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A bulging, warping pot is a clear sign the ZZ Plant needs more room. ZZ Plants store water in thick, potato-like rhizomes, and as these grow they can push hard enough to deform a plastic pot. Going several years between repots is normal for this slow grower, but a misshapen pot means it is time.
Spring is the easiest time to repot, because the plant is starting to grow and recovers faster. If the pot is clearly struggling, repotting in winter is usually fine too; ZZ Plants are tough. Just water even more sparingly than usual for the first few weeks afterwards.
Choose a pot only 1 to 2 inches wider than the current one. A much larger pot holds more wet soil than the roots can use, which raises the risk of rot. Terracotta suits ZZ Plants because it helps the soil dry faster. Whatever you choose, it needs a drainage hole.
Use a well-draining mix, such as cactus and succulent mix. Loosen the root ball gently, trim any dead or mushy roots, and plant at the same depth as before. Many growers wait about a week before the first watering so any damaged roots can heal.
Spring is the easiest time to repot, because the plant is starting to grow and recovers faster. If the pot is clearly struggling, repotting in winter is usually fine too; ZZ Plants are tough. Just water even more sparingly than usual for the first few weeks afterwards.
Choose a pot only 1 to 2 inches wider than the current one. A much larger pot holds more wet soil than the roots can use, which raises the risk of rot. Terracotta suits ZZ Plants because it helps the soil dry faster. Whatever you choose, it needs a drainage hole.
Use a well-draining mix, such as cactus and succulent mix. Loosen the root ball gently, trim any dead or mushy roots, and plant at the same depth as before. Many growers wait about a week before the first watering so any damaged roots can heal.
Plant Care Club
Mar 15, 2026