The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the most beautiful and unique houseplants on the market. The attractive appearance will help enhance your living room or office.
One of the most amazing things is that the houseplant is hard to kill. It can be neglected for months and can withstand low light exposure. But the indoor plant will still look great.
Leaf yellowing is one of the most common problems with ZZ plants. This article provides information on the causes and ways to fix yellow leaves on the ZZ plant.
Why does my ZZ plant have yellow leaves? The most common causes are excess water, lack of water, excess food, extreme temperatures and light. Keep reading to learn more.
It is best to find the cause and take appropriate action. Identifying the possible reasons will help you understand what is making your houseplant unhappy.
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Zamioculcas zamilifoliaContents
Causes of yellow leaves of ZZ plants and what to do?
give too much water
Most houseplants are very susceptible to root rot. The disease usually kills the plant if not corrected at the right time. The condition occurs as a result of prolonged exposure of the root system to soggy soil.
So too much water can make the plant zz you have yellow leaves? Absolute. Root rot and fungal growth destroy the root system, making it difficult to absorb nutrients. Hence the reason for the yellowing of the leaves.
Excessive watering soaks the soil of the houseplant. The moist environment promotes rapid fungal growth and the spread of root rot. These problems prevent the plant from absorbing essential nutrients and minerals from the soil.
Solutions: Check soil moisture content and root color. Brown spot is an indicator of root rot and white indicates a healthy root system. Cut off the affected parts of the root and transplant the plant. Remember to follow the ZZ plant watering schedule.
submarine
The ZZ plant is a drought tolerant houseplant. It can go months without water and it is very likely that the grower forgets the watering routine.
So can a lack of water cause ZZ plants to develop yellow leaves? Yes, the soil will dry out, which can damage the root system. The change in color of the leaves and the fall are a sign of lack of water.
The good news is that adjusting your watering schedule will help rejuvenate your houseplant. Otherwise, the chances of the ZZ plant surviving in dry soil are limited if the condition persists.
How much water does a ZZ plant need? The houseplant should be watered once a week in summer and two to three times a month in winter. But always get into the habit of checking the floor first.
Solutions: Start watering the plant slowly and try to avoid overwatering. Make drainage holes in the container to drain excess water. Mix soluble fertilizer and water to improve your plant’s health and nutrition.
Zamioculcas zamilifoliaExcessive exposure to light
This is another possible reason why ZZ plants develop yellow leaves. The plant thrives in different ranges of light. But exposing the houseplant to bright direct light can cause damage.
The good news is that the ZZ plant tolerates low light and strong indirect sunlight. The condition helps to grow a beautiful and healthy houseplant.
So how much light does the ZZ plant need? The plant should not be exposed to direct light for more than four hours a day. Due to excess light, the plant acquires yellow leaves, and then brown spots due to the scorching sun.
Solutions: Place the plant in a location that receives bright indirect light. Filtered light helps prevent leaves from burning and yellowing. Remember that light is essential for improving photosynthesis in all green plants.
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poor fertilization
ZZ plants can thrive in soils with imperfect growing conditions. But both excess and deficiency of nutrients in the soil will cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow.
By balancing the nutrients in the soil and bringing together all the nutrients needed by ZZ plants, the attractive leaf color is restored.
Solutions: Obtain a soluble fertilizer rich in phosphorus and nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer to the plant monthly. Remember to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid nutritional imbalances.
Extreme temperatures
ZZ plants are hardy plants. These indoor plants can tolerate extreme temperatures in both winter and summer. But too much exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the leaves to yellow.
The houseplant can tolerate a temperature range of around 50oF to 90oF (10-32oC). Any temperature that is out of range can be the possible cause of yellowing leaves on your plant.
The solution: Make sure the indoor space has a comfortable room temperature during the day and don’t let the temperature drop below 50°F at night.
pest infestations
ZZ plants are very susceptible to insect pests. Some of these insects usually suck sap from the plant which drains nutrients and moisture.
The good news is that the problem can manifest itself in yellowing leaves and foliage. The most common insects that invade ZZ plants are spider mites and scale insects.
Sometimes piercing the leaves of the plant leads to the transmission of infections. The disease causes the indoor plant to weaken and die.
The solution: Buy an insecticide intended for indoor plants and spray your plant. The chemical ingredients will suffocate and kill insects. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and rub it over the leaves of the plant to prevent insect infestation.
What to do when the leaves of the ZZ plant turn yellow?
Here are the steps to consider when treating yellow leaf ZZ plants:
transplant the plant
The step is crucial when yellow leaves are caused by too much water. Repotting the ZZ plant will help rejuvenate it and prevent further damage.
remove the old earth
Infected soil causes fungal diseases in the root system. The condition prevents the plant from absorbing essential nutrients that promote healthy growth. Removing old soil will help prevent the spread of fungal infections around the roots.
Examine the root system
Shake and brush the soil around the roots. Examine the color of the roots and try to prune the roots with brown spots. Sterilize the cut areas and discard the roots of the plum trees.
Examine the leaves and stems.
Prune the yellow leaves and stems. Remember to sterilize the scissors before use to prevent the spread of infection. Cut the yellow leaf and protrude from the tip where it comes out of the tuber.
Soak the tuber in a solution of thiophanate.
Dealing with ZZ plant root rot is a daunting experience. The best solution is to water the tuber of the plant with a solution of thiophanate. Always follow the instructions on the packaging before using it.
Use a new container
Many growers make many mistakes when repotting and treating a ZZ plant with yellow foliage. Most often keep the old container. When transplanting the plant, it is better to use a new pot.
Use a fresh mix
Provide a good potting mix with houseplants. Make sure the potting mix has good drainage to prevent water from pooling in the container. Place the ZZ plant in the pot and fill in around the tuber.
Place the plant in a good location.
Recovering plants experience drooping leaves. But it usually takes a few days and the plant regains its vibrant colors. Place the ZZ plant in a room that receives indirect light and other conditions that meet the final requirements.
outdoor vacation
It is advisable to put the houseplant outside in spring and winter. The party allows the plant to feel a natural coolness. Remember not to expose the houseplant to direct sunlight to avoid burning the leaves.
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Ultimately
Zamioculcas zamilifoliaThe ZZ plant thrives in a location with lots of bright indirect light, optimum soil moisture, and a temperature range of 70OF to 90OF. These are conditions that promote a healthy and happy houseplant.
Yellowing zz plant leaves are the result of too much water, too little water, overfeeding, disease and pests. The good news is that most of these issues can be easily fixed to prevent your plant from dying in the long run.
Take the time to read our recommendations and try to adapt to each condition. Implementing these guidelines will help you grow the ZZ plant like a pro.
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