Plant comparison
ZZ plant vs Cast iron plant
Two near-indestructible low-light plants for a dim corner — ZZ plant is mildly toxic, cast iron plant is pet-safe.
| ZZ plant | Cast iron plant | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Zamioculcas zamiifolia | Aspidistra elatior |
| Light | Low light (north window or shaded room) | Low light (north window or shaded room) |
| Water | When the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks | When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 10-14 days |
| Soil | Free-draining cactus or houseplant mix | Standard potting compost |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 30-60% |
| Temperature | 18-26°C (65-80°F) | 10-24°C (50-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 9-11 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 7-11 (outdoors in mild climates, indoors elsewhere) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H3 (half-hardy, survives mild winters) |
| Mature size | 60-90 cm tall | 60-90 cm tall |
| Growth habit | Upright rhizomatous evergreen | Clumping evergreen with strappy upright leaves |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Mildly toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose ZZ plant — ZZ plant if you prefer its upright rhizomatous evergreen habit at 60-90 cm tall indoors.
- Choose Cast iron plant — Cast iron plant if pets share your home — it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), while ZZ plant is mildly toxic to pets.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: ZZ plant care and Cast iron plant care. For pet-safety detail see ZZ plant and Cast iron plant.
ZZ plant vs Cast iron plant — frequently asked questions
Is ZZ plant the same as Cast iron plant?
No — ZZ plant is Zamioculcas zamiifolia and Cast iron plant is Aspidistra elatior. Two near-indestructible low-light plants for a dim corner — ZZ plant is mildly toxic, cast iron plant is pet-safe. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, zz plant or cast iron plant?
Easier comes down to your conditions. ZZ plant wants low light (north window or shaded room) and to be watered when the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks. Cast iron plant wants low light (north window or shaded room) and watering when the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 10-14 days. 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 zz plant or cast iron plant safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, ZZ plant is mildly toxic to pets and Cast iron plant is pet-safe. Cast iron plant is the pet-safer choice.
How big do zz plant and cast iron plant get indoors?
ZZ plant matures to 60-90 cm tall, with a upright rhizomatous evergreen habit. Cast iron plant reaches 60-90 cm tall, clumping evergreen with strappy upright leaves. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can zz plant and cast iron 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. ZZ plant needs low light (north window or shaded room); Cast iron 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.