If you’re on the hunt for a stylish houseplant that’s easy to care for, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a great choice. It’s known for its attractive glossy leaves and resilience, but like all plants, it can sometimes show signs of stress. One common issue you might run into is yellowing leaves. But don’t worry—this is usually something that can be fixed, and in this post, I’ll guide you on how to troubleshoot and prevent yellow leaves on your ZZ plant in the future.
Overwatering is the most common culprit, which leads to root rot. But yellow leaves can also point to underwatering, and occasionally, issues with temperature, light, or fertilizing might be to blame.
Although yellowing leaves is not the only ZZ plant problems it is one of the most common (for dealing with other issues see our article 10 common ZZ plant problems & their fixes). If you notice your ZZ plant developing yellow leaves, it’s important to figure out the cause. Understanding what’s making your plant unhappy will help you take the right steps to fix it.
In the sections below, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons for yellowing leaves and give you tips on how to get your ZZ plant back to its healthy self—and keep it that way!
Table of Contents
Top Reasons ZZ Plants Get Yellow Leaves
ZZ plants are known for being tough and easy to care for, making them a go-to choice for those with busy lives or less-than-green thumbs. Their drought-resistant nature is one of the main reasons they’re so hardy.
However, some people mistakenly assume that means they can handle hot sun and high heat, too. In reality, while ZZ plants do well in dry conditions, they’re not as tolerant of extreme temperatures.
If your ZZ plant’s leaves start turning yellow, it can be a bit of a shock, especially since they are so resilient. Yellow leaves are often a sign that your plant is reaching out for help, and it’s a cue that something in its care routine needs attention.
What is one of the most common causes for yellowing leaves on a ZZ plant?
Watering issues!
Luckily, with a few adjustments to your watering habits, you can usually bring your ZZ plant back to its healthy self.
Below, I’ve outlined some common reasons why ZZ plants get yellow leaves and what you can do to fix them.
Overwatering Can Lead to Yellowing Leaves in ZZ Plants
ZZ plants are well-suited for dry conditions, so when overwatered, they can quickly develop issues.
The main problem is root rot, which happens when the roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long. This creates a perfect environment for fungal growth, which leads to root rot.
When the roots are compromised, the plant can’t properly absorb the water and nutrients it needs, causing the leaves to yellow—and in some cases, fall off.
If you suspect overwatering might be causing your ZZ plant’s yellow leaves, here’s what you can do:
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Check the Soil: First, test the soil. If it feels excessively wet, it’s time to act. Carefully remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots.
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Examine the Roots: Healthy roots should be white and firm. If you find brown or mushy roots, those are rotting and need to be trimmed.
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Prune the Rotten Roots: Use clean, sharp pruners to cut away any rotten or damaged roots. If you find healthy roots, you can make small cuts to promote new growth. Be sure to sanitize your pruners after trimming to avoid spreading the rot.
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Repot the Plant: Once you’ve pruned the roots, place your ZZ plant back into a pot with proper drainage. Discard the old soil and replace it with fresh, well-draining soil to prevent the problem from coming back.
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Watering After Repotting: Water the soil lightly, just enough to make it damp. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
By addressing the root rot quickly and adjusting your watering habits, your ZZ plant has a good chance of bouncing back!
Underwatering Can Cause Yellowing Leaves in ZZ Plants
ZZ plants don’t require frequent watering, which is part of why they’re such a low-maintenance houseplant. But if you forget to water them for too long, you might notice the leaves start to turn yellow, shrivel, and even drop off.
It can be worrying, but don’t stress—underwatering is fixable!
Here’s how to fix the yellowing caused by underwatering:
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Start Watering Slowly: Begin by watering your ZZ plant gently, but avoid soaking the soil all at once. Overcompensating by giving it a lot of water right away can lead to other issues like overwatering. Instead, aim for a steady, gradual watering approach.
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Drainage is Key: After watering, make sure to tip out any excess water that might collect in the saucer under the pot. Sitting in water for too long can cause root problems, so always ensure proper drainage.
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Boost Nutrition: If you want to help your plant bounce back even faster, consider adding a diluted water-soluble fertilizer to your watering mix. Use only half the recommended strength to avoid stressing the plant further.
With these adjustments, your ZZ plant should start showing signs of recovery and regaining its vibrant green leaves in no time!
How Much Water Does a ZZ Plant Need?
One of the keys to keeping your ZZ plant happy is getting the watering just right. Overwatering and underwatering are the two main causes of yellowing leaves, so it’s essential to stay on top of your plant’s water needs. The amount of water your ZZ plant needs can vary depending on several factors, like the temperature, humidity, sunlight, and ventilation in your home, as well as the size of the pot and the plant itself.
To make sure you’re watering properly, the most important thing is to check the soil before you water. During the summer, many ZZ plant owners find they only need to water about once a week, while in winter, once every two to three weeks might be enough. However, these are just general guidelines—you should always check the soil’s moisture before reaching for the watering can.
