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You can make a ZZ plant grow faster by giving it more bright, indirect light and allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
These two simple adjustments are the biggest game-changers when you want to speed up growth.
While the ZZ plant is famous for surviving low light and neglect, it actually thrives when you mimic its natural habitat a bit more closely.
In this post, we’ll cover how to make a ZZ plant grow faster with specific tips on light, watering, soil, fertilizer, and pot size.
Let’s dig in and get those new shoots popping up for you.
Why A ZZ Plant Can Grow Faster With The Right Light
The absolute fastest way to make a ZZ plant grow faster is to upgrade its lighting situation.
While they tolerate dark corners, they don’t grow much there.
ZZ plants use light to produce energy, so more light means more energy for new rhizomes and leaves.
1. Give It Bright, Indirect Sunlight
Place your ZZ plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day.
A few feet away from an east or north-facing window is usually perfect.
If you only have a south or west window, pull the plant back a bit so the harsh afternoon sun doesn’t scorch the leaves.
This sweet spot of brightness without direct sun is the number one way to make a ZZ plant grow faster.
2. Rotate The Pot Weekly
Plants grow toward the light, and ZZ plants are no exception.
If you don’t rotate your pot, one side will get leggy while the other side stays sparse.
By giving your pot a quarter turn every time you water, you encourage even growth on all sides.
This simple habit helps the whole plant look fuller and grow at a steadier pace.
3. Consider A Grow Light For Dark Rooms
If your home is naturally dim, a basic LED grow light can work wonders.
You can make a ZZ plant grow faster with just 6 to 8 hours of supplemental light per day.
Position the light about 12 inches above the plant and keep it on a timer for consistency.
This is the closest you can get to giving an indoor ZZ plant the energy of outdoor sunlight.
Watering Techniques That Boost ZZ Plant Growth
Watering is where most people accidentally slow down their ZZ plant’s growth.
The golden rule is to let the soil dry out completely before you water again.
Overwatering leads to root rot, which stops growth completely.
1. Water Deeply But Infrequently
When you do water, give the pot a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Then wait until the top two inches of soil are bone dry before you even think about watering again.
In most homes, this works out to once every 2 to 3 weeks.
This cycle of deep watering followed by a dry period encourages strong root and rhizome development.
That underground growth is what pushes new stalks up faster.
2. Use Well-Draining Soil
To make a ZZ plant grow faster, you need soil that doesn’t hold onto moisture for too long.
A mix designed for succulents or cacti is ideal because it contains perlite and coarse sand.
If you’re using regular potting soil, add about 20% perlite to improve drainage.
This prevents water from sitting around the rhizomes, which keeps them healthy and actively growing.
3. Avoid Cold Water
Use room-temperature water when you hydrate your ZZ plant.
Cold water can shock the roots and cause the plant to pause its growth.
Simply fill your watering can and let it sit out for a few hours before using it.
This small step keeps the root zone warm and encourages steady, uninterrupted growth.
Feeding And Potting For Faster Growth
The right nutrients and pot size can make a huge difference in how quickly your ZZ plant puts out new growth.
A nutrient boost gives the plant the building blocks it needs for larger leaves and taller stalks.
1. Fertilize During The Growing Season
Feed your ZZ plant once a month during spring and summer.
Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
This gentle feeding schedule provides steady nutrition without risking fertilizer burn.
Remember, you want to make a ZZ plant grow faster with consistent support, not a shock of chemicals.
Skip fertilizer entirely during fall and winter when the plant naturally slows down.
2. Pot In A Slightly Snug Container
ZZ plants actually grow faster when they are slightly root-bound.
If the pot is too large, the plant focuses on filling the pot with roots instead of pushing up new leaves.
Only repot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes or when the rhizomes are pushing the plant out of the pot.
When you do repot, only go up one pot size.
This encourages the plant to quickly fill the new space and return to producing new foliage.
3. Keep The Rhizomes Near The Surface
When you repot, don’t bury the rhizomes too deep.
Plant them just below the soil surface.
If the rhizomes are too deep, the plant wastes energy trying to push stems up through a thick layer of soil.
Keeping them shallow signals the plant that it’s safe to send up new shoots.
This little detail can noticeably speed up how fast your ZZ plant grows new stalks.
Common Mistakes That Slow Down ZZ Plant Growth
Even with the best intentions, a few mistakes can stall your progress.
Avoiding these pitfalls is just as important as following the right care routine.
1. Overwatering Is The #1 Killer
The most common reason a ZZ plant stops growing is root rot from soggy soil.
If the leaves turn yellow or the stems feel mushy, you’re watering too much.
Let the soil dry out longer between waterings to get back on track.
2. Too Much Direct Sunlight
While bright light is great, direct hot sun can bleach the leaves and cause brown spots.
Damaged leaves can’t photosynthesize well, which slows down overall growth.
Keep your ZZ plant in that happy medium of bright, filtered light.
3. Ignoring Dust Buildup
ZZ plants have thick, glossy leaves that easily collect dust.
A thick layer of dust blocks sunlight from reaching the leaf surface.
Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every few weeks.
This simple cleaning keeps photosynthesis running at full speed, helping you make a ZZ plant grow faster.
So, How Do You Make A ZZ Plant Grow Faster?
You can make a ZZ plant grow faster by combining bright indirect light, deep but infrequent watering, and well-draining soil.
Add a monthly feeding during spring and summer, and keep the pot snug to encourage rhizome growth.
Avoid overwatering and direct sun, and clean the leaves regularly to keep the plant efficient.
With these adjustments, you’ll start seeing new shoots emerge within a few weeks.
Just remember to be patient because even fast-growing ZZ plants work on their own schedule.
Stick with these tips, and your ZZ plant will reward you with lush, taller stalks and fresh green growth.