Is ZZ Plant a Succulent? The Answer Might Surprise You

While the ZZ Plant isn’t a real succulent, it still makes a great addition to any succulent lover’s plant collection. With its shiny, thick leaves and ability to thrive with little care, the ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) has quickly become a favorite for plant lovers.

It flourishes in low light, forgives missed waterings, and adds a splash of green to any room. This gorgeous, low-maintenance plant hides a secret beneath the soil, rhizomes that store water, just like succulents.

But its origins tell a different story. Before you group the ZZ Plant with your Aloe or Jade, it’s worth learning what makes it special. Whether you’re a plant pro or just starting out, this guide will tell you all you need to know.

Let’s dive into the details of the ZZ Plant and uncover what makes it unique. From plant info to care tips, get ready to see this tough, beautiful green plant in a whole new way!

What Makes a Plant a Succulent?

Succulents are nature’s water storage stars, able to thrive in tough conditions. Known for their thick, fleshy leaves, stems, or roots, they’re survival stars.

What makes them special? It’s their ability to store water and thrive in places where other plants would be wilting away.

Succulents are plants that have grown to store moisture in special tissues. Most of them use their thick, fleshy leaves, often waxy and plump, to store water.

Take Aloe Vera or Echeveria, for example. Their leaves aren’t just pretty, they’re like little water reservoirs, helping the plants survive during dry spells. Some, like cacti, store water in their stems and even shed their leaves to conserve moisture more easily.

Succulents are amazing because they’re tough, low-maintenance, and built to last. While the ZZ Plant shares some of these natures, it has its own special qualities.

Let’s take a closer look at how the ZZ Plant fits into the world of drought-tolerant plants.

Get to Know the ZZ Plant: A Quick Look

The ZZ Plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a real wonder in the plant world. Native to the dry grasslands and forests of Eastern Africa, this tough plant has adapted to survive long dry spells followed by sudden rain.

It thrived quietly in its natural environment until the late 20th century, when it finally gained the attention it deserved and started making its way into homes and offices around the world.

What makes the ZZ Plant so special? With glossy, deep green leaves that shine like they’ve been polished, the ZZ Plant adds a touch of style to any room.

Its feather-like, pinnate leaves grow on sturdy stems, giving it a smooth look. This unique shape doesn’t just look great, it also helps the plant soak up as much light as possible, even in low-light areas.

Beyond its beauty, the ZZ Plant is known for its toughness. Often called the "plant of steel" or the "ultimate survivor," it can handle neglect like a pro. Forget to water it for weeks? No problem. Leave it in a dark corner? It’ll keep going.

This strength comes from its underground rhizomes. Thick, potato-like forms that store water and nutrients for long times. Thanks to this natural survival system, the ZZ Plant thrives where many other plants would struggle.

Another great bonus of the ZZ Plant, it helps clear the air. Studies show that it can filter out toxins like xylene, toluene, and benzene, making it not just a beautiful addition to your home but a healthy one too. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite in indoor gardening and indoor greenery trends.

Whether you’re a plant pro or just starting out, the ZZ Plant is a winner. It thrives with little attention, adds simple style to any space, and even helps clean the air.

While it has some similarities to succulents, there’s more to uncover about its true nature. Let’s dive in and see where this tough plant fits in the world of succulents.

Why People Mistake the ZZ Plant for a Succulent

At first glance, it’s easy to see why the ZZ Plant is often thought to be a succulent. With its glossy, thick leaves, tough nature, and ability to survive neglect, it shares many traits with typical succulents. But there’s more to this plant than meets the eye.

ZZ Plant

Thick, Waxy Leaves: A Succulent-Like Trait

The ZZ Plant’s leaves are its standout feature. Thick, fleshy, and covered with a natural waxy coating, they resemble those of popular succulents like Jade Plants or Echeveria.

Jade Succulent Plant

 

Echeveria Succulent Plant

This waxy layer, called the cuticle, helps the plant keep moisture longer, just like other drought-tolerant plants. It’s perfect for plant lovers who might forget to water sometimes, as it keeps the ZZ Plant hydrated even in dry indoor spaces.

