ZZ plant care in Melbourne

Which window suits a ZZ plant

In Melbourne the sun sits to the north, so north windows are the brightest and south the softest. Where it does well, by window and distance from the glass:

• N

  North-facing window

  2.5 h of sun in summer · 9 h in winter
  On the sillToo sunny

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood
• E

  East-facing window

  5.5 h of sun in summer · 3.5 h in winter
  On the sillToo sunny

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood
• S

  South-facing window

  1.5 h of sun in summer · 0 h in winter
  On the sillGood

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood
• W

  West-facing window

  5.5 h of sun in summer · 3.5 h in winter
  On the sillToo sunny

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood

A Melbourne year with a ZZ plant

If something looks wrong

• Soft, mushy base or leaves

  Too much water: the usual way these are lost. Let the soil dry right out, and in winter water only every 28 days or so.

• Pale or scorched patches

  Direct sun through glass. Move it 1-2 m back from the window, or behind a sheer curtain.

• No new growth for months

  Normal in a dim spot, and in winter anywhere. It grows faster with more light, but it will not die without it.

• Fine webbing or white fluff under the leaves

  Spider mite or mealybug, most often as the weather warms. Wipe it off and check again in a week.

Plants that like the same light

• Snake plant
• Rubber plant
• Dracaena
• Umbrella tree
• Cast iron plant
• Dumb cane