The ZZ plant is well known for being one of the easiest houseplants to care for. But even it can run in to trouble if conditions aren’t just right.
So if your ZZ plant has started to struggle or looks like it might be on its last legs you’ll want to try and save it. Thankfully they’re are a few things you can do to bring it back from the brink of death.
So whether you’re dealing with yellowing leaves, drooping stems or a case of dreaded root rot, you can rescue your plant with a little effort.
This guide and tips will help to bring your ZZ plant back to life.
1. Diagnose the Problem
Your ZZ plant is sending you signals that something’s off—figuring out the cause is your first step. Watch closely for these common symptoms:
- Yellow leaves: might mean you’ve been too generous with water or haven’t given it enough. Poor lighting could also be to blame.
- Brown tips: often suggest that the air is too dry or the plant’s been overfed with fertilizer.
- Drooping stems:can be a cry for water, but they might also point to trouble in the roots.
- Soft, mushy stems: That’s a red flag for root rot.
Take a few photos or jot down notes over several days. Patterns in the plant’s appearance can help uncover the root of the problem
2. Water The Right Way
ZZ plants don’t need much water, but when they do, it has to be just right. Too much or too little can leave them struggling
Avoid Overwatering
These plants store water in their rhizome – thick, potato-like structures under the soil. While handy during droughts, this makes them prone to rotting if the soil stays too wet. If your plant’s stems are mushy or there’s a foul smell, here’s what to do.
Fix Overwatering:
- Check the soil moisture. If it’s soggy stop watering immediately.
- Remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white while rotting roots are black or brown and mushy.
- Trim away any rotted roots using sterilized scissors.
- Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil (a mix of cactus soil and perlite works well).
Address Underwatering
If the soil’s bone-dry and your ZZ plant looks wilted with droopy leaves, it’s probably thirsty.
Fix Underwatering:
- Water thoroughly making sure the water flows out of the drainage holes.
- Be consistent but sparing. Water only when the top 2 inches of soil are completely dry.
- Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
3. Adjust Light Conditions
ZZ plants are tolerant of various lighting conditions. But improper light can still cause problems. Here’s how to be sure your plant is getting just the right amount:
Signs of Too Much Light
- Scorched or bleached leaves.
- Leaves curling or drying out.
Solution: Move your plant a few feet away from windows with direct sunlight. Sheer curtains can also diffuse intense light.
Signs of Too Little Light
- Slower growth.
- Leggy stems that stretch toward the nearest light source.
Solution: Place your plant near a bright, indirect light source like a north-facing window. If you live in a dim apartment then a grow light can work wonders.
4. Balance Temperature and Humidity
ZZ plants thrive in stable environments. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can put stress on the plant.
Temperature Tips:
- Keep your plant in a room between 65°F and 75°F (18°C–24°C).
- Avoid sudden drafts from air conditioners, heaters or open windows.
- If your plant sits near a heat vent in winter then it might be a good idea to move it to a cooler spot.
Humidity Tips:
- While ZZ plants tolerate low humidity extremely dry air can cause browning tips. A simple fix is placing a bowl of water nearby or misting occasionally.
- If your home is very dry then a small humidifier could be a good way to help add some moisture.
5. Check for Pests
Though ZZ plants are typically pest-resistant neglecting them can invite unwanted visitors like spider mites or mealybugs.
How to Spot Pests
- Spider mites: Tiny red or brown dots on leaves with webbing underneath.
- Mealybugs: White, cottony masses on stems or leaf joints.
Steps to Remove Pests:
- Wipe the leaves gently with a cloth dampened in soapy water.
- Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to affected areas.
- Repeat treatments weekly until the pests are gone.
6. Refresh the Soil
The right soil can make or break your ZZ plant’s recovery. Over time compacted or nutrient depleted soil can lead to poor drainage and health issues.
- Repot your plant every 2–3 years to replace old soil.
- Choose a mix that drains well like cactus soil mixed with perlite or sand.
- Avoid heavy soils that retain too much water such as standard garden soil.
7. Prune for Recovery
Removing dead or yellowing leaves helps the plant redirect energy toward healthy growth.
- Use sterilized scissors or pruners to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Cut leaves at their base close to the rhizome.
- Dispose of the clippings to prevent disease from spreading.
8. Propagate if Necessary
If the main plant is beyond saving you can propagate its healthy parts to grow a new one. Here’s how:
Leaf Propagation
- Snip a healthy leaf from the plant.
- Let it dry for a day to form a callus.
- Plant the leaf in moist soil and keep it in indirect light.
Rhizome Division
- Remove the plant from its pot and separate healthy rhizomes.
- Plant the rhizomes in fresh soil and water sparingly.
9. Fertilize Lightly
Over-fertilizing can burn the roots while too little fertilizer can stunt growth.
- Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Apply only during the growing season (spring and summer) no more than once a month.
10. Rotate Your Plant
ZZ plants grow toward the light source which can make them lopsided over time. Rotate your plant every few weeks to encourage balanced growth.
11. Be Patient
Recovery takes time. Even after addressing the problems it may take weeks or months for your ZZ plant to show signs of improvement. Consistent care is key.
12. Keep a Care Routine
Once your ZZ plant bounces back it can be a good idea to establish a routine to keep it thriving. Water sparingly, monitor lighting and check the soil every few weeks.
With these tips you should be well placed to save your ZZ plant. Just remember – even resilient plants like ZZ need attention and your efforts will pay off.