Unlike actual succulents, the ZZ Plant doesn’t store a lot of water in its leaves. Instead, its glossy leaves act as a protective shield, preventing too much moisture loss and helping it deal with environmental stress. This makes the ZZ Plant perfect for surviving long dry spells while still looking lively.

Water-Storing Rhizomes: The Secret to Drought Resistance

The true secret to the ZZ Plant’s resilience lies beneath the surface: its rhizomes. These bulbous, potato-like structures store water, helping the plant survive during dry spells.

When water is scarce, the ZZ Plant draws from these hidden reserves, often thriving for weeks without needing a drink.

This clever feature of the ZZ Plant is similar to succulents, which store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. Its rhizomes help it thrive in dry conditions, just like succulents do.

However, while they serve a similar purpose, the ZZ Plant’s rhizomes are more suited to tropical environments with seasonal dry spells, rather than the arid environments that succulents typically call home.

Minimal Care Needs: A Match for Succulent Lovers

If you love succulents, you know they do best when you leave them be. The ZZ Plant is just like that. It’s easy to care for. Just occasional watering, some indirect light, and well-draining soil, and it will thrive without much effort.

While the ZZ Plant has many qualities that remind us of succulents, like water conservation, low maintenance, and tough leaves, it’s not exactly a succulent. Instead, it combines the best of tropical plants with the water-saving methods we love in drought-resistant plants.

The ZZ Plant’s toughness and ability to conserve water make it seem like a perfect fit for the succulent club, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Let’s take a closer look at its botanical traits and see how it compares to traditional succulents.

Understanding Its Plant Type

Botanically, the ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is part of the Araceae family, which includes tropical plants like Monstera, Philodendron, and Peace Lilies.

This sets it apart from true succulents like Aloes and Agaves, which belong to completely different plant families. Its plant grouping shows it comes from tropical areas rather than looking like a succulent.

How It Compares to True Succulents

At first glance, the ZZ Plant seems to check all the boxes of a succulent: thick, waxy leaves, water storage in its tissues, and a love for less watering. But there’s an important difference in how it survives.

True succulents store water mainly in their leaves or stems, like the plump leaves of a Jade Plant or the thick stem of a cactus.

The ZZ Plant stores water in its underground rhizomes. These bulb-like structures act as backup reservoirs, providing moisture during dry spells.

Another key difference is in their lighting needs. While most succulents love bright, direct sunlight and thrive in dry, low-humidity environments, the ZZ Plant is happy in low to medium light.

It doesn’t need the intense sun that many succulents prefer, making it a perfect fit for indoor spaces that have limited natural light.

Native Environment: Tropical vs. Desert Plants

To understand why the ZZ Plant seems like a succulent but isn’t one, it helps to look at where it comes from. Native to the tropical regions of Eastern Africa, the ZZ Plant grows in dry forests, grasslands, and shaded areas.

While droughts can happen, the climate isn’t as dry as desert environments. Instead, the ZZ Plant is used to alternating wet and dry seasons, surviving long dry spells and thriving when moisture returns.

This tropical background explains why the ZZ Plant doesn’t need the intense sunlight that succulents love. It’s adapted to thrive in shadier conditions, making it a perfect, low-maintenance choice for indoor spaces.

The Final Answer 

The ZZ Plant is in a category all its own. It combines the toughness of a succulent, the beauty of a tropical plant, and the adaptability every plant lover loves.

ZZ Plant vs. Succulents: Key Differences

The ZZ Plant shares a few common features with succulents, but it stands out with its own unique qualities. Its light, water, and growth preferences make it special and give it its own charm.

Light Needs: Low Light vs. Bright Sun 

One of the biggest differences between the ZZ Plant and true succulents is their light needs. While most succulents love bright, direct sunlight, thriving in sunny spots like a desert or a windowsill, the ZZ Plant is much more flexible.

It’s perfectly happy in low to medium light, making it a great choice for spots that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight. Unlike succulents, the ZZ Plant doesn’t need to soak up the sun to stay healthy and vibrant.

