If your ZZ plant has yellow leaves, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right. While ZZ plants are known for being tough and low-maintenance, they can still run into issues that cause their normally green leaves to discolor.
So what’s causing the yellowing – and how can you fix it to keep your plant healthy?
Let’s go over the most common reasons and what you can do to bring your ZZ plant back to life.
Table of Contents
Easy ZZ Plant Care Guide 💚
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💧 Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. ZZ plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to stay on the dry side - overwatering can lead to root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix - I personally use this potting mix. A mix with sand or perlite, like this one, ensures the soil doesn’t hold excess water.
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but ZZ plants are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in low light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep your ZZ plant in a room between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They handle most indoor conditions well but don’t like extreme cold.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, balanced fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) every 2-3 months during spring and summer. Skip feeding in fall and winter.
Why Does My ZZ Plant Have Yellow Leaves?
ZZ plant care isn’t tricky, in general, although yellow leaves on your ZZ plant can be concerning. This issue often stems from a few common causes or natural aging processes. Understanding these factors will help you maintain a healthy, vibrant ZZ plant.
Common Causes
Overwatering is a frequent culprit behind yellowing ZZ plant leaves. These plants prefer dry conditions and can’t tolerate soggy soil.
Check the soil moisture before watering – it should be dry to the touch. Poor drainage can also lead to waterlogged roots and yellow leaves.
Insufficient light might also cause your ZZ plant’s leaves to turn yellow. While they tolerate low light, too little can stress the plant. Move it to a brighter spot, but avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Nutrient deficiencies, particularly lack of nitrogen, can result in yellow leaves. Feed your ZZ plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season – you can see my favorite one for this plant below.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
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The best fertilizer for ZZ Plants, delivering nutrients that encourage steady, low-maintenance growth. Helps keep leaves glossy and strong with no risk of overfeeding
Pest infestations, though rare, can cause yellowing. Check for small insects or webbing on the leaves and stems and, if you spot any, take action as soon as possible before it gets out of control.
How to Get Rid of Pests on Your Houseplants
If you notice pests on your indoor plants, follow these steps to tackle the problem before it gets worse:
- Start with manual removal – For minor infestations, wipe leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or rinse the plant under lukewarm water to remove pests by hand.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap – If pests persist, treat your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap (those are my preferred ones!), both of which target common houseplant pests without harming your plant.
- Apply a houseplant-safe pesticide – For severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, use a broad-spectrum pesticide designed for indoor plants to eliminate stubborn pests – I use this pesticide for tough infestations.
By acting quickly and using the right treatments, you can keep your houseplants pest-free and thriving!
Natural Aging Process
It’s normal for older ZZ plant leaves to turn yellow and drop off. This is part of the plant’s natural growth cycle. Lower leaves often yellow and fall as the plant directs energy to new growth.
Don’t worry if you see a few yellow leaves near the base of your ZZ plant. As long as new growth looks healthy, this is just the plant shedding old foliage.
If yellowing is limited to older leaves and your plant is otherwise thriving, it’s likely just natural aging. Continue your regular care routine and enjoy your ZZ plant’s growth.
How to Avoid Yellow Leaves on ZZ Plants?
Preventing yellow leaves on ZZ plants requires attention to watering, lighting, and humidity. By addressing these key factors, you can maintain healthy, vibrant foliage and promote strong growth.
Proper Watering Techniques
ZZ plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of yellow leaves.
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For this reason, water your ZZ plant only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent water from sitting around the roots.
During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows down. Always empty the saucer under the pot after watering to avoid water accumulation. If you’re unsure, it’s better to underwater than overwater your ZZ plant.
And remember, if you’re growing a ZZ plant in water, you’ll need to keep an even closer eye on this point.
Adequate Lighting Conditions
ZZ plants thrive in moderate to low light conditions. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf yellowing and scorching.
Place your plant in a spot with bright, indirect light for optimal growth. A north or east-facing window is ideal.
If you notice your ZZ plant’s leaves turning yellow and it’s near a window, try moving it a few feet away. In low light areas, rotate the plant regularly to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure. Avoid sudden changes in light conditions, as this can stress the plant.
Optimal Humidity Levels
ZZ plants aren’t particularly fussy about humidity, but they appreciate moderate levels. Extremely dry air can cause leaf tips to yellow and brown.
Aim for humidity levels between 40-50% for best results. To increase humidity, you can:
- Group plants together
- Use a pebble tray filled with water
- Run a humidifier nearby
Misting isn’t recommended for ZZ plants, as it can lead to fungal issues. If your home is very dry, especially during winter months with heating, consider using a humidifier to maintain stable moisture levels in the air.
How to Fix Yellowing Leaves on ZZ Plants
Yellowing leaves on ZZ plants often indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Adjusting your watering habits and addressing nutritional needs can help restore your plant’s health. Proper care will prevent further yellowing and promote new green growth.
Signs of Overwatering
Check the soil moisture before watering your ZZ plant. If it’s still damp, hold off on watering.
Remember that these plants prefer to dry out between waterings. Reduce your watering frequency, especially during winter when growth slows down.
Look for other signs of overwatering like soft, mushy stems or a foul odor from the soil. If you notice these, you’ll need to take action quickly.
Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Trim away any brown, mushy roots with clean scissors.
Repot your ZZ plant in fresh, well-draining soil, like my preferred one for ZZ plants below. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix
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The best soil for ZZ Plants, made to support their low-maintenance nature. Well-draining and nutrient-rich, it helps prevent soggy roots while keeping your ZZ plant strong and healthy
Water less frequently going forward, allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Indications of Nutrient Deficiency
ZZ plants don’t need frequent fertilizing, but they do benefit from occasional feeding. If you haven’t fertilized in a while, yellowing leaves might signal a nutrient deficiency.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply the fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer).
Don’t fertilize in fall and winter when growth slows down. Over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good, so stick to the recommended dosage.
If your plant’s soil is old, it might be lacking nutrients. Consider repotting in fresh potting mix every 2-3 years. This will provide your ZZ plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive and maintain its lush green color.
How ZZ Plants Can Recover From Yellowing Leaves
ZZ plants can bounce back from yellowing leaves with proper care adjustments. Identifying the root cause and taking targeted action will help your plant regain its vibrant green color. Quick intervention is key to preventing further damage and promoting healthy growth.
Adjusting Care Routine
Start by checking your watering habits. ZZ plants prefer to dry out between waterings, so cut back if you’ve been overwatering.
Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Improve drainage by adding perlite to the soil mix or repotting in a container with drainage holes.
Next, assess light conditions. Move your plant to a brighter spot if it’s not getting enough light, but avoid direct sunlight.
ZZ plants thrive in moderate, indirect light. Clean the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength. Don’t fertilize in winter when growth slows down.
When to Seek Professional Help
If adjusting care doesn’t improve your ZZ plant’s condition after a few weeks, it’s time to consult an expert. Look for a local nursery or garden center with knowledgeable staff who can diagnose specific issues.
Consider reaching out if you notice signs of pest infestation, such as small bugs or sticky residue on leaves. These problems may require specialized treatments.
Fungal infections, indicated by brown or black spots on leaves, also warrant professional advice.
A plant specialist can guide you on how to test your soil pH and nutrient levels to pinpoint any deficiencies. They might recommend specific tweaks to your care routine or treatments to address underlying issues affecting your ZZ plant’s health.