The ZZ plant is one of the hardiest houseplants you can find. It’s one of the reasons they’re so popular! They can tolerate abuse and are very low maintenance, so they are a great choice for busy people or those who don’t have a lot of experience with plants. However, they do have a limit and will turn yellow if they are not cared for properly. Watering should be done when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, and fertilizer should be used once or twice a year. ZZ plants will reward you with lush foliage and a bright green color if you give them the proper care they need. In this article, we’ll break down what to do if your ZZ plant leaves start turning yellow.
Why your ZZ plant leaves are turning yellow
ZZ plants are extremely hardy and can survive in a variety of conditions, including low light and infrequent watering. However, there are some circumstances that may cause its leaves to turn yellow and look limp. These conditions include over-watering, too much light, and pests. If you suspect your ZZ plant is being affected by any of these conditions, be sure to adjust the environment it is in to help it thrive. With proper care, your ZZ plant should be full of vibrant green leaves. Use the below guide to diagnose and treat your yellowing ZZ plant
Overwatering
Overwatering can cause root rot and yellow leaves in a ZZ plant. When a ZZ plant is overwatered, the soil stays too wet for too long and the root system becomes waterlogged. This creates an environment for root-rotting fungi to grow, causing the roots to rot and the leaves to turn yellow. In addition, overwatering can cause the plant to become nutrient deficient, resulting in yellow leaves. To prevent root rot and yellow leaves in a ZZ plant, it is important to water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Additionally, the soil should be well-draining to prevent water from sitting in the pot.
Underwatering
Yellow leaves on a ZZ plant may be caused by underwatering. ZZ plants prefer to be watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry out completely before being watered again. When a ZZ plant is not watered enough, it starts to show signs of distress, including yellow leaves. If the plant does not receive enough water, the leaves may eventually dry up, turn brown, and drop off. To prevent yellow leaves, it is important to water the ZZ plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch and always water the entire soil surface evenly.
Inconsistent watering
Inconsistent watering of a ZZ plant can cause yellow leaves due to stress. The leaves may start to yellow if the plant is allowed to dry out too much or is overwatered. If the soil is too dry, the plant may start to drop its leaves in an effort to conserve water. On the other hand, if the plant is overwatered, it can cause root rot, resulting in yellow leaves. Ultimately, the best way to keep a ZZ plant healthy is to water it consistently about once a week with enough water to moisten the soil but not so much that it is soggy. This will help ensure that the plants’ needs are met and it will be less likely to experience stress, yellow leaves, and other problems.
Too much light
Too much sunlight can cause the leaves of the ZZ plant to become yellow. This is a sign that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. You should move it to a location with bright, indirect light or even some light shade. When the plant is in too much sun, the leaves may become bleached and yellow, and the stems may become weak and spindly. If this happens, remove the plant from the sun and allow it to gradually adjust to brighter light. It may take a few weeks for the leaves to return to their normal green color. It is important to monitor the amount of sunlight the ZZ plant is getting and adjust accordingly to ensure the plant stays healthy.
Spider mites and other pests
Spider mites and other pests can cause yellowing leaves on a ZZ plant. Spider mites are tiny, barely visible to the naked eye, but leave behind telltale webbing and yellow spots on leaves. Other pests, such as mealybugs, aphids, scale, and thrips, can also cause yellowing leaves on a ZZ plant. It is important to inspect the leaves for any sign of infestation and to take immediate action if found. Treatment includes insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, as well as pruning off affected leaves.
