The ZZ plant is a tough, easy to look after houseplant. It’s a favorite because it can survive in low light and doesn’t need constant care.
But what happens when this seemingly indestructible plant stops growing? If you’re scratching your head over a ZZ plant that seems frozen in time, don’t worry.
Below I’ll go through the most common reasons your ZZ plant isn’t growing and share actionable tips to get it back on track.
1. Insufficient Light
ZZ plants are often praised as “low-light champions,” but that doesn’t mean they thrive in complete darkness. Growth stalls when they don’t get enough light to power photosynthesis.
- How to Spot It: Your ZZ plant may look pale or have smaller-than-usual new leaves. Growth will be minimal and leaves might droop.
- Solution: Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. East or north facing windows are ideal. If natural light isn’t an option then you can use a grow light. A basic LED grow light can work wonders for indoor plants stuck in dim corners.
Extra Tip: Rotate your plant every few weeks to make sure of even light exposure. ZZ plants tend to lean toward light sources so regular rotation keeps them upright and balanced.
2. Overwatering
ZZ plants are native to arid regions of Africa and are used to periods of drought. Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for growth problems as it leads to root rot.
- Signs of Trouble: Yellowing leaves, soggy soil or a musty smell from the potting mix are indicators of overwatering.
- Solution: Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Always use a pot with drainage holes and consider using a well-draining mix like cactus soil. If root rot has set in you may need to trim away damaged roots and repot your ZZ plant in fresh soil.
Did You Know? ZZ plants store water in their thick rhizomes, making them drought-tolerant. Overwatering can drown these underground reservoirs, cutting off oxygen and nutrients.
3. Underwatering
But neglecting to water your ZZ plant for extended periods can also slow growth. While they are drought-tolerant even ZZ plants need some hydration to stay healthy.
- What to Watch For: Wrinkled or shriveled stems and leaves that feel crispy to the touch are signs of dehydration.
- Solution: Establish a consistent watering routine. Water thoroughly and let excess water drain out. Stick to the rule of watering only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Pro Tip: If your ZZ plant has been severely underwatered – rehydrate it gradually. Overwatering a dry plant can shock its root system and do more damage.
4. Poor Soil Quality
Soil isn’t just a placeholder for roots —it’s the plant’s primary source of nutrients and oxygen. ZZ plants need loose, well draining soil to grow properly.
- Symptoms: Water pooling on the surface or soil that stays wet for too long suggests compaction or poor drainage.
- Solution: Use a mix of potting soil, sand and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. Avoid garden soil which can be too dense for indoor plants.
Quick Tip: Repot your ZZ plant every two to three years, refreshing the soil to prevent nutrient depletion.
5. Lack of Nutrients
ZZ plants are slow growers but that doesn’t mean they don’t need food. A lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus can result in sluggish growth.
- How to Recognize It: The plant might produce small, weak leaves or you’ll notice yellowing along the edges of older foliage.
- Fix It: Feed your ZZ plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply fertilizer once every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer). Skip fertilizing during winter dormancy.
Warning: Over-fertilizing can burn the roots. So always stick to the recommended dosage on the fertilizer label.
6. Temperature Stress
ZZ plants thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Anything outside this range can stress them out.
- Signs to Look For: Curling leaves or stems that droop may indicate the plant is too cold or experiencing sudden temperature changes.
- Solution: Keep your ZZ plant away from drafty windows, heaters or air conditioning vents. If you live in a cooler climate you may want to move the plant to a warmer room during winter months.
Pro Tip: ZZ plants are sensitive to frost and will not survive prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
7. Low Humidity
Although ZZ plants tolerate dry air extremely low humidity can still take a toll on their growth.
- What You’ll Notice: Browning leaf tips or crispy edges are common signs of low humidity.
- How to Fix It: Group plants together to create a microclimate, or place a shallow tray of water and pebbles under the plant. A humidifier can also help during dry winter months.
Did You Know? While ZZ plants don’t require tropical conditions, mimicking their native habitat’s humidity levels can encourage more vigorous growth.
8. Pests and Diseases
Though rare, pests like spider mites and mealybugs can infest ZZ plants, sucking out nutrients and weakening the plant.
- Symptoms: Look for sticky residue, webbing or discolored spots on leaves.
- Solution: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use an insecticidal soap to treat infestations. For diseases like root rot, trim infected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Pro Tip: Regularly dust your plant’s leaves to keep pests at bay and maintain healthy photosynthesis
9. Being Root-Bound
If your ZZ plant has outgrown its pot its roots may be too cramped to access water and nutrients effectively.
- What to Watch For: Roots emerging from drainage holes or a plant that dries out quickly after watering.
- Solution: Repot the plant into a container that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Avoid going too big as oversized pots can lead to water retention and root rot.
Quick Tip: When repotting loosen the root ball gently to help the plant adjust to its new home.
10. Dormancy
ZZ plants naturally slow down during cooler months. If your plant isn’t growing in winter this might just be a seasonal rest period.
- How to Tell: No new growth appears but the plant otherwise looks healthy.
- Solution: Reduce watering and hold off on fertilizing until spring. Once warmer weather returns, you’ll likely see new shoots emerge.
Reminder: Dormancy is normal so don’t overreact by changing care routines drastically during this time.
Final Thoughts
ZZ plants are forgiving, which is good! But even they can run into trouble if their basic needs aren’t met.
By addressing the issues above you can help your plant thrive. You’ll have to be though — ZZ plants are slow growers, so don’t expect overnight miracles. Instead, focus on consistent care and your plant will reward you in its own time.