Here’s what to do:
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Let the Soil Dry Out: Before watering again, make sure the soil is dry a few inches down. It’s not healthy to let the ZZ plant’s roots stay wet for long periods.
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Water Generously: When it’s time to water, be sure to soak the soil thoroughly. A good watering will help ensure the roots get enough moisture.
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Empty the Saucer: After watering, make sure to empty any excess water from the saucer under the pot within 30 minutes. You don’t want your ZZ plant sitting in stagnant water, as that can cause root rot.
Mastering the timing of your ZZ plant’s waterings will help it thrive without the stress of over or underwatering!
For a much more comprehensive look at the watering requirements of this succulent see our article on ZZ plant watering secrets.
Excessive Light Can Cause Yellow Leaves
While ZZ plants are pretty flexible when it comes to lighting, they don’t handle direct sunlight too well. They’re known for thriving in low-light areas, making them perfect for spots in your home that don’t get a ton of natural light.
However, too much direct sunlight can lead to issues, including yellowing leaves.
If your ZZ plant is getting more than 4 hours of direct sunlight each day, that could be the culprit behind the yellowing.
The plant can get sunburned, which can cause brown patches or tips on the leaves.
If you’re unsure about your plant’s light situation, try moving it to a spot where it gets bright, indirect light. This will help prevent the light issue and hopefully help your ZZ plant bounce back.
Nutrient Imbalance Can Cause Yellow Leaves in ZZ Plants
Even though ZZ plants are pretty low-maintenance, nutrient imbalances can still lead to yellowing leaves. Whether it’s a deficiency in essential nutrients or over-fertilizing, both can affect your plant’s health.
To avoid this, it’s best to fertilize your ZZ plant just once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Use half the recommended strength to prevent fertilizer burn. This approach ensures your plant gets the nutrients it needs without the risk of overdoing it.
If you’ve been fertilizing your ZZ plant too often (more than once a month) or using a solution that’s too strong, nutrient overload could be the issue.
In that case, you can flush the pot with plenty of water to clear out any excess nutrients or consider repotting the plant with fresh, well-draining soil. This will help restore balance and promote healthy growth.
How to Treat ZZ Plants with Yellow Leaves
If your ZZ plant is showing yellow leaves, it’s time to take action. Whether it’s due to overwatering, underwatering, or other issues, addressing the problem quickly can help save the plant. Here’s how to treat your ZZ plant if it’s starting to show signs of yellowing:
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Prune Yellow Leaves: Start by removing the yellow leaves. If all the leaves have turned yellow, it’s best to leave some intact, as the plant still needs them for photosynthesis to help it recover.
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Inspect the Stems: Check the stems closely for any yellowing or damage. If any stems have turned yellow, cut them back at the point where they meet the tuber. Healthy stems will regrow once the plant starts recovering.
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Act Fast: Don’t wait too long before taking action. The sooner you identify the underlying cause of yellowing leaves, the quicker you can start a recovery plan. Whether it’s adjusting your watering routine or moving the plant to a better location, quick intervention will help your ZZ plant get back on track.
By taking these steps, you’ll give your ZZ plant the best chance at bouncing back and thriving again!
What Your ZZ Plant Needs to Grow Well
For your ZZ plant to thrive, there are three key factors to keep in mind: light, water, and temperature. When these are just right, you’ll see your ZZ plant flourish with its glossy, waxy leaves that stay firm and full of water.
If the leaves start yellowing or showing dry tips, it’s a sign that something’s off. Here’s what your ZZ plant needs:
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Light
ZZ plants prefer bright, indirect light. While they can tolerate lower light levels, they don’t do well in direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to hot sun can lead to leaf burn. A spot with plenty of natural light but out of direct sun is ideal. -
Water
Finding the right watering balance is crucial. Too much or too little water can harm your ZZ plant. Rather than sticking to a strict watering schedule, assess the dryness of the soil and the condition of the plant. This will ensure you water only when necessary. -
Temperature
ZZ plants thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 90°F. They can handle a bit of cold, down to about 50°F, but anything colder can cause stress to the plant.
By providing your ZZ plant with these conditions, it’ll stay healthy, happy, and looking great for a long time! Be sure to read our extensive ZZ plant care guide if you want optimum growth from your succulent.
Quick Summary
The ZZ plant is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add a touch of beauty to their home with minimal effort.
If you notice your plant’s leaves turning yellow, it’s usually a sign of improper watering. By adjusting your watering routine and being mindful of its needs, your ZZ plant should bounce back to health in no time and will increase its growth rate.
Keep an eye on the conditions, and your plant will thrive for years to come!
If you are interested in growing additional ZZ plants you will find our article on ZZ plant propagation useful as it’s filled with tips & tricks for fast, healthy growth of new plants.