Growing a ZZ plant in water is a low-maintenance and stylish way to enjoy this hardy houseplant. While traditionally grown in soil, ZZ plants can adapt surprisingly well to water propagation with the right care.
But how do you set it up for success – and what does a water-grown ZZ plant need to stay healthy?
Let’s go over the key steps to keep your ZZ plant thriving in water.
Table of Contents
Easy ZZ Plant Care Guide 💚
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💧 Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. ZZ plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to stay on the dry side - overwatering can lead to root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix - I personally use this potting mix. A mix with sand or perlite, like this one, ensures the soil doesn’t hold excess water.
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but ZZ plants are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in low light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep your ZZ plant in a room between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They handle most indoor conditions well but don’t like extreme cold.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, balanced fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) every 2-3 months during spring and summer. Skip feeding in fall and winter.
Benefits of Growing ZZ Plant in Water
Growing ZZ plants in water offers unique advantages for plant enthusiasts. This method simplifies care routines and creates an eye-catching display. It also helps purify indoor air, making your space healthier and more inviting.
Aesthetic Appeal
Water-grown ZZ plants add a modern touch to your home décor. The clear container showcases the plant’s interesting root structure, creating a living art piece.
You can choose from various glass vessels to complement your style – from sleek vases to quirky jars.
The absence of soil gives a clean, minimalist look that fits well in contemporary spaces. You’ll enjoy watching the roots grow and spread over time. This setup is perfect for offices or areas where you want to avoid soil mess.
Air Purification
One of the best benefits of owning ZZ plants is that they’re known for their air-cleaning abilities, and growing them in water enhances this. The exposed roots can absorb more air pollutants directly from the water. This means better air quality in your home or office.
These plants are especially good at removing toxins like xylene, toluene, and benzene. You’ll breathe easier with a water-grown ZZ plant nearby. The increased humidity around the plant can also help improve air quality, especially in dry indoor environments.
Water cultivation allows for easier monitoring of the plant’s health. You can quickly spot any issues with the roots and address them promptly.
Setting Up Your ZZ Plant in Water
Growing a ZZ plant in water is a simple and attractive way to enjoy this low-maintenance houseplant. You’ll need to choose the right container and use appropriate water quality to ensure success.
Choosing the Right Container
For your ZZ plant, pick a clear glass or plastic container that’s at least 6 inches deep. This depth allows room for root growth and keeps the plant stable. Make sure the container has a wide enough opening to support the plant’s stem.
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Avoid containers with narrow necks, as they can make it hard to remove the plant later. If you’re propagating your ZZ plant from cuttings, smaller vessels like mason jars work well.
For mature plants, consider using a vase or a large cylindrical container.
Remember to clean your chosen container thoroughly before use. This helps prevent algae growth and keeps your setup looking fresh.
Quality of Water
The type of water you use can greatly impact your ZZ plant’s health. Tap water is usually fine, but if it’s heavily chlorinated, let it sit out for 24 hours before using. This allows the chlorine to evaporate.
Distilled or rainwater are excellent choices, as they don’t contain added minerals that can build up over time. If using tap water, change it every 1-2 weeks to prevent mineral accumulation.
Keep the water level consistent, making sure it covers the roots but doesn’t submerge the stem. Too much water can lead to rot. Top up the water as needed, especially in warmer months when evaporation is faster.
How to Propagate ZZ Plant in Water
Propagating ZZ plants in water is a simple and rewarding process. It allows you to create new plants from existing ones without the need for soil.
Water propagation can be an effective method for those who want to expand the types of ZZ plants in their collection or share with friends.
Cutting Selection
To start propagating your ZZ plant in water, choose a healthy stem with several leaves. Cut a 4-6 inch section using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Make sure the cut is just below a leaf node – this is where new roots will form. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only 2-3 at the top of the cutting.
It’s best to take multiple cuttings to increase your chances of success. Select stems from different parts of the plant for variety. Avoid using stems that look yellow, brown, or diseased.
