Growing a bushier ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) in winter can be tricky since it's a slow-growing, hardy plant that naturally enters a dormant phase in colder months. However, with the right care, you can encourage fuller growth even during winter. Providing adequate light, avoiding overwatering, and maintaining a stable environment will support its health. Consistency is key to preventing issues like legginess or root rot. With proper winter care, your ZZ plant can remain lush and vibrant.
Provide Bright, Indirect Light
ZZ plants tolerate low light, but they grow best in bright, indirect sunlight. When daylight is limited in winter, place your plant near a south- or west-facing window. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a grow light. This will help your plant continue photosynthesis, which is essential for strong, healthy growth. Without enough light, the plant may become leggy and weak. Keeping it in an area with steady, indirect light will encourage fuller, more compact growth.
Avoid Overwatering
Overwatering is the number one killer of ZZ plants, especially in winter when their growth slows. Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry. Too much water can lead to root rot, which is difficult to fix. Always use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes to keep the roots healthy and prevent excess moisture buildup. In winter, plants need less water since they are not actively growing. Stick to a light watering schedule to keep your plant thriving without the risk of rot.
Maintain Warm Temperatures
ZZ plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep them away from cold drafts, heaters, or sudden temperature fluctuations. Exposure to cold air can cause leaves to yellow and drop. Place your plant in a stable environment with consistent warmth to keep it happy. Avoid placing it near drafty windows, doors, or heating vents, as extreme temperature shifts can cause stress. Maintaining a warm, steady temperature will help the plant stay healthy and resilient.
Increase Humidity
Winter air tends to be dry, which can slow down plant growth. While ZZ plants are drought-tolerant, they appreciate a bit of extra humidity. Use a humidifier, a pebble tray filled with water, or occasional misting to maintain moisture levels. This helps prevent leaf browning and keeps the plant looking vibrant. Dry indoor air can cause leaves to shrivel or develop crispy edges. A boost in humidity will help maintain lush, green foliage and support steady growth even in the colder months.
Prune for Fuller Growth
Trimming older or leggy stems can encourage your ZZ plant to grow denser. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut back any spindly stems. This will signal the plant to produce new shoots from the base. Pruning also removes dead or damaged parts, allowing fresh, healthy growth. Cutting back sparse areas will encourage the plant to redirect energy into new, thicker stems. A little pruning goes a long way in helping your ZZ plant look full and well-shaped.
Feed Sparingly
Winter fertilization should be minimal, as the plant's growth naturally slows. If your ZZ plant is still actively growing, feed it with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once every 6-8 weeks. Too much fertilizer can lead to weak, leggy growth. A little boost can help, but overdoing it can harm the plant. Since ZZ plants store nutrients in their rhizomes, they do not need frequent feeding. A light, occasional dose of fertilizer can support healthy foliage without overstimulating weak growth.
Rotate the Plant
Rotate your ZZ plant every few weeks to ensure even growth and prevent leaning. This helps it receive equal light on all sides, encouraging a balanced, fuller shape. Without rotation, one side may grow more than the other, making the plant look lopsided. Uneven exposure to light can cause the plant to stretch towards the light source. Turning it regularly ensures all sides get equal energy, which promotes a symmetrical and bushier appearance.
Repot If Necessary
Although ZZ plants don't need frequent repotting, if yours has outgrown its container, consider repotting in early winter using a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil. This allows room for new rhizomes to develop. Repotting too often can stress the plant, so only do it when necessary. If the roots start to crowd and push against the pot, it's time for a new container. A properly sized pot expands the plant while maintaining a compact, healthy root system.
Use a Proper Potting Mix
A lightweight, well-aerated potting mix helps ZZ plants develop strong roots. Use a peat, perlite, and sand mix to ensure good drainage and prevent root rot. A heavy or compacted soil mix can suffocate the roots, slowing down growth and leading to potential issues. Well-draining soil keeps moisture levels balanced, reducing the risk of overwatering. The right soil mix will support steady root development and encourage lush foliage growth above the soil.
Keep Pests Away
Due to indoor heating and dry air, winter can invite pests like spider mites or fungus gnats. Check leaves and soil regularly, and treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed. Keeping the plant clean and dust-free also helps prevent pest problems before they start. Pests thrive in dry, stagnant conditions, so a little air circulation and occasional wiping of the leaves can keep them at bay. Healthy plants are more resistant to pests, so maintaining proper care routines is key.
Be Patient
ZZ plants are naturally slow growers, especially in winter. While they may not show significant new growth, these care tips will help maintain their health and density throughout the colder months. Stick with good care habits, and your patience will ensure the plant stays strong and resilient. Even if growth seems slow, keeping the right conditions will prevent legginess and ensure a fuller plant. As long as your ZZ plant looks healthy, it manages the winter well. With steady care, it will stay robust until the growing season returns.
Keep Your ZZ Plant Thriving in Winter
With the right balance of light, water, and care, you can maintain a lush, healthy ZZ plant even in winter. Keep its environment stable, avoid common pitfalls, and look forward to a bushier plant when warmer weather returns. Winter is a time for maintenance and preparation, so taking good care of your plant now will reward you later. As the days grow longer, your ZZ plant will have a strong foundation to flourish in spring.
Before you go, check out this guide:
11 Foolproof ZZ Plant Care Methods for Low Winter Light (That Actually Work)