7 Best ZZ Plants for 2026

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top zz plants of 2026

You’re probably tired of ZZ plants that arrive wilted or struggle in your office’s dim lighting. Whether you’re furnishing a workspace or reviving a neglected corner, you’ll find that not all ZZ plants are created equal. The right specimen can transform your space while asking almost nothing of you. But which one actually delivers?

Our Favorite ZZ Plants

Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant Indoor HouseplantCosta Farms ZZ Live Plant Indoor HouseplantBest OverallPlant Size: 12-20 inches tallContainer Type: Plastic potMaintenance Level: Low-maintenance, beginner-friendlyVIEW ON AMAZONRead Our Analysis
Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative PotCosta Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative PotBest Décor OptionPlant Size: 12-20 inches tallContainer Type: Decorative pot (6-inch, no drainage holes)Maintenance Level: Low-maintenance, beginner-friendlyVIEW ON AMAZONRead Our Analysis
ZZ Plant Fertilizer – Makes 32 Gallons LiquidZZ Plant Fertilizer - Makes 32 Gallons LiquidEssential Care SupplementPlant Size: N/A (fertilizer product)Container Type: N/A (fertilizer product)Maintenance Level: N/A (fertilizer product)VIEW ON AMAZONRead Our Analysis
Green Circle Growers 5″ ZZ Plant in Cream PotGreen Circle Growers 5 ZZ Plant in Cream PotCompact Desk PlantPlant Size: 5 inches (compact)Container Type: Cream jute potMaintenance Level: Low-maintenanceVIEW ON AMAZONRead Our Analysis
Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative PotCosta Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative PotPremium Gift ChoicePlant Size: 12-20 inches tallContainer Type: Decorative potMaintenance Level: Low-maintenance, beginner-friendlyVIEW ON AMAZONRead Our Analysis
Gardenera Premium ZZ Plant Potting Mix (1 Quart)Gardenera Premium ZZ Plant Potting Mix (1 Quart)Optimal Growth MediumPlant Size: N/A (potting mix product)Container Type: N/A (potting mix product)Maintenance Level: N/A (potting mix product)VIEW ON AMAZONRead Our Analysis
ZZ Plant – 2″ from California TropicalsZZ Plant - 2 from California TropicalsBudget-Friendly StarterPlant Size: 2 inches (starter size)Container Type: 2-inch potMaintenance Level: Low-maintenance, beginner-friendlyVIEW ON AMAZONRead Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant Indoor Houseplant

    Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant Indoor Houseplant

    Best Overall

    View On Amazon

    If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly houseplant that thrives on neglect, the Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant is your best choice. This 12-20 inch tall plant arrives fresh and ready to brighten your space immediately. You’ll appreciate its architectural upright leaves and modern minimalist aesthetic, making it perfect for desks, shelves, or tabletops. The ZZ plant tolerates low light, low humidity, and drought conditions, requiring water only when the top inch dries out. It thrives under fluorescent lights without natural sunlight, ideal for offices and interior spaces. With minimal maintenance and stress-reducing benefits, you’re getting a resilient, air-purifying companion that transforms any room into a calm sanctuary.

    • Plant Size:12-20 inches tall
    • Container Type:Plastic pot
    • Maintenance Level:Low-maintenance, beginner-friendly
    • Light Requirements:Low light, fluorescent lights acceptable
    • Watering Frequency:Infrequent; top inch or two dries between waterings
    • Brand/Source:Costa Farms
    • Additional Feature:Air purifying capability
    • Additional Feature:Thrives on neglect
    • Additional Feature:No natural light required
  2. Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative Pot

    Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative Pot

    Best Décor Option

    View On Amazon

    You’ll appreciate the Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative Pot if you’re looking for a genuinely low-maintenance houseplant that doesn’t demand constant attention. This 12-20 inch plant arrives in a 6-inch decorative pot, ready for immediate display. Its architectural green foliage adds modern elegance to any space while purifying your air. You’ll water it just once every two weeks with about one cup, and it thrives in medium indirect light. The slow-growing ZZ plant tolerates neglect exceptionally well, making it ideal for beginners or busy professionals. Perfect for home offices or living rooms, this hand-picked specimen ships safely from Costa Farms with a 3.7-star rating from thousands of satisfied customers.

