Are you thinking of repotting your ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) or Zanzibar Gem? How can you tell when it’s time to repot your ZZ Plant? Below, I’ll show you step-by-step how to repot your ZZ Plant and how to tell when it’s time to repot your ZZ Plant.
How to Repot ZZ Plant Video
Below is a video showing step by step how I repotted my ZZ plant.
How to Tell When It’s Time to Repot your ZZ Plant?
Before we get into how to repot your ZZ Plant, let’s first go over how to tell when it’s time to repot your ZZ Plant. There are 3 things to check for as you decide whether or not to repot your ZZ Plant.
1. Check for signs that your ZZ Plant has outgrown its current pot
The easiest way to tell that it’s time to repot your ZZ plant is when it has outgrown its current pot. The most obvious sign that your ZZ plant is outgrowing its pot is if you see the roots coming through the drainage holes of your ZZ Plant. This is a sign that your ZZ Plant has outgrown its current pot. It’s time to repot your ZZ Plant.
2. ZZ Plant is overcrowded and root bound
Another reason for repotting your ZZ Plant is its overcrowded and root bound. If you see your ZZ plant bursting from the pot and looking overcrowded, then it’s definitely time to repot your ZZ plant. If your ZZ plant is in a plastic pot, you will start to see the tubers sticking out at the sides of the pot, stretching the plastic pot. If you have a ceramic pot, you might start to see cracks in the pot. That’s a sign that your ZZ plant is overcrowded and it’s time to repot it.
3. It’s been 2 years since you last repotted your ZZ Plant
Your ZZ plant should be repotted once every 2 years. If it’s been 2 years since you last repotted your ZZ plant then it is time to repot. Your ZZ plant will benefit from the fresh potting mix and larger pot.
Do you need to repot your new ZZ Plant plant?
Newly purchased ZZ Plant plant don’t need to be repotted immediately unless it is in a pot that has no drainage holes. Check the bottom of the pot of your new ZZ Plant. Are there drainage holes? If there are no drainage holes, then you should repot your new ZZ Plant. You don’t want your ZZ Plant to sit in soggy soil, it can cause root rot which is fatal for your ZZ Plant. Also if you bought a new ZZ plant with roots coming out of the drainage holes and looking overcrowded then you should repot your new ZZ plant.
What Soil Should You Use to Repot your ZZ Plant?
You can use well-draining, organic, all-purpose potting soil or you can also use a well-draining organic cactus mix. Only buy organic soil mix because the fertilizer is not as concentrated in organic soil. Non-organic soil should really only be used for outdoor plants.
What Size Pot Should You Repot your ZZ Plant in?
Repot your ZZ Plant in a pot that is 2 inches larger than its current pot. Make sure you pick a pot with drainage holes. Also, if you have a large ZZ Plant, make sure your new pot is heavy enough so it doesn’t topple over.
When is the Best time to Repot your ZZ Plant?
It’s best to repot your ZZ plant during the Spring and Summer months.
How to Repot your ZZ Plant?
Step 1: Remove the ZZ Plant from its current pot.
Removing the ZZ plant from its pot is not an easy task especially if you have an overcrowded ZZ plant and if the roots are coming out of the drainage holes. Tip the ZZ Plant upside down and shake it out. Worst case scenario, if you really can’t get your ZZ plant out, break the pot. If your ZZ plant is in a plastic pot and you are having a hard time getting the ZZ plant out of the pot, use scissors to cut the pot in half.
Step 2: Massage the Roots of your ZZ Plant
After you remove the ZZ Plant from its pot, gently massage the soil to loosen the roots. Loosening the roots will help your ZZ Plant establish roots in the new pot. This is also a great time to divide your ZZ plant. In my case, I divided my overcrowded ZZ plant into 3 plants.
Step 3: Fill the Bottom of the New Pot with an Organic Potting Mix
Use organic cactus potting mix if you have but you can also use an all-purpose organic potting mix for your ZZ plant. Make sure you crumble any soil that is in big clumps.
Step 4: Plant the ZZ plant in the New Pot
Plant the ZZ plant in the new pot. Center the ZZ Plant in the new pot then fill the side with potting mix. Don’t fill to the top, make sure the tubers are not completely covered with soil.
Step 5: Water your new ZZ Plant.
Water your ZZ plant thoroughly. Then move it to the same spot that it is used to in your home.
A Word of Caution about the ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. If you have pets and small children, keep your ZZ Plant away from your pets and small children. Don’t let them chew on the leaves because it contains Calcium oxalate crystals which can cause vomiting and difficulty breathing.
Use gloves when you repot your ZZ plant! Better to be safe than sorry!
Other ZZ Plant Houseplant Guides
How to Divide ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia video)
How to Take Care of Your ZZ Plant (Zanzibar Gem)- Infographic