The biggest disadvantages of the ZZ plant come down to three things: toxicity to pets and kids, slow growth, and rare indoor blooming. These issues won't stop most people from growing one. But you should know about them before you bring a ZZ home.
The biggest zz plant downsides hit pet owners the hardest. Every part of the ZZ contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth pain, drooling, and swelling if a cat or dog chews on the leaves. Iowa State Extension lists the ZZ as toxic to both humans and animals. Children who bite into a leaf will experience the same burning sensation. I found out about skin irritation when I repotted a ZZ without gloves. My hands broke out in an itchy red rash that lasted two days. The sap triggers contact dermatitis on sensitive skin, and I won't make that mistake again.
Slow growth is the second frustration that catches new owners off guard. UF/IFAS confirms that ZZ plants grow slow even under the best conditions. I waited four full months before seeing a single new stem on one of my plants, and that was with proper light and feeding. If you want a plant that fills out fast and gives you visible progress each week, the ZZ will test your patience hard.
Indoor blooming is the third letdown. NYBG confirms that ZZ plants rarely flower when grown inside a home. The blooms are small, hidden near the base of the plant, and look nothing like what most people picture when they think of flowers. You buy a ZZ for its glossy green leaves, not its flowers, so set your expectations for foliage only.
Toxicity Protection
- For pets: Place your ZZ on a high shelf or hanging planter where cats and dogs cannot reach the leaves or knock the pot over.
- For children: Keep the plant in rooms that young kids don't access alone, like a home office or high bathroom shelf out of arm's reach.
- For yourself: Wear rubber gloves every time you repot, prune, or handle the stems to avoid sap contact with your skin.
Slow Growth Patience
- Set expectations: Accept that 2-4 new stems per year is normal and healthy growth for a ZZ plant even in ideal conditions.
- Boost growth: Give bright indirect light and feed twice during spring and summer to push the growth rate as high as it will go.
- Pair it up: Place a fast-growing pothos or tradescantia nearby so you get visual progress from one plant while the ZZ takes its time.
No Bloom Solution
- Accept the foliage: Focus on keeping the leaves glossy and dark green since that's the main visual appeal of this plant anyway.
- Add color nearby: Pair the ZZ with a flowering plant like an African violet to get blooms and bold foliage in the same display.
- Enjoy the shape: The ZZ's arching stems and uniform leaf pattern create a strong architectural look that stands on its own without flowers.
Despite these zz plant drawbacks, millions of people grow them with no issues at all. The toxicity only matters if someone eats or touches the sap. The slow growth means less pruning and repotting work for you. And the lack of flowers keeps things simple with no deadheading or bloom care needed.
Every houseplant comes with trade-offs, and the ZZ's list is shorter than most. A pair of gloves and a high shelf solve the safety concern. A little patience handles the growth speed. You get one of the toughest indoor plants on the market in return for accepting these few honest limits.
I still grow several ZZ plants in my home despite knowing all of these flaws. The ease of care and the bold glossy look make the trade-offs worth it for me. If you go in with clear expectations about what this plant can and cannot do, you won't end up frustrated down the road.
Read the full article: ZZ Plant Care Guide for Beginners
