Last Updated on February 21, 2022 by Griselda M.
Why is my ZZ plant turning yellow? This is one of the most common questions we often hear from avid planters. Before we dig into the reasons why your ZZ plant is turning yellow, let’s first know what a ZZ plant is.
ZZ plant is the shortcut for the Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant, a tropical perennial plant that has become popular worldwide because of its unique shape. It grows smoothly, with naturally shiny leaves that almost look like rubber or plastic. The emerald green leaves make them a great option for a houseplant.
Anyone looking for an office plant is always drawn to the ZZ plant. First, the appearance is so elegant and attractive that it fits with just any décor in the office. Second, it is very easy to take care of because you don’t have to keep watering it. And just like snake plants, the ZZ plants also have air purifying capabilities.
What Do I Do If My ZZ Plant Has Yellow Leaves?
First, identify what the problem is so you can give a straightforward solution. When your ZZ plant’s leaves turn yellow, act on it right away before it dies. The following are some of the most common reasons why your ZZ plant is turning yellow.
Too much sunshine
Why is my ZZ plant turning yellow? When your ZZ plant turns yellow it means, something is seriously wrong and you need to find out what’s causing the problem to save it. One major factor that contributes to the yellowing of a ZZ plant’s leaves is prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on a very hot day. If you live in tropical regions, you better your plant in a shady area.
The main culprit behind the yellowing of leaves among ZZ Plants is overwatering. ZZ Plants essentially flourish whether there’s water or not. Possibly water when the top half of soil is dry. Water until water streams uninhibitedly from the waste opening at the lower part of the pot. Make certain to dispose of any excess water that streams into the saucer. Your ZZ Plant doesn’t like sitting on excess water, otherwise, its roots will start to rot. Once it’s rotted away, it can no longer send nutrients to the stem and leaves causing the latter to manifest signs of malnutrition.
Your watering consistency
Switching back and forth between very dry and wet soil from not well-coordinated waterings can make pressure and influence your ZZ to have yellow leaves.
Pests and diseased
Sap-sucking bugs like insect vermin can deplete the moisture in your plant. This issue rapidly shows itself by yellowing leaves. Scale, mealybugs, and bug parasites happen often in indoor circumstances. If not acted right away, these little nuisances multiply and move from the beginning leaves and fronds and into little hiding spots.
The penetrating mouths of the bugs exhaust your plant and speed up yellowing. At this stage, your plant could die in just a matter of days or weeks.
Can I Save The Yellow ZZ Plant?
If only one stalk has become yellow, you can still save your ZZ plant. Now you know the answer to the common question “why is my ZZ plant turning yellow”, it is time to do some savings. The following are some things you can do to save your ZZ plant.
Daylight
Flourishes in medium to splendid roundabout light. Can endure lower aberrant light. The plant cannot survive when exposed to direct sunlight. You should keep it in a shady area if you plan on putting it on the balcony. Otherwise, indoors offer the best haven for the ZZ plant.
Water
Water each 2-3 weeks, permitting the soil to dry out between waterings. Hope to water all the more frequently in more splendid light and now and again in lower light.
Humidity
Don’t sweat it. ZZ plants don’t need a lot of care to thrive. Average home humidity is fine and it can tolerate dry air. As long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight, then it should survive.
Temperature
Most houseplants incline toward temps in the 65°F-85°F territory (18°C-30°C). It’s best not to release it beneath 60°F (15°C).
Soil
Utilize a well-draining preparing blend. Blend in fixings, for example, perlite or igneous rock to expand soil air circulation as needed.
Will Yellow ZZ Leaves Turn Green Again?
The answer is probably no. Leaves that have become yellow will soon wither and die. However, new shoots will be growing again from your ZZ plant. We recommend that you simply cut the yellow part to encourage your ZZ plants to grow new leaves.
Given the proper watering technique and placing it in the right spot will help prevent the issue from happing again. If your ZZ plant doesn’t recover after doing everything above, there might be a problem in the pot and the rooting system. In this case, you may need to uproot your ZZ plant from its old pot and transfer it.
ZZ Plant Care Yellow Leaves
- Water at the right time. Make was sure that the soil has completely dried before you water your ZZ plant. Remember that it is part of the succulent family and hence, you should follow the same watering tactic as with your succulents.
- Trim away leaflets that have turned yellow as they will not come back to normal. Make sure you cut it at the base of the stem. Once the stem has grown much longer than other items, you need to completely remove it.
- You may want to propagate your ZZ plants to derive various plants from the mother plant. This ensures that you have lots of ZZ plants available in case one dies. Simply separate the rhizome from the main plant. After dividing them successfully, you can plant each rhizome in a separate pot.
- Put fertilizer from April to August. We recommend fertilizers that you can dilute in the water so it goes right to the roots since you are planting inside.
Read more about What Causes Brown Spots On Plant Leaves?
