The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) has earned a reputation as one of the toughest, most forgiving houseplants. With its glossy, upright leaves and strong stems, it’s a favorite among those who want a low-maintenance, stylish indoor plant. However, even the hardy ZZ plant can experience sluggish growth, especially in low-light conditions or during cooler seasons.
But what if there were a simple, affordable way to stimulate faster growth and fuller foliage—using just one common household item? Many plant enthusiasts have reported surprising results from adding a single pill to the watering routine of their ZZ plants. The outcome? Stronger roots, faster sprouting, and vibrant leaves.
The Secret: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
The “one pill” that’s making such a difference in ZZ plant growth is Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. While thiamine is typically taken by humans to support nerve function and energy metabolism, it also has remarkable effects on plants—especially on root development and transplant recovery.
When applied to the soil through water, thiamine stimulates new root formation, enhances the absorption of nutrients, and helps the plant better cope with environmental stress. For the ZZ plant, which has thick rhizomes (underground storage structures), improved root activity can quickly lead to more stems, bigger leaves, and an overall healthier plant.
How Vitamin B1 Helps Your ZZ Plant
Vitamin B1 plays a role in several plant metabolic processes. It is particularly known for promoting faster root initiation, making it an ideal supplement when:
-
-
You’re repotting your ZZ plant
-
The plant seems stagnant or isn’t producing new shoot
-
-
It has suffered from overwatering, root damage, or transplant shock
-
You want to gently boost growth without using synthetic fertilizer
Although the ZZ plant grows slowly by nature, adding Vitamin B1 can cut the waiting time between new leaves and shoots, especially when combined with ideal care conditions.
How to Use Vitamin B1 on Your ZZ Plant
Here’s how to safely use Vitamin B1 to boost the growth of your ZZ plant:
What You’ll Need:
-
1 Vitamin B1 tablet (typically 100 mg)
-
1 liter of room-temperature water
-
A clean container for mixing
Instructions:
-
-
Dissolve the Tablet
Crush the Vitamin B1 tablet and mix it into 1 liter of water. Stir until completely dissolved. -
Apply to Soil
Pour the solution evenly around the base of the ZZ plant, soaking the soil lightly. This ensures the thiamine reaches the roots where it can be absorbed -
Repeat Monthly
Use this treatment once a month. More frequent application is not necessary and could lead to nutrient imbalance in the soil
-
Results You Can Expect
With monthly application, many plant owners notice significant changes within 2 to 4 weeks:
-
Faster emergence of new shoots
-
Shinier, firmer leaves with more intense green coloring
-
Stronger and thicker stems
-
Improved root structure, especially if the plant was previously stresse
Because ZZ plants are slow growers by nature, even a small increase in growth rate can feel dramatic. In some cases, new shoots appear in half the usual time, and leaf growth becomes denser.
Best Practices for Supporting ZZ Plant Growth
While Vitamin B1 helps, it’s important to support your plant with good general care:
-
-
Light: ZZ plants tolerate low light but thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Move your plant closer to a light source if growth is slow.
-
Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is the most common killer of ZZ plants
-
Humidity: Average indoor humidity is fine. Avoid placing it near heating vents or cold drafts.
-
-
Cleaning: Dust the leaves regularly to help them absorb light more efficiently.
-
Repotting: Every 2–3 years, repot your ZZ plant to refresh the soil and give the roots more room to expand
A Word of Caution
Only use plain Vitamin B1 tablets—avoid multivitamins, energy pills, or supplements with added ingredients, as these may contain compounds harmful to plants. Also, never exceed the recommended dose. Too much of any additive, even natural ones, can upset the delicate balance of the soil.
Final Thoughts
ZZ plants are known for their toughness and beauty, but they too can benefit from a small boost. With just one Vitamin B1 tablet per month, you can encourage stronger roots, faster growth, and even fuller foliage. This simple, low-cost method can be a game-changer—especially if your plant seems stuck in a growth rut
Give it a try and watch your ZZ plant transform into a more vigorous, thriving centerpiece in your home or office.