Rooting Process
Place your ZZ plant cuttings in a clear glass or jar filled with room temperature water. Make sure the leaf nodes are submerged, but keep the remaining leaves above water to prevent rotting. Change the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
Position the container in a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can be too harsh and may damage the cuttings.
You should start to see roots developing within 2-4 weeks. Be patient – it can take up to 2-3 months for substantial roots to form.
Once the roots are 2-3 inches long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot with well-draining soil. Water sparingly at first to help the plant adjust to its new environment. Your newly propagated ZZ plant will soon start growing new shoots and leaves.
Water Requirements
ZZ plants thrive with minimal watering. You should let the soil dry out completely between waterings. These drought-tolerant plants can go weeks without water, making them ideal for forgetful gardeners.
Overwatering is the biggest threat to ZZ plants. It can lead to root rot and other issues.
Water your ZZ plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. In winter, reduce watering to once a month.
Here’s a simple watering guide:
- Spring/Summer: Every 2-3 weeks
- Fall/Winter: Once a month
- Signs of thirst: Slightly drooping leaves
When you do water, give the plant a thorough soak. Allow excess water to drain fully. Never let your ZZ plant sit in standing water.
ZZ plants are sensitive to fluoride and other chemicals in tap water. If possible, use filtered or rainwater. Let tap water sit out overnight before using it to water your plant.
Remember, it’s better to underwater than overwater a ZZ plant. If you’re unsure, wait an extra day or two before watering. Your ZZ plant will bounce back quickly from underwatering but may struggle to recover from overwatering.
When to Change Your ZZ Plant’s Water
You’ll need to change your ZZ plant’s water every 1-2 weeks. Fresh water helps prevent algae growth and maintains oxygen levels. It’s also crucial for keeping your plant healthy and thriving.
Watch for these signs that it’s time to change the water:
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Foul odor
- Algae buildup
- Wilting or yellowing leaves
To change the water, gently remove your ZZ plant from its container. Rinse the roots and container thoroughly with clean water. Refill the container with fresh, room-temperature water.
Add liquid fertilizer to the new water every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.
Check the water level regularly and top it off as needed. ZZ plants prefer consistent moisture, so don’t let the water level drop too low.
If you notice any root rot (soft, brown, or mushy roots), trim the affected areas before placing the plant back in fresh water. Clean pruning tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading disease.
Nutrient Needs in Hydroponic Culture
ZZ plants grown in water require specific nutrients for optimal growth. You’ll need to provide a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients to keep your plant healthy.
These nutrients are typically added to the water in the form of a liquid fertilizer solution, with this liquid fertilizer being perfect for this purpose.
It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution rates, as too much fertilizer can harm your plant.
Adjust the pH of your nutrient solution to between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal nutrient uptake. You can use pH testing strips or a digital pH meter to check the levels regularly.
Change the nutrient solution every 2-4 weeks to prevent salt buildup and ensure your ZZ plant has access to fresh nutrients. Keep an eye on your plant’s leaves – if your ZZ plant starts to have yellow leaves or show signs of stunted growth, it might be time to adjust your nutrient regimen.
Remember that ZZ plants are naturally slow-growing and don’t require frequent fertilization. A diluted nutrient solution applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) is usually sufficient.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Growing ZZ plants in water can present some obstacles. With proper care and attention, you can overcome these issues and enjoy thriving water-grown ZZ plants.
Algae Growth
Algae can quickly take over your water-grown ZZ plant setup. To combat this, keep your plant out of direct sunlight.
Change the water weekly to prevent algae buildup. Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the water – it’ll help control algae and boost oxygen levels.
If algae persists, try covering the water surface with small pebbles or marbles. This blocks light and reduces algae growth.
You can also use opaque containers instead of clear ones. Remember to clean the container thoroughly each time you change the water.
Root Rot
Root rot is a common issue in water-grown ZZ plants. It’s caused by lack of oxygen and stagnant water.