It’s known for its unique ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it perfect for dim corners or rooms with limited natural light.

While it can also handle medium to bright indirect light, direct sunlight can burn its leaves. This makes the ZZ Plant a fantastic choice for offices, apartments, or areas in homes where sunlight is scarce, something that gives it an advantage over sun-loving succulents.

Water Needs: Drought Tolerant, but Not the Same

Can the ZZ Plant Survive Like a Succulent in Drought?

Both the ZZ Plant and succulents are great at handling dry spells, but they store water in different ways.

Succulents store moisture in their thick leaves or stems, which allows them to go without water for a while in dry conditions. They thrive on deep, infrequent watering, just like the natural rainfall cycles in deserts. Still, they don’t like too much water, as overwatering succulents can lead to root rot.

The ZZ Plant stores water in its underground rhizomes, which act like little reservoirs to help it survive dry spells. While it doesn’t need to be watered often, it prefers a bit more consistency than succulents.

Let the soil dry out between waterings, but try not to leave it dry for too long. Because of its tropical roots, the ZZ Plant enjoys a little extra moisture, especially during its active growing seasons.

Growth Habits: Comparing Leaves, Roots, and Rhizomes

When it comes to growth, the ZZ Plant and succulents have some special differences.

Succulents are famous for their fleshy, water-packed leaves that often form rosettes or grow along stems. Their roots are shallow, designed to quickly absorb water when it rains in their desert homes.

The ZZ Plant grows fairly differently compared to succulents. Its leaves are pinnate, growing in a feather-like pattern along strong, upright stems.

While they may look waxy and thick like a succulent’s, they don’t store water. Instead, the ZZ Plant stores moisture in its underground rhizomes, bulbous, swollen structures that help it survive dry spells and recover from weeks of neglect.

Another difference between the ZZ Plant and succulents is their growth patterns. While succulents tend to stay compact and spread out horizontally, the ZZ Plant grows tall, reaching up to 2-4 feet indoors.

Its vertical, physical shape makes it a eye-catching centerpiece in any room, while succulents usually serve as smaller, more decorative accents.

The Bottom Line

Although the ZZ Plant might look somewhat like a succulent twin, its light preferences, water needs, and growth habits make it really unique.

While it shares some drought-tolerant qualities with its succulent cousins, its tropical roots give it a care routine and nature all its own.

Whether you love its easygoing nature or its glossy, elegant leaves, this hardy plant is sure to shine in any collection.

Does the ZZ Plant Require Succulent Care?

If you love succulents, you might be curious if the ZZ Plant follows the same care routine. Both are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them great choices for busy or even forgetful plant owners.

While they share some care similarities, the ZZ Plant has a few unique needs you’ll want to keep in mind.

Common Care Methods

At their core, both the ZZ Plant and succulents have one golden rule: it’s better to forget about them than overdo it.

They don’t need frequent watering, they thrive in well-draining soil, and they won’t mind if you skip a day or two of care.

These low-maintenance plants can go weeks without water, making them perfect for plant lovers with busy lives or less than perfect plant care skills. 

Both the ZZ Plant and succulents love pots with proper drainage holes. This helps prevent water from building up around their roots, which can cause root rot.

They also do well in dry indoor environments, like air-conditioned rooms or heated homes, showing just how tough and flexible they really are.

The ZZ Plant’s tropical origins make it a bit more forgiving than succulents when it comes to light and water.

While succulents typically need bright sunlight and dry conditions, the ZZ Plant thrives in lower light and is happy with occasional water, making it easier to care for in a variety of environments. 

Watering Tips: Why “Less Is More” Works for ZZ Plants

When watering the ZZ Plant, it’s better to be a little too careful than overdo it. Just like succulents, the ZZ Plant thrives on the "soak and dry" method.

Water it deeply until it drains from the bottom, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. This helps keep it happy and healthy without the risk of overwatering.

Here’s where the ZZ Plant is a little different: while succulents can go for weeks or even months without water, the ZZ Plant likes a bit more regularity.

