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INDOORPLANTCARE
Outdoor guide · ZZ Plant

Can a ZZ Plant Live Outside?

Yes — in summer only. Yes — ZZ plants do well outdoors in summer in shaded spots. Bring inside before nights drop below 60°F (ZZ is more cold-sensitive than most aroids). Year-round outdoors only in zones 10–12.
Year-round outdoor zones
10–12
Minimum night temperature
60°F. Below this, the rhizomes are at risk for chill damage and subsequent rot.

Moving your ZZ Plant outside for summer

Place in deep shade or dappled light outdoors. ZZ plants get sunburn easier than almost any common houseplant when moved outside. They prefer being on a covered porch over open sun.

Sun acclimation

ZZ does not tolerate direct sun even when acclimated. Keep in deep or dappled shade outdoors at all times.

When to bring your ZZ Plant back inside

Bring inside when overnight lows drop to 60°F. ZZ plants tolerate the transition well but need to be inspected for mealybugs (common outdoor pest for ZZ).

Common mistakes

Moving to direct sun (yellow scorched leaves drop within a week). Overwatering during outdoor summer rains (rhizome rot). Leaving outside through a 50°F night (rhizome chill damage).

Botanical reference: Missouri Botanical Garden — Zamioculcas zamiifolia. USDA zone reference: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

For full ZZ Plant care indoors, see the ZZ Plant care guide. Or learn where to place ZZ Plant indoors.