Zamioculcas evolved in seasonally dry East African grassland, and everything about it is built for drought. Underground rhizomes store water, and the waxy leaf coating slows evaporation to a crawl.
What every ZZ wants
- Low to bright indirect light. One of very few plants that genuinely does fine several metres from a window.
- Far less water than you think. Every three to four weeks is normal. In a dim room, longer.
- Free-draining soil. The rhizomes rot readily in wet compost.
Overwatering is the only real risk
A ZZ plant that yellows and softens at the base has been watered too often. One that looks slightly dull and wrinkled has not been watered in months and will recover fully within a day of a good soak. When in doubt, wait.