I've had this ZZ for over a year and it's been upright and seemly happy that whole time. Over the last 4 months or so, the stems started drooping, and more recently, some leaves started to yellow.
For light – I've had it in a spot that gets little light in the winter, so I moved it to a northwest facing window a couple of weeks ago. Haven't seen any improvement.
For water – I water one ever 1-2 weeks where the soil is wet and not drenched. Within the last week, I let it dry out to see if that was the cause. After no change, I have it a good soak several days ago and still haven't noticed changes.
Let me know what you think Plant Clinic! 🤓
by freezy_mcbreezy
12 Comments
I have 2 of this plant in my house. I water them once in a month and I live in a very dry place. Maybe it’s the watering…
Some leaf losses arent uncommon in the winter, but if youre worried, my go-to is always to check the roots! Remember, its only half the plant you can see above the surface, so pull the big boy out lol. Check for root rot (too much water), and if its rootbound, meaning it needs a new pot. Its also a good idea to look through all the yellowing leaves for black spots indicating pests.
Have you checked the roots. Zz’s are hardy plants but over watering is there kryptonite
Plants take time to show what is wrong with them… But it’s probably over watering. During winter I literally forget that I have a ZZ plant… And even during the rest of the year I probably just water once a month. Check the roots to be sure and good luck 🙂
These bad boys thrive on forget/neglect. I have had mine for 1.5 years and have watered maybe 5 times total. I just forget about her and she’s groovy.
Watering too much! I bet the root ball is holding onto it (from experience- I have killed many a ZZ). I have a huge one now and I have found that when the leaves are starting to dehydrate, I just water around the end of the pot- I don’t soak them anymore and so far, so good! Never water right before or right after repotting either- learned that one the hard way too! RIP to my beautiful ZZs! haha I think I water my ZZs every 4-6 months honestly!
Always! Always! Always make sure the soil is 100% dry before watering!
Overwatering. Every 1-2 weeks is way too often for a ZZ.
Pull it out of the pot, snip any mushy roots, and then repot it and do not water for at least a month.
Thank you everyone for your response! Even if I think the soil is dry, it seems the consensus is watering once every 1-2 weeks is over watering!
I’m going to get some new soil this weekend and check out her roots. Hopefully I can get it happy and thriving soon!
You’re drowning it! These really don’t need a lot of water dry her out and a but more lifgt to help her air out
Overwatering, the yellowing plus the stems laying down and with how frequently you are watering. Just skip a couple weeks of watering and it should be just fine. I bottom water mine once a month and just let it sit in the water until it’s fully absorbed, then in a few weeks I do it again, it’s loved it so much I had to repot after 5 months because it was already root bound and have 4 props going. Btw these are so easy to propagate if you want to do it. Just cut a stem close to the soil, take the lower leaves off and stick it in some water. It will take forever to grow roots but you’ll eventually have enough to put in soil. To make it root faster stick a pothos clipping in the water with it since their roots produce a rooting hormone.
It’s overwatered. Zz plants are super sensitive to watering and can quickly show signs of overwatering, as in you water today, and tomorrow multiple leaves or stalks turn yellow.
Full water like once a month or month and a half, especially if in a dark location. In the summer time, if the room is sunny and dry, you can move that up to about every 3 weeks. Zz plants also store water in the root ball, so even if the soil seems super dry, it does not necessarily mean the plant is starving for water. Water lightly if you’re unsure about the schedule based on season and monitor the plant for any signs of issue. Hope this helps 🙂