ZZ plants don’t need much attention. They make a great houseplant because you don’t have to give them too much in the way of care.
But even though they don’t require a lot of care they can still develop issues. One of the most common is their leaves start to turn yellow. And that’s a clear sign something isn’t right.
So if your ZZ plant leaves have begun to turn yellow this guide will take you through the most common reasons and give you tips to fix and prevent it from happening again.
1. Overwatering
If your ZZ plant has started to get yellow leaves then overwatering is the first place to look. As ZZ plants are from very hot and dry places they store water in rhizomes, which means they don’t like being sat in water.
If you are overwatering it will make the soil waterlogged and this can suffocate the roots and eventually cause them to rot.
This is how overwatering shows up:
- Yellow leaves that start at the base
- Soft, mushy stems
- A nasty smell coming from the soil
What to Do:
- Checking the soil is the first thing to do. Put your finger an inch or two into the soil and see if if it feels wet. If so then definitely stop watering.
- You should check for root rot next. Take the plant out of its pot and look at the roots. If they are healthy they will look white and firm. Rotten ones will be mushy and black or brown.
- If you find any rotting roots then trim away those parts then repot your plant in fresh soil.
Prevention Tips:
- Wait to water until the top 2 or 3 inches of the soil is dry.
- Make sure your pot has enough drainage holes so the water can drain away.
- Use a potting mix that drains well. One that is specific for succulents or cacti works well.
2. Underwatering
Underwatering can also cause yellow leaves. ZZ plants may be able to withstand a lack of water for a while b they do need it sometimes otherwise they will struggle to do well. Going without water for a length of time will leaves them stressed and unhappy.
Signs of Underwatering:
- Yellow leaves that also have dry and crispy edges.
- Wrinkled or shrunken stems.
- Soil that pulls away from the sides of the pot.
What to Do:
- Water thoroughly and let all the water flow through the plant and out of the drainage holes.
- If the soil is extremely dry then put the whole pot in a basin of water and leave it for around 30 minutes. Afterwards let it drain fully.
Prevention Tips:
- Water regularly and on a schedule. Something like every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Check the soil regularly as well to see how moist it is. This is especially important in the summer and spring when it’s warmer.
3. Sunburn
ZZ plants like bright, indirect light but they also don’t mind if they’re in a spot that doesn’t get too much light either. But if you put them somewhere that gets direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon when the suns rays are at their strongest, it can burn the leaves.
Symptoms of Sunburn:
- Yellow patches on the leaves that have crispy and brown edges.
- Faded or bleached looking all over
What to Do:
- Move your ZZ plant to a spot that has filtered light. A north or east facing is usually a good place.
- If you can’t find a spot that has filtered light the use a shower curtain across a window to diffuse the light.
Prevention Tips:
- Don’t put your ZZ plant in direct sunlight for a long period of time.
- Rotate your plant from time to time so it gets light on all sides.
4. Nutrient Deficiency
If your ZZ plant isn’t getting enough nutrients then it could develop yellow leaves as well as its growth slowing down. Nitrogen especially is really important for green leaves.
Signs of Nutrient Deficiency:
- Yellowing of older leaves
- Slowed growth
What to Do:
- Give your ZZ plant a balanced fertilizer that is diluted to half strength. Do this every 4 to 6 weeks in the spring and summer.
- Be careful not to overfertilize though. Too much will make sales build up in the soil.
Prevention Tips:
- In the spring and summer when your ZZ plant is actively growing try to feed on a regular basis. Use a schedule if need be.
- Every now and then it’s a good idea to flush the soil through with water as it will get rid of any of the salts that have built up.
5. Pests
Even though ZZ plants are fairly good at resisting pests that can still be affected and hit by the likes of spider mites, mealybugs and aphids. They will damage your plant by sapping it’s nutrients and this can cause yellow leaves.
Signs of Pest Infestation:
- Yellow leaves that often have bite marks on them.
- Sticky substance left behind on the leaves.
- You will see small bugs on the leaves and stem.
What to Do:
- Take the affected plant and move it away from any other plants you have to stop the pests from spreading.
- Wipe the leaves with a mix of dish soap and water.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if the infestation is bad.
Prevention Tips:
- Look at any new plants to see if they have pests before you bring them into your home.
- Clean the leaves of your plant on a regular basis as it will help to stop the pests from taking hold.
6. Temperature Stress
ZZ plants like the temperature to stay stable. If it changes suddenly it can stress them. So the likes of heaters and air conditioners can cause cold drafts and you want to avoid putting your ZZ plant near them.
Signs of Temperature Stress:
- Pale or yellow leaves
- Slow growth
What to Do:
- Keep your ZZ plant in a room with the temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
- Don’t put your plant near any windows during the winter. Heating vents can also cause issues.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep the room temperature stable.
- You can use a draft stopper or put your plant somewhere away from the cold air.
7. Natural Aging
Yellow leaves don’t have to be a sign of something being wrong. Sometimes it’s simply that your ZZ plant is aging and it’s part of its life cycle.
Older leaves, especially the ones at the base of the plant, naturally turn yellow and drop off as new growth comes through.
What to Do:
- Prune any yellow leaves to make your plant look better.
- Don’t worry about the yellow leaves and focus on providing the best care for your plant.
Prevention Tips:
- Don’t panic if a few older leaves turn yellow – it’s completely normal!
- Make sure the plant has the best care.
How to Prevent Yellowing in ZZ Plants: A Checklist
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overwatering | Water only when the soil is dry and make sure it has proper drainage. |
| Underwatering | Get in to a routine and have a consistent watering schedule. |
| Direct Sunlight | Move the plant to somewhere that gets bright, indirect light. |
| Nutrient Deficiency | Give it a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. |
| Pests | Inspect often and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Temperature Stress | Keep the temperature stable. |
| Natural Aging | Prune old yellow leaves as needed. |
Final Thoughts
Yellow l aces are your ZZ plants way of letting you know something is wrong. But whatever the cause is it should be something you can solve. And your plant will recover.
So be quick in figuring out what the cause is and then you can take whatever steps you need to get it back to full health.