Keep Your ZZ Plants Happy And Healthy All Winter Long With These Simple Tips

ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), also known as Zanzibar gem, are a favorite of the lazy gardener club. When choosing the right low-maintenance houseplant as a beginner, it often comes up as one of those easy, low-maintenance plants that are impossible to kill. But while they're an easy and hands-off houseplant, caring for a ZZ plant does require a few simple things, especially if you want to keep them happy and healthy all winter long.

ZZ plants have long stems with small and shiny green leaves. They're native to eastern Africa, which makes them extremely drought-tolerant. But while you might think their origins in arid climates make them sensitive to cold, that's not the case. When winter rolls around, ZZ plants go dormant but stay alive and healthy. They won't grow during that time, but they'll be back in full swing next spring. 

During winter, you'll need to adapt your care slightly. As temperatures drop and days get shorter, there are ways to tweak your houseplant care routine. While ZZ plants are less temperamental than some other houseplants, you might need to move them to make sure they get enough light or adapt how much you water them to avoid overwatering while they're dormant. If you don't do this, you could start to notice the plant's leaves changing color, even getting yellow.

ZZ plants are known to outlast other houseplants when deprived of bright light. However, they don't love living in complete darkness. If you've already placed your ZZ plant in a dimmer corner of your house, where it doesn't get a lot of sunlight, winter's shorter days could push it over the edge and cause some health issues. During those few darker months, consider moving your ZZ plant closer to a window, where it can get some indirect sunlight. Don't place them in a window where they'll be directly exposed to the sun, though.

ZZ plants do best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While they might survive temporary hot and cold spells, they won't enjoy it, so it's best to avoid the risk. These ambient temperatures tend to be approximately what most homeowners heat their homes to in the winter, so it shouldn't be an issue. However, do make sure that the ZZ plant isn't somewhere that's drafty and abnormally hot or cold. For example, avoid placing them near a heating vent or a window that's often open.

Throughout the year, ZZ plants prefer to be underwatered rather than overwatered. This is especially true in winter, when the plant is asleep. It's best to let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and when you water the plant, make sure that there isn't any standing water at the bottom of the pot or saucer.