2-3 years for them to achieve their maximum height.
Here’s a quick overview of size ranges for different ZZ plant types
-
Standard ZZ – Grows 24 to 36 inches tall and wide
-
Raven ZZ – Very similar size to standard ZZ at 24 to 36 inch height and width.
-
Variegated ZZ – Typically remains under 24 inches tall and wide.
-
ZZ Zenzi – The most compact type, reaching just 12 to 18 inches tall and wide.
So as you can see, even the largest varieties top out at around 3 feet, which is quite modest for a houseplant. Their iconic bulbous bases take up more space than their height suggests.
What Determines Their Indoor Growth Potential?
Several key factors influence the ultimate size your ZZ plant can reach indoors:
Light Levels
ZZ plants adapt well to various light conditions. But more sunlight helps energize growth and expansion to their full size capacity. Insufficient light may result in a more compact, slower growing plant.
Pot Size
Like any houseplant, ZZ plants can only get so big in a confined container. Repotting into larger pots allows more root and shoot growth.
Nutrient Availability
Getting adequate nutrients from rich potting mix and occasional fertilizing supports ZZ growth. Poor nutrition can restrict size.
Temperature & Humidity
Warm average temperatures (65-80°F) and moderate humidity mimic their native tropical habitat and encourage faster growth.
Pruning & Shaping
Trimming older stems back to their base directs energy to new growth but limits maximum height. Allowing all stems to grow freely maximizes size.
Size Potential Outside the Home
When grown outside in very warm climates (Zones 10-12), ZZ plants can get considerably larger than their indoor houseplant size. Given enough space, rich soil, ample sunlight and sufficient moisture, ZZ’s can reach up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide outdoors.
If you live in an area where ZZ’s can be grown as landscape plants year round, you’ll definitely see them achieve a much grander stature long term.
Indoors, ZZ plants have factors like container confinement, lower light, and drier air restricting their growth. But let loose in a tropical garden, their full genetic size potential can shine through!
Tips for Controlling ZZ Plant Size Indoors
If your ZZ plant is expanding bigger than you’d like for the space you have, there are some simple tricks to contain their growth:
-
Choose smaller ZZ varieties like Zenzi or Variegata rather than standard or Raven.
-
Maintain the plant in the smallest pot size that will contain the root ball.
-
Prune back leggy stems at the base to direct energy to new compact growth.
-
Allow the plant to dry out more between waterings to limit expansion.
-
Move the ZZ to a spot with less direct sun to slow its growth rate.
-
Limit fertilizing to just once or twice a year since ZZ’s are naturally slow growing.
-
Remove the tallest stems first if the plant needs pruning for size control.
Best Uses for Mature ZZ Plants Around the Home
At their full mature size of 2 to 3 feet, ZZ plants lend themselves well to several uses:
-
Floor plant – The sprawling rhizomes create an anchored base for the tall leafy stems.
-
Counterbalance – The ZZ’s strong vertical shape contrasts well with trailing plants.
-
Corner plant – Their broad, spreading form nicely fills an empty corner.
-
Entryway greenery – ZZ’s grab your attention at doorways without overwhelming the space.
-
Low light areas – They tolerate dim spots other plants can’t, adding color.
-
Focal points – The waxy leaves and bulbous bases make them stand out.
-
Office plant – Their resilience suits them well for lower maintenance public spaces.
Allow your ZZ plant ample room to stretch out and show off its fabulous glossy leaves and quirky rhizomes. You’ll enjoy this tropical delight for years to come!
ZZ Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerance
The ideal temperature for a ZZ plant is from 65℉ to 75℉. ZZ plants grow well in average humidity. They are best kept away from drafts, however, as temperature fluctuations can harm these plants.
It gets too cold for ZZ plants if the temperature falls under 45℉. Exposure to freezing air can harm the plant, so it’s important to keep it out of the cold.
ZZ plants are hardy and can thrive in various conditions. Still, they do best in averagely humid environments that we associate with regular indoor spaces.
ZZ Plant Varieties: An Overview
There are many different varieties of ZZ plants with leaf color ranging from lighter yellowish greens to black-green. Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Zenzi,’ a small plant with dense leaves, the beautiful Black Raven ZZ plant, with its dramatic, almost black leaves, and the new variegated variety, Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Variegata,’ are some of the most interesting types.
How To Grow A Huge Indoor ZZ Plant in Chicago
FAQ
How big do indoor ZZ plants get?
What is the lifespan of a ZZ plant?
Does the ZZ plant like big pots?
What are the disadvantages of ZZ plant?
How big does a ZZ plant grow?
With proper care and the ideal environment, you can expect a ZZ to grow 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, and sometimes even up to 5 feet! Many factors determine how big a ZZ Plant will get. By understanding how the plant grows and what is needed for it to thrive, you can encourage your plant to either push growth or stay small to fit your space.
What does a ZZ plant look like?
If you own a ZZ, you might already notice that the typical shape of the plant is mainly defined by how many stems are protruding from the rhizome and how many leaves are on each stem. The stems curve gracefully from their own weight, giving the plant a full bouquet look. To achieve a fuller look with your ZZ Plant, start with plant care.
How fast do ZZ plants grow?
Most ZZ plants produce 1-3 new stems every few months during the growing season. New stems grow 6-12 inches per month and can reach 3 to 5 feet tall within one growing season. ZZ plants spread horizontally by about an inch per year, but they rarely reach more than 2 feet in diameter.
How do ZZ plants grow?
New stems grow upward and new roots grow downward from this rhizome, and the rhizome spreads slowly over time. New stems tend to grow very close together, so even a plant that is quite rootbound can still squeeze new stems up from between the existing foliage. What Size Are ZZ Plants? ZZ plants come in a range of sizes.