    • Plant Size:12-20 inches tall
    • Container Type:Decorative pot (6-inch, no drainage holes)
    • Maintenance Level:Low-maintenance, beginner-friendly
    • Light Requirements:Medium indirect light (3-5 hours)
    • Watering Frequency:Once every 2 weeks (~1 cup)
    • Brand/Source:Costa Farms
    • Additional Feature:Air purification features
    • Additional Feature:Reduces stress/wellbeing support
    • Additional Feature:No drainage hole design
  3. ZZ Plant Fertilizer – Makes 32 Gallons Liquid

    ZZ Plant Fertilizer - Makes 32 Gallons Liquid

    Essential Care Supplement

    View On Amazon

    Want to keep your ZZ Plants thriving year-round? You’ll love this concentrated fertilizer that makes 32 gallons of liquid plant food. Simply mix 1/2 capful per quart of water and apply during active growing seasons for vibrant results.

    The formula delivers essential nutrients your ZZ Plants crave: nitrogen for glossy leaves, phosphorus for robust roots, and potassium for resilience. You’ll also get vital micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc that strengthen plant health.

    This fertilizer tackles common problems head-on. You can revitalize yellowing foliage, strengthen weakened roots, and encourage lush growth. It works perfectly for all ZZ Plant varieties, from Raven to Zenzi to Dwarf Zamicro.

    • Plant Size:N/A (fertilizer product)
    • Container Type:N/A (fertilizer product)
    • Maintenance Level:N/A (fertilizer product)
    • Light Requirements:N/A (fertilizer product)
    • Watering Frequency:N/A (fertilizer product)
    • Brand/Source:Generic ZZ Plant Fertilizer brand
    • Additional Feature:Revitalizes yellowing foliage
    • Additional Feature:Micronutrient-rich formula
    • Additional Feature:Concentrated liquid concentrate
  4. Green Circle Growers 5″ ZZ Plant in Cream Pot

    Green Circle Growers 5 ZZ Plant in Cream Pot

    Compact Desk Plant

    View On Amazon

    Looking to add greenery to a compact space without sacrificing style? The Green Circle Growers 5″ ZZ Plant in Cream Pot delivers both. This low-maintenance indoor plant arrives in an elegant cream jute pot that complements any décor aesthetic. You’ll appreciate its compact dimensions—perfect for desks, shelves, and tight corners. The ZZ plant thrives in partial sun, requiring minimal care while still providing lush foliage. At just 1.5 pounds, it’s easy to position anywhere. With a 3.7-star rating from 21 reviews, customers validate its quality. Note that it won’t ship to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico, but it’s available through various retailers.

    • Plant Size:5 inches (compact)
    • Container Type:Cream jute pot
    • Maintenance Level:Low-maintenance
    • Light Requirements:Partial sun
    • Watering Frequency:Not specified
    • Brand/Source:Green Circle Growers (Wild Interiors brand)
    • Additional Feature:Elegant cream jute pot
    • Additional Feature:Compact 5″ size
    • Additional Feature:Ideal for small spaces
  5. Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative Pot

    Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative Pot

    Premium Gift Choice

    View On Amazon

    If minimalist aesthetics matter to your interior design, the Costa Farms ZZ Live Plant in Decorative Pot delivers architectural appeal with its upright, structural leaves. You’ll appreciate its resilience—this beginner-friendly plant thrives on neglect, making it perfect for busy lifestyles. The plant arrives fresh and healthy from the farm, already potted and ready for your home. Its sleek form creates a calming focal point in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. Whether you’re gifting it for a housewarming or birthday, it brightens any space. Just note: protect it from freezing temperatures during delivery by checking weather forecasts and bringing it indoors promptly upon arrival.

    • Plant Size:12-20 inches tall
    • Container Type:Decorative pot
    • Maintenance Level:Low-maintenance, beginner-friendly
    • Light Requirements:Bright to medium indirect light
    • Watering Frequency:Minimal watering
    • Brand/Source:Costa Farms
    • Additional Feature:Architectural upright leaves
    • Additional Feature:Floor accent capability
    • Additional Feature:Cold weather advisory included
  6. Gardenera Premium ZZ Plant Potting Mix (1 Quart)

    Gardenera Premium ZZ Plant Potting Mix (1 Quart)

    Optimal Growth Medium

    View On Amazon

    You’ll find this specialized potting mix indispensable if you’re serious about cultivating thriving ZZ Plants indoors. Gardenera’s proven formula combines Canadian peat moss, worm castings, sand, perlite, and charcoal to create an ideal growing environment. The peat and sand balance moisture retention while supporting the plant’s natural arid-habitat preferences. Worm castings deliver organic nutrients for robust growth and sturdy stems. Perlite ensures superior aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging that damages roots. Charcoal naturally purifies the soil, detoxifying it while complementing your ZZ Plant’s air-purifying abilities. This one-quart mix gives your Zamioculcas zamiifolia the exact conditions it needs for radiant foliage and vigorous development.

