7 Reasons Why Your ZZ Plant Leaves Are Turning Yellow (And How to Fix Them)

ZZ plants are generally low maintenance and require only minimal care. They tend to do well without much attention.

But sometimes the leaves start to turn yellow. And that’s a clear sign something isn’t right.

So if you’re ZZ plant leaves have begun to turn yellow this guide will take you through the most common reasons and give you practical tips to fix and prevent these issues.

1. Overwatering

If your ZZ plant is showing yellow leaves overwatering is likely the first thing to investigate. These plants are native to arid regions and store water in their thick rhizomes. This means they don’t tolerate wet feet. Overwatering leads to waterlogged soil which suffocates the roots and encourages rot.

Here’s how overwatering shows up:

• Yellow leaves often starting at the base of the plant
• Soft, mushy stems
• A foul, musty smell from the soil

What to Do:

1. Check the soil by sticking your finger 2 inches deep. If it feels wet stop watering immediately.
2. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are white and firm; rotten roots are brown and mushy.
3. Trim away any rotten roots with sterilized scissors then repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Prevention Tips:

• Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.
• Use a pot with drainage holes to let excess water escape.
• Choose a fast-draining potting mix, like one designed for cacti and succulents.

2. Underwatering

Underwatering can also cause yellowing leaves. ZZ plants are drought-tolerant but they still need occasional water to thrive. Prolonged neglect can leave the plant parched and stressed.

Signs of Underwatering:

• Yellowing leaves often accompanied by dry, crispy edges
• Wrinkled or shrunken stems
• Soil pulling away from the edges of the pot

What to Do:

1. Thoroughly water your ZZ plant letting the water flow out of the drainage holes.
2. If the soil is severely dry, soak the entire pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes then let it drain completely.

Prevention Tips:

• Stick to a consistent watering schedule, roughly every 2-3 weeks.
• Monitor the soil moisture regularly, especially in warmer months.

3. Sunburn

ZZ plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. However, placing them in direct sunlight – especially intense afternoon rays – can scorch their leaves.

Symptoms of Sunburn:

• Yellow patches on leaves often with brown, crispy edges
• Faded or bleached appearance

What to Do:

1. Move your ZZ plant to a spot with filtered light like near a north- or east-facing window.
2. Consider using sheer curtains to diffuse direct sunlight.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid placing your ZZ plant in direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even light exposure.

4. Nutrient Deficiency

If your ZZ plant isn’t getting enough nutrients its growth may slow and its leaves may yellow. Nitrogen is particularly essential for maintaining vibrant green foliage.

Signs of Nutrient Deficiency:

• Yellowing of older, lower leaves
• Slow or stunted growth

What to Do:

1. Feed your ZZ plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
2. Avoid over-fertilizing as too much can cause salt buildup in the soil.

Prevention Tips:

• Stick to a regular feeding schedule during active growth periods.
• Flush the soil with water occasionally to remove excess salts.

5. Pests

Though relatively pest-resistant ZZ plants can occasionally fall victim to pests like spider mites, mealybugs and aphids. These sap-sucking insects damage the plant by draining its nutrients, leading to yellowing leaves.

Signs of Pest Infestation:

• Yellowing leaves with visible bite marks or webbing
• Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves
• Small bugs crawling on the plant

What to Do:

1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent pests from spreading to others.
2. Wipe down the leaves with a mixture of water and mild dish soap.
3. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat stubborn infestations.

Prevention Tips:

• Inspect new plants for pests before bringing them home.
• Clean your plant’s leaves regularly to discourage pests from settling.

6. Temperature Stress

ZZ plants prefer stable temperatures and don’t do well with sudden changes. Exposure to cold drafts, air conditioning or heaters can stress the plant.

Signs of Temperature Stress:

• Pale or yellow leaves
• Slow growth

What to Do:

1. Keep your ZZ plant in a room with temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
2. Avoid placing it near windows during cold winters or near heating vents.

Prevention Tips:

• Maintain consistent room temperatures.
• Use draft stoppers or reposition plants away from cold air sources.

7. Natural Aging

Yellowing leaves can sometimes be a normal part of your ZZ plant’s life cycle. Older leaves, especially those at the base of the plant, naturally yellow and drop as new growth emerges.

What to Do:

1. Gently prune yellowing leaves to improve the plant’s appearance.
2. Focus on maintaining overall care to support healthy new growth.

Prevention Tips:

• Don’t panic if a few older leaves turn yellow – it’s completely normal!
• Make sure the plant has the best care to reduce unnecessary stress.

How to Prevent Yellowing in ZZ Plants: A Checklist

Final Thoughts

Yellowing leaves are your ZZ plants way of letting you know something’s wrong. But whatever the cause is it should be something you can solve. And your plant will recover.

So identify the root issue as quickly as possible and then you can take the necessary steps to restore it to full health.