During the growing seasons (spring and summer), watering every 2-3 weeks works best. In the winter, when it slows down, you can space out watering to 4 weeks or even longer.

A simple trick? Stick your finger into the top 2 inches of the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a few days and check it again.

Keep in mind, the ZZ Plant stores water in its rhizomes, so overwatering can do more harm than good.

Choosing the Right Soil: Is Succulent Mix Suitable?

Soil is key to keeping your ZZ Plant happy, and it shares a lot in common with succulent care. Like succulents, the ZZ Plant loves well-draining soil that allows excess moisture to escape, keeping its roots dry and healthy.

A succulent or cactus potting mix is a great choice for your ZZ Plant because it drains well and keeps the roots from getting waterlogged.

These mixes usually contain ingredients like sand, perlite, and pumice, which help with aeration and reduce the risk of root rot.

If you’d rather make your own soil mix, combine equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. This mix will be light, airy, and dry out quickly between waterings.

Be sure to avoid heavy, moisture-retaining soils, as they can trap water around the ZZ Plant’s rhizomes and lead to fungal problems.

The ZZ Plant is a bit more adaptable than succulents when it comes to soil, but it still thrives best in well-draining mixes. While it won’t wilt if the soil isn’t perfect, providing the right soil helps it grow strong and healthy over time.

Light Needs for a ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a favorite because it thrives in so many lighting conditions. Unlike other plants that need the perfect spot, the ZZ Plant is happy in dim corners, filtered light, or medium-bright spaces.

Why It Thrives in Low to Medium Light

In its native East African forests, the ZZ Plant grows beneath the dappled canopy, which is why it thrives in low to medium light.

This flexibility makes it a popular choice for indoor greenery, especially for indoor gardening enthusiasts looking for hardy houseplants that don’t need direct sunlight.

The plant’s glossy, waxy coating on leaves plays a important part. This helps retain moisture and optimize photosynthesis, even in dim conditions.

These succulent-like features make it ideal for spaces with limited natural light, including indoor plant trends like low-light offices or hallways.

What Happens if You Give It Too Much Direct Sun?

Unlike true succulent plants, the ZZ Plant doesn’t like direct sunlight. Too much exposure can scorch its leaves, leading to browning or crispy edges.

The botanical differences between the ZZ Plant and succulents are evident here, as succulents typically thrive in arid environments with extra sunlight.

To protect the ZZ Plant, keep it in filtered light or soft indirect sunlight, like near an east- or north-facing window. Harsh sunlight can wear down its waxy coating on leaves, causing stress.

Whether you’re adding it to a dim corner or using it as part of your indoor gardening setup, the ZZ Plant’s adaptability makes it a low-maintenance houseplant and a great option for easy-to-grow indoor plants.

Watering the ZZ Plant: Finding the Balance

The ZZ Plant is just as forgiving with water as it is with light. Still, finding the right balance is crucial. Overwatering succulents and similar plants often leads to root rot, and the same can happen with the ZZ Plant. On the other hand, too little water can stunt its growth.

How Often Should You Water a ZZ Plant?

The ZZ Plant watering needs follow its drought-tolerant nature. Its rhizomes, which form part of the root structure of ZZ plant, store water to help it survive dry spells. Water the plant deeply but not too often, making sure the soil dries out completely between waterings.

During its active growing season (spring and summer), water every 2-3 weeks. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to once every 4-5 weeks. This schedule imitates the plant's natural adjustment to seasonal wet and dry periods in its native habitat.

Signs of Overwatering vs. Underwatering

To maintain your ZZ Plant’s health, keep an eye on these symptoms:

• Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or a musty smell from constantly wet soil.

• Underwatering: Wrinkled or curled leaves, brown crispy tips, or stunted growth.

Thanks to its drought-resistance in plants, the ZZ Plant can recover quickly from underwatering. A deep watering time will replenish its water storage in plants and revive its vibrant appearance.

What Type of Soil Does a ZZ Plant Prefer?