    • Plant Size:N/A (potting mix product)
    • Container Type:N/A (potting mix product)
    • Maintenance Level:N/A (potting mix product)
    • Light Requirements:N/A (potting mix product)
    • Watering Frequency:N/A (potting mix product)
    • Brand/Source:Gardenera
    • Additional Feature:Charcoal natural purification
    • Additional Feature:Worm castings included
    • Additional Feature:Prevents waterlogging drainage
  7. ZZ Plant – 2″ from California Tropicals

    ZZ Plant - 2 from California Tropicals

    Budget-Friendly Starter

    View On Amazon

    Want a hassle-free houseplant that thrives on neglect? California Tropicals’ 2″ ZZ Plant delivers exactly that. This compact Zamioculcas zamiifolia features solid green foliage that’ll brighten any indoor space without demanding your constant attention. You’ll appreciate its drought-tolerance and low-maintenance nature—perfect whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant parent. The small pot size makes it ideal for desks, shelves, or starter collections. Its attractive, simple leaves add genuine greenery without fussiness. Whether you’re gifting it or treating yourself, this tiny powerhouse proves that great things come in small packages.

    • Plant Size:2 inches (starter size)
    • Container Type:2-inch pot
    • Maintenance Level:Low-maintenance, beginner-friendly
    • Light Requirements:Low-maintenance (light not specified)
    • Watering Frequency:Drought-tolerant (frequency not specified)
    • Brand/Source:California Tropicals
    • Additional Feature:Smallest available plant size
    • Additional Feature:Drought-tolerant tropical plant
    • Additional Feature:Beginner-friendly investment option

Factors to Consider When Choosing a ZZ Plant

Before you select a ZZ plant, you’ll want to evaluate your space’s lighting conditions and decide what size plant works best for your home. Consider the pot style that matches your décor, then assess how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to, since ZZ plants vary in their care demands. You should also think about the air-purifying benefits you’re seeking, as these plants can enhance your indoor air quality while adding visual appeal to any room.

Size And Height Considerations

How much space do you have available for your ZZ plant? This question should guide your size selection. Most potted ZZ plants range from 12 to 20 inches tall, fitting comfortably on shelves or desks. If you’re working with limited space, opt for compact specimens in 5- or 6-inch pots, which stay around 12–14 inches tall—perfect for your workspace.

However, if you’ve got room to spare, mature ZZ plants can reach up to 48 inches, creating an impressive floor or corner statement piece. Keep in mind that ZZ plants grow slowly, so height increases gradually over time. You can encourage taller growth by repotting into larger containers as your plant expands. Choose your starting size based on your current space and future growth plans.

Light And Space Requirements

Because ZZ plants thrive in medium indirect light with just 3–5 hours of sun exposure daily, they’re incredibly versatile for various indoor environments. You’ll appreciate their tolerance for low light, making them ideal for offices, bedrooms, or corners with limited natural illumination.

Position your ZZ plant away from harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and damage foliage. However, adequate light remains essential—it directly influences growth speed and how quickly your plant develops new leaves.

Their compact, upright architectural form makes them perfect for desks, shelves, and tabletops. You can confidently place them in tight spaces without worrying about sprawling growth. This combination of modest light requirements and space-efficient growth habit means you’ll find an ideal spot for your ZZ plant almost anywhere in your home.

Pot Style And Container Options

Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your ZZ plant, selecting the right container becomes your next consideration. You’ll typically find ZZ plants available in 5-inch pots, which work well for desks and shelves, or larger 6- to 7-inch containers for more prominent displays. Consider whether you prefer decorative options like cream jute or ceramic pots that complement minimalist decor while providing stability.

