From our perspective, as a ZZ plant, we grow at a pace that many humans might consider "slow." This is not a flaw or a sign of unhappiness; it is our inherent biological rhythm. We have evolved in the semi-arid regions of Eastern Africa, where resources like water and nutrients can be scarce. Our growth strategy is one of patience and efficiency. Rather than expending immense energy on rapid vertical growth, we focus our efforts below the soil, developing a robust network of rhizomes. These potato-like structures are our survival banks, storing water and nutrients to see us through periods of drought. This means our visible growth above the soil is a careful, deliberate process. We only produce new stems when our underground resources are sufficiently stocked and environmental conditions are stable, ensuring each new shoot has the best chance of thriving.
While we are naturally slow-growers, several factors can influence our speed. The most significant is light. We are tolerant of low light, but we truly thrive and push out growth at a more noticeable pace in bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sunlight, however, is stressful for us and can scorch our leaves, halting growth altogether. Temperature is another key factor. We prefer the same comfortable temperatures you do, between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 29°C). In cooler conditions, our metabolic processes slow down significantly, and growth may cease entirely until it warms up. Finally, our growth is tied to your care routine. Overwatering is the greatest threat to our well-being, as it can cause our precious rhizomes to rot. A consistent but minimal watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry completely between drinks, is what we crave. A light feeding during our active growing seasons (spring and summer) can provide a helpful boost.
Our growth is intimately tied to the seasons, even when we live indoors. During the spring and summer, when the days are longer and brighter, we enter our primary active growth phase. This is when you are most likely to witness our progress. You might see one or two new stems emerge from the soil, which will slowly unfurl and mature over several weeks. These new stems start a pale green and gradually deepen to their characteristic glossy, dark green hue. In the fall and winter, we enter a period of dormancy. Our growth above the soil will typically stop as we redirect energy to our root and rhizome system. This is a crucial rest period for us, and it is perfectly normal. You should reduce watering significantly during this time to match our dormant state.
To understand our growth rate, it helps to follow the life of one stem. When a new stem emerges, it grows relatively quickly at first, reaching near its full height in a few weeks. However, the process of maturation is slow. The stem will harden, and each leaflet will thicken and develop its waxy coating. A single stem can live for many months, even years, contributing to our full, lush appearance. We do not shed leaves readily, so our growth is cumulative. While you may only gain a few new stems each year, the ones from previous seasons remain, gradually building our volume and presence in your space. Our growth is a marathon, not a sprint, and we are built for long-term companionship.