The soil type for ZZ Plant care is key to keeping it healthy. While its semi-succulent plants traits mean it can tolerate dry soil, it still thrives best in a mix that balances moisture and drainage.

The Importance of Well-Draining Soil

Like many drought-tolerant plants, the ZZ Plant needs well-draining soil to avoid root rot. A breathable soil mix ensures its rhizomes stay dry and prevents fungal issues.

For the best results, choose a blend of:

• Regular potting soil for nutrients.

• Perlite or pumice for aeration.

• Sand or fine gravel for enhanced drainage.

Should You Use Succulent Soil for a ZZ Plant?

Yes, succulent soil works well, but it might require a slight adjustment. While succulent features like quick drainage are helpful, blending succulent mix with standard potting soil adds nutrients that the ZZ Plant needs.

Why the ZZ Plant is Perfect for Indoor Gardening

With its succulent-like features, ability to adapt to indoor greenery, and reputation as a hardy houseplant, the ZZ Plant offers something for every plant lover.

Whether you’re exploring succulent vs. cactus comparisons or diving into the world of succulents for beginners, the ZZ Plant’s unique nature make it a great addition to your collection.

Its easy care, air-purifying plant qualities, and ability to thrive in low light ensure it remains a staple of indoor plant trends.

Just be aware of ZZ plant toxicity if you have pets or young children, and enjoy the beauty and resilience of this tropical gem.

ZZ Plant Care Tips: Keeping It Healthy and Thriving

While the ZZ Plant thrives on neglect, providing proper care ensures it remains a star of indoor greenery. From soil type for ZZ Plant health to addressing common plant-related myths, here’s how to keep your ZZ Plant in top shape.

Fertilizing: How Often and What to Use

This hardy houseplant doesn’t require much when it comes to feeding, but occasional fertilization during its growing season helps boost strong growth.

Use water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once every 4–6 weeks. Avoid overdoing it, excess nutrients can cause issues like brown leaf tips.

Repotting: When and How to Do It

Though it grows slowly, the rhizomes will eventually outgrow their pot. Every 2–3 years, repotting with fresh soil suited to ZZ Plant needs keeps it going strong.

A mix similar to succulent soil, blended with regular potting soil, ensures excellent drainage and supports the plant’s low-maintenance nature.

Steps to repot:

• Choose a pot with drainage holes that’s slightly larger than the current one.

• Use soil that balances moisture retention with aeration.

• Handle the rhizomes gently, brushing off excess soil without damaging them.

Repotting refreshes the soil, fitting perfectly with indoor plant trends that emphasize caring for air-purifying and low-maintenance plants.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering. Unlike true succulents, semi-succulent plants like the ZZ Plant are more likely to have root rot when overwatered.

Droopy or Curling Leaves

Droopy leaves might be a sign of underwatering or too much exposure to direct sunlight. Reduce the watering frequency for ZZ Plant health, and move it to a spot with indirect light.

Root Rot

Caused by repeatedly wet soil, root rot needs  immediate action. Trim affected roots, refresh the soil, and secure proper drainage.

Brown Leaf Tips

Low humidity or over-fertilization often leads to brown tips. Misting the leaves occasionally or flushing the soil with water can tackle these problems with care.

By catching these issues early and properly identifying your plant's needs, your ZZ Plant will continue to thrive as a strong and beautiful part of your hardy houseplant collection.

ZZ Plant Propagation and Toxicity

ZZ Plant propagation is easy for succulent enthusiasts and indoor gardening beginners. Propagate using leaf cuttings or rhizome division to expand your collection easily.

Also, keep in mind that the ZZ Plant contains compounds that make it toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Practice caution when placing it within reach of curious animals or children.

Are ZZ Plants Right for Succulent Lovers?

If you're a succulent enthusiast who loves air-purifying plants that practically take care of themselves, the ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) could quickly become your new favorite. While it's not a true succulent, it shares many succulent-like features and even brings a few extra perks!

Low Maintenance: Perfect for Busy Plant Parents

One of the best things about succulent plants is how low-maintenance they are, and the ZZ Plant is no different.