To prevent this, change the water regularly – at least once a week. Make sure the container has proper drainage or air circulation.
If you notice brown or mushy roots, act fast. Trim off the affected parts with clean, sharp scissors.
Rinse the healthy roots under running water. Place the plant in fresh, clean water. Consider adding an air stone to increase oxygen levels in the water.
Pest Management
While less common in water-grown plants, pests can still be an issue for ZZ plants. Mealybugs and spider mites are the most likely culprits. Inspect your plant regularly for signs of infestation.
How to Get Rid of Pests on Your Houseplants
If you notice pests on your indoor plants, follow these steps to tackle the problem before it gets worse:
- Start with manual removal – For minor infestations, wipe leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or rinse the plant under lukewarm water to remove pests by hand.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap – If pests persist, treat your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap (those are my preferred ones!), both of which target common houseplant pests without harming your plant.
- Apply a houseplant-safe pesticide – For severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, use a broad-spectrum pesticide designed for indoor plants to eliminate stubborn pests – I use this pesticide for tough infestations.
By acting quickly and using the right treatments, you can keep your houseplants pest-free and thriving!
To prevent future pest problems, keep your ZZ plant clean and dust-free and avoid overwatering or letting water sit on the leaves. A healthy plant is more resistant to pest attacks.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Caring for a ZZ plant in water requires ongoing attention to keep it healthy and thriving. Regular maintenance ensures your plant stays vibrant and continues to grow. Proper care also prevents common issues that can arise in water-grown plants.
Pruning and Cleaning
Prune your ZZ plant as needed to maintain its shape and remove any yellowing or damaged leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors to make cuts just above a leaf node. This encourages new growth and keeps the plant looking tidy.
Clean the container and refresh the water every 2-4 weeks. Gently remove the plant, rinse the roots, and wipe down the container to prevent algae buildup. This helps maintain water clarity and prevents root rot.
Trim any roots that appear mushy or discolored. Healthy roots should be firm and white or light tan. Removing unhealthy parts prevents issues from spreading to the rest of the plant.
Replenishing Nutrients
ZZ plants in water need regular nutrient replenishment since they can’t access soil nutrients. Add a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for hydroponic or water-grown plants. Follow the package instructions, but typically you’ll want to use about 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended strength.
Watch for signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. If you notice these symptoms, increase the frequency of fertilization slightly or try a different nutrient blend.
Change the water completely every time you fertilize to prevent salt buildup. This helps maintain a healthy balance of nutrients and prevents potential root damage from excess mineral accumulation.
Displaying Your Water-Grown ZZ Plant
A water-grown ZZ plant makes a unique and eye-catching display. You can showcase it in clear glass containers to highlight its root system.
Position your ZZ plant in a spot with indirect light to keep it healthy and thriving.
Choose a container that complements your decor style. Cylindrical vases, geometric terrariums, or vintage glass jars all work well for displaying water-grown ZZ plants. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots comfortably.
Keep the water clean and fresh for your ZZ plant. Change it every 1-2 weeks to prevent algae growth and maintain a crisp appearance. You can add a few drops of liquid fertilizer to the water occasionally to provide nutrients.
Consider grouping your water-grown ZZ plant with other houseplants for a lush display. This creates an interesting contrast between soil-grown and water-grown plants. Mix and match different textures and leaf shapes for visual interest.
Accent your ZZ plant with decorative elements like colored stones or glass beads at the bottom of the container. This adds a pop of color and helps anchor the plant in place. Just be careful not to overcrowd the roots.
Place your water-grown ZZ plant on a shelf, side table, or desk to add a touch of greenery to any room. Its low-maintenance nature makes it perfect for offices or spaces where you can’t tend to plants frequently.
Remember to trim any yellow or brown leaves to keep your ZZ plant looking its best. Regular maintenance ensures your display stays attractive and healthy year-round.