Plant comparison
Snake plant vs ZZ plant
The two near-indestructible houseplants for dim corners and irregular watering.
| Snake plant | ZZ plant | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Dracaena trifasciata | Zamioculcas zamiifolia |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Low light (north window or shaded room) |
| Water | When the soil is bone dry, every 2-3 weeks | When the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks |
| Soil | Free-draining cactus or succulent mix | Free-draining cactus or houseplant mix |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 15-27°C (60-80°F) | 18-26°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 9-11 (indoor-only in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 60-120 cm tall indoors | 60-90 cm tall |
| Growth habit | Upright rhizomatous evergreen | Upright rhizomatous evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Mildly toxic to pets | Mildly toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Snake plant — Snake plant if you prefer its upright rhizomatous evergreen habit at 60-120 cm tall indoors indoors.
- Choose ZZ plant — ZZ plant if your spot has less light — it tolerates low light (north window or shaded room), where Snake plant prefers medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window).
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Snake plant care and ZZ plant care. For pet-safety detail see Snake plant and ZZ plant.
Snake plant vs ZZ plant — frequently asked questions
Is Snake plant the same as ZZ plant?
No — Snake plant is Dracaena trifasciata and ZZ plant is Zamioculcas zamiifolia. The two near-indestructible houseplants for dim corners and irregular watering. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, snake plant or zz plant?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Snake plant wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and to be watered when the soil is bone dry, every 2-3 weeks. ZZ plant wants low light (north window or shaded room) and watering when the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is snake plant or zz plant safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Snake plant is mildly toxic to pets and ZZ plant is mildly toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do snake plant and zz plant get indoors?
Snake plant matures to 60-120 cm tall indoors, with a upright rhizomatous evergreen habit. ZZ plant reaches 60-90 cm tall, upright rhizomatous evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can snake plant and zz plant live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Snake plant needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window); ZZ plant needs low light (north window or shaded room). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.