Pay attention to drainage features when choosing your container. Some pots intentionally lack drainage holes to prevent spills, while others encourage eventual repotting into slightly larger vessels as your plant grows. Quality packaging during shipping ensures your ZZ plant arrives fresh from the farm with a secure pot, minimizing moisture-related damage. Your choice ultimately depends on your space constraints and aesthetic preferences.

Maintenance Level And Care Demands

Why worry about complex plant care routines when ZZ plants practically thrive on neglect? You’ll appreciate their resilience if you’re new to plant parenting or simply prefer low-maintenance options.

You’ll water roughly once every two weeks—about one cup per plant—allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry between waterings. This forgiving schedule means you won’t stress over frequent watering demands.

You’ll also benefit from their tolerance of non-ideal environments. ZZ plants flourish in low light and minimal humidity, making them perfect for desks, shelves, and darker corners where other plants struggle.

However, you must avoid overwatering, which poses the primary risk. Ensure proper drainage and prevent standing water to keep roots healthy. Fertilization remains optional, typically limited to growing seasons using general-purpose fertilizer per package directions.

Air Purification And Health Benefits

Beyond their ease of care, ZZ plants actively improve your indoor air quality by removing toxins and releasing oxygen into your living or working space. You’ll appreciate their air-purifying capabilities without sacrificing convenience—they thrive in low light and tolerate infrequent watering, meaning you won’t struggle to maintain them while benefiting from cleaner air.

As ZZ plants grow, they enhance humidity levels and promote better air circulation through their foliage, creating a more comfortable microclimate in your home or office. This dual benefit—minimal maintenance combined with genuine health advantages—makes them ideal if you’re seeking air purification without demanding care routines. By choosing a ZZ plant, you’re investing in both environmental cleanliness and reduced stress from managing complex plant needs.

Growth Rate And Long-Term Expectations

How quickly will your ZZ plant actually grow? Don’t expect rapid transformation. These plants grow slowly, and you’ll see modest changes year-over-year rather than dramatic size increases.

Light, water, and container size heavily influence their growth rate. Under optimal conditions—bright, indirect light and regular watering—you’ll notice gradual stem elongation and increased leaf production over months and years. Repotting to a slightly larger container refreshes the soil and relieves root-bound stress, supporting steady growth.

Low light or drought stress will stall progress entirely. However, adequate humidity and consistent moisture promote healthier, taller plants over time. Plan for substantial height changes across multiple growing seasons. Understanding these long-term expectations helps you choose a ZZ plant variety that matches your patience level and space constraints.

Price And Value Comparison

What’ll you actually spend on a ZZ plant? Prices vary substantially based on size and presentation. Budget-friendly 2-inch and 5-inch starter plants offer excellent value if you’re willing to wait for growth. Mid-range options with decorative pots—whether cream jute or ceramic—cost more upfront but deliver immediate visual impact without requiring separate repotting.

Larger mature plants (12-20 inches) command premium prices yet eliminate the waiting period for an established specimen. Consider bundled options with fertilizer or care guides; they increase initial cost but streamline maintenance and promote better long-term plant health.

Brand reputation matters too. Established names like Costa Farms often justify higher prices through warranty options and reliability. Ultimately, you’ll find options for every budget without compromising quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do ZZ Plants Typically Live Indoors With Proper Care?

You’ll find that ZZ plants typically live 10-20 years indoors with proper care. You can extend their lifespan by providing bright, indirect light, allowing soil to dry between waterings, and you’ll enjoy their low-maintenance nature for decades.

Are ZZ Plants Toxic to Pets Like Cats and Dogs?

Yes, you’ll want to keep ZZ plants away from your pets. They’re toxic to cats and dogs, causing mouth irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested. You should place them out of reach.

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Growing ZZ Plants?

You’ll want to keep your ZZ plants between 65-75°F for ideal growth. They’re quite adaptable, but they’ll thrive best when you avoid temperatures below 60°F and protect them from cold drafts and sudden fluctuations.

How Often Should I Repot My ZZ Plant as It Grows?

You should repot your ZZ plant every two to three years when it’s actively growing. Wait until spring or early summer, and only repot when you’ve noticed the roots’ve become rootbound or the soil’s depleted.

Can ZZ Plants Survive in Low Light Conditions Indefinitely?

You can’t keep your ZZ plant in low light indefinitely. While it’ll tolerate dim conditions better than most plants, you’ll notice slower growth and eventual decline. You should provide bright, indirect light regularly for optimal health.

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