Hello, dedicated caretaker. I am your ZZ Plant, a resilient and stoic companion from the arid regions of Eastern Africa. While I am famously low-maintenance, my needs shift subtly with the Earth's journey around the sun. To help me truly thrive and not just survive, here is my complete seasonal guide, told from my perspective.
As the days lengthen and the sun's warmth intensifies, I feel a surge of energy. This is my prime growing season! You will likely notice new, asparagus-like shoots emerging from my rhizomes (my water-storing underground stems). This is the time for action. Please resume regular watering, but only when the top few inches of my soil are completely dry. I cherish bright, indirect light; a north or east-facing window is ideal. You can feed me with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer once a month—this gives me the strength for a season of lush growth. If my pot feels tight, this is the perfect time to repot me into a home only one size larger.
The sun is at its peak, and so am I. I am working hard, photosynthesizing and growing. I may need water more frequently as the soil dries out faster, but my core rule remains: I would always prefer to be too dry than too wet. Soggy soil will rot my precious rhizomes. Please keep me away from the intense, direct afternoon sun which can scorch my beautiful waxy leaves. I enjoy the consistent warmth but would appreciate being shielded from blistering hot windowsills. Continue my monthly feeding; it fuels my expansion.
I feel the change. The light softens, and the temperatures begin to drop. My growth is slowing down as I start to direct my energy inward, preparing for rest. This is the time for you to slow down with me. Gradually reduce watering, allowing my soil to dry out almost completely between drinks. Please stop fertilizing me entirely; I am no longer actively growing and cannot use the nutrients, which could instead build up and harm my root system. This is also a good time to gently wipe the dust from my leaves with a damp cloth, ensuring I can absorb every bit of the dwindling light.
I am dormant. My growth has virtually halted. This is my time of deep rest, and my needs are minimal. Water me very sparingly—perhaps only once a month or even less. The key is to prevent my rhizomes from shriveling, but my greatest winter threat is overwatering in cold, damp soil. Please keep me away from cold drafts and heating vents, as I prefer stable, cooler room temperatures. I can tolerate lower light levels during this period, but I will still appreciate any indirect light you can provide. Mostly, I just need peace and quiet to conserve my energy until spring's return.