This hardy houseplant thrives on a bit of neglect and can handle occasional care with ease. Forget to water it for weeks? No problem. Its water-storing rhizomes keep it hydrated, just like succulents store moisture in their thick leaves.

The ZZ Plant also stands out in indoor gardening because it thrives in low-light environments, unlike many sun-loving succulents.

Its drought-resistance makes it a favorite for those enjoying indoor plant trends. Whether you’re an experienced grower or exploring succulents for beginners, this low-maintenance houseplant fits well into your collection.

Aesthetic Appeal: A Great Complement to Succulent Collections

Not only is the ZZ Plant easy care, it also adds beautiful style to any indoor greenery display. Its glossy, dark green leaves create a striking contrast against the softer hues of other drought-tolerant plants.

When placed next to Echeveria, Aloe, or Snake Plants, the ZZ Plant’s upright, waxy foliage adds visual interest.

Succulent enthusiasts often appreciate its semi-succulent plants' features, making it a complementary addition to their botanical collections.

A Note on ZZ Plant Toxicity

While ZZ Plants are admired for their beauty and resilience, they are toxic if ingested.

Both pets and humans may experience irritation from the crystals in the plant’s leaves and stems. To ensure safety, place your ZZ Plant out of reach, perhaps on tall shelves or in hanging planters, and always wash your hands after handling it.

The Final Viewpoint: Why the ZZ Plant Stands Out

So, is the ZZ Plant a succulent? Not quite, but that’s part of its charm!

It blends succulent characteristics like water storage and drought resistance with tropical plant attributes like low-light tolerance. Its botanical differences make it a great choice for succulent obsessed and indoor greenery lovers alike.

For anyone looking into indoor gardening or searching for hardy houseplants, the ZZ Plant offers beauty, resilience, and simplicity. It’s ideal for beginners or seasoned growers wanting a versatile addition to their collection.

Follow these ZZ Plant care tips, and you’ll enjoy its lush greenery for years to come!

Wrap-up

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a true gem for all plant lovers. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just beginning your indoor gardening trip, it’s the perfect choice.

Why? Because it requires so little and rewards you with so much. Its glossy green leaves, enhanced by a waxy coating on leaves, bring a fresh touch of nature to any space.

Its resilience and drought-tolerant qualities make it one of the easiest and most forgiving low-maintenance houseplants you’ll ever enjoy.

This semi-succulent plant thrives in arid environments and loves a little neglect. It stores water like a pro with its rhizomes, a helpful feature for water storage in plants, and handles low light better than almost any other hardy houseplants.

It's ideal for busy schedules, forgetful waterers, or anyone looking for an air-purifying plant that doubles as stunning indoor greenery.

Key Tips for Keeping Your ZZ Plant Happy and Healthy:

• Water Wisely: Less is more. Let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering. Proper watering frequency for ZZ Plant care is essential for its health.

• Light It Right: Low to medium light is best. Keep it out of harsh, direct sunlight, as ZZ plant sunlight requirements favor softer conditions.

• Soil & Drainage: Use a well-draining soil type for ZZ plant care, such as a succulent blend, to keep those rhizomes and the root structure of ZZ plant healthy.

• Minimal Maintenance: Fertilize lightly, repot when it gets root-bound, and wipe its thick leaves to maintain their shine and health.

Also, be aware of ZZ plant toxicity. While it’s not life-threatening, it’s best to keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Understanding plant-related myths, like its ability to survive in total darkness, will also help you avoid common succulent mistakes when caring for this plant.

If you want a plant that looks amazing, thrives with little effort, and adds life to your home or office, the ZZ Plant is a fantastic choice.

Whether it’s exactly a succulent or not doesn’t matter. Its botanical differences from regular succulent plants enhance its appeal, blending succulent-like features with traits of tropical plants.

With proper care tips for ZZ Plant management, like understanding its drought-resistance and ZZ plant watering needs—you’ll have a lush, vibrant plant for years to come.

Follow these simple guidelines, and your ZZ Plant will thrive, staying beautiful all the way!