The snake plant and the ZZ plant are two of the toughest houseplants you can buy. Both cope with low light, forgive a missed watering and look smart in a modern home. Because they are so similar, many people cannot decide between them. This guide compares them side by side, so that you can pick the one that suits your space.
How they look
- The snake plant grows tall, upright, sword-shaped leaves. It comes in plain green, with yellow edges and in a variegated form with bands of light and dark green.
- The ZZ plant grows arching stems covered in glossy, oval leaves in a deep green. There is also a black ZZ plant with dramatic dark leaves.
The snake plant looks more architectural and upright. The ZZ plant looks softer and more leafy. If you want a plant with a tall, strong shape for a corner, choose the snake plant. If you want a fuller, glossy look for a table or a shelf, choose the ZZ plant.
Light
Both plants grow in low to bright indirect light, which is why they are so popular for offices and bedrooms. There is a difference in how they handle sun.
- Snake plants cope with more direct sun, and a few hours of gentle morning sun is fine.
- ZZ plants prefer indirect light. Strong direct sun can scorch their leaves.
In a very dark room, both plants survive but grow slowly. For a spot with no light at all, neither is a good choice.
Water
The two plants have one thing in common. They store water, so they prefer to be underwatered rather than overwatered.
- Snake plant: water only when the soil is dry all the way down. In summer that may be every two to three weeks, and in winter even less.
- ZZ plant: water when the soil is completely dry, roughly every two to three weeks, and less in winter. It stores water in thick underground stems called rhizomes.
The most common way to kill either plant is too much water, which leads to rotten roots. Our guide on how often to water indoor plants explains how to check the soil.
Growth speed
Both grow slowly, but the snake plant is usually a little faster, especially in bright light and warm weather. The ZZ plant can take a long time to put out new stems, so be patient. Neither needs repotting often. Every two to three years is usually enough, and they like to be a bit snug in their pot.
Which is better for a bedroom or an office?
Both work well. Snake plants are often chosen for bedrooms and living rooms because of their upright shape. ZZ plants are popular on office desks and shelves because they stay compact and look neat. If your office has only artificial light, the ZZ plant is a very safe choice.
Safety around pets and children
Both plants can upset the stomach if they are chewed, and the sap of the ZZ plant can irritate the skin. Keep them out of reach of small children, cats and dogs. For safer options, see our guide to pet-safe and child-safe plants.
Quick comparison
- Shape: snake plant is upright and tall, ZZ plant is arching and glossy.
- Light: both like low to bright indirect light, and the snake plant handles more sun.
- Water: both need little, and the soil should dry out between waterings.
- Growth: both are slow, and the snake plant is a bit faster.
- Care level: both are very easy.
Which should you choose?
If you cannot decide, you do not have to. Many people keep both, with a tall snake plant in a corner and a ZZ plant on a table. You can find both in our indoor plants. If you would like help choosing for your room, call or WhatsApp us on 03128018787 and tell us about the light in your space.