Zz plants are known for being tough, drought-resistant houseplants. However, they can still suffer from overwatering or underwatering. If your zz plant is looking wilted or yellowed, it may be overwatered.
Conversely, if the leaves are brown and crispy, it may be underwatered. Here are some tips on how to save an overwatered or underwatered zz plant.
Table of Contents
How I saved an overwatered Zzplant with updates
- Water your Zz plant deeply, but less often to avoid overwatering
- Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering again
- Inspect your plant regularly for signs of overwatering or underwatering, such as wilting leaves or yellowing leaves
- If your plant is wilting, it may be underwatered
- Try increasing the frequency of watering slightly and see if this helps revive your plant
- If your plant’s leaves are yellowing, it may be overwatered
- Try decreasing the frequency of watering slightly and allowing the topsoil to dry out more between waterings
Overwatered Vs Underwatered Zz Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, or the “ZZ plant” as it’s commonly known, is a tough and resilient houseplant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. However, even this tough plant can suffer if it’s overwatered or underwatered. So how can you tell if your ZZ plant is getting too much or too little water?
Overwatered ZZ Plants
An overwatered ZZ plant will usually have yellowing leaves and soft, mushy stems. If you think your plant might be overwatered, feel the soil around the roots – if it feels soggy or wet then it’s probably time to cut back on watering.
Overwatering is the most common cause of death for ZZ plants so it’s important to catch it early.
Underwatered ZZ Plants
On the other hand, an underwatered ZZ plant will have dry, brown leaves and stems that are crispy to the touch.
If you think your plant might be underwated, check the soil – if it feels dry several inches down then it’s time to give your plant a good drink. Don’t let your ZZ plant get too dried out though as this can also lead to death.
What Does Zz Plant Root Rot Look Like
If you notice that your zz plant’s leaves are yellowing, wilting, or drooping, it is likely suffering from root rot. Root rot is a serious issue that can kill your plant if left untreated. The first step to treating root rot is to identify the problem.
Here’s what you need to know about root rot in zz plants and how to treat it.
Root rot is caused by too much water around the roots of the plant. This can be due to overwatering, poor drainage, or sitting in water (such as in a saucer).
The first sign of root rot is usually yellowing or wilting leaves. If you see these signs, check the roots of your plant. If they are mushy or blackened, this is a sure sign of root rot.
If you think your plant has root rot, it’s important to act quickly. Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. If they are blackened or mushy, trim them away until you find healthy white ones.
Then replant the zz plant in fresh potting mix and be sure to provide good drainage. Water only when the soil is dry to touch – don’t overwater!
Zz Plant Leaves Curling
The zz plant, also known as the zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a common houseplant that is known for its easy care. The zz plant is a succulent that is native to Africa, and it grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The zz plant has glossy, dark green leaves that are arranged in pairs on stem-like branches.
The zz plant gets its name from its Z-shaped leaves. The zz plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The zz plant is an evergreen, meaning it will keep its leaves all year round.
One of the most common problems with the zz plant is leaf curling. Leaf curling can be caused by several different things, including pests, humidity, or even temperature changes. If you notice your zz plant’s leaves starting to curl, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.
One way to help prevent leaf curling is to make sure your plant is getting enough water. The soil around your zz plant should be kept moist but not soggy. Allowing the soil to dry out completely can cause the leaves to curl.
Another way to help prevent leaf curling is by keeping your plants in an environment with consistent temperatures. Sudden changes in temperature can cause the leaves of your plants to curl as well.
Zz Plant Yellow Leaves
If you’re like me, you love your plants. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, they don’t always look their best. Take the ZZ plant, for example.
This tough little guy is pretty resilient and can tolerate a lot of neglect. But even the ZZ plant can suffer from yellow leaves if something is off with its environment.
There are a few reasons why your ZZ plant’s leaves might turn yellow.
It could be due to too much or too little water, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients. Let’s take a closer look at each of these possibilities:
Too Much Water: If you’re giving your ZZ plant too much water, the roots will start to rot and the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.
To avoid this, make sure you only water your plant when the top inch or so of soil is dry to the touch. And be sure to empty any excess water from the saucer after watering so that your plant isn’t sitting in wetness for long periods of time.
Too Little Water: On the other hand, if you’re not giving your ZZ plant enough water, the leaves will start to brown and curl up at the edges.
Again, make sure you’re only watering when needed – when that top inch of soil is dry – but don’t let your plant completely dry out either. A good rule of thumb is to water every 7-10 days or so.
Poor Drainage: If your pot doesn’t have proper drainage holes (or if they become blocked), excess water can build up around the roots and cause problems such as root rot or fungal diseases.
As with too much watering above, this can lead to yellowing leaves as well as leaf drop. Be sure to check your pot regularly to make sure those drainage holes are clear!
Lack Of Nutrients: All plants need nutrients (usually in the form of fertilizer) in order for them to grow properly and stay healthy.
If your ZZ plant isn’t getting enough nutrients, it may start to show signs such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth . You can fertilize yourplant once every month or two using a balanced fertilizer diluted by half . Just be careful not over-fertilize , which can also cause problems such as burning the roots or causing leaf drop .
Healthy Zz Plant
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for houseplant, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a great option. Native to Africa, this tough little plant can tolerate just about any kind of neglect, including low light, infrequent watering, and poor soil. In fact, the ZZ plant is so tough that it’s often used as a “filler” plant in commercial landscapes.
The ZZ plant grows slowly and usually only reaches about 2 or 3 feet tall at maturity. Its thick, fleshy leaves are dark green with glossy surfaces. The leaf shape is unique among houseplants, sort of like a miniature palm tree.
Although the ZZ plant doesn’t produce flowers indoors, it does produce small flower buds that may open if the plant is moved outdoors for a summer vacation.
ZZ plants are not poisonous to people or pets, making them a safe choice for homes with small children or animals. However, the sap from broken leaves can cause skin irritation in some people so it’s best to wear gloves when handling this plant.
If you’re looking for an indestructible houseplant that will thrive on neglect, the ZZ plant is a good option. With its glossy green leaves and unique form, it’s also an attractive addition to your indoor décor.
Credit: gardenforindoor.com
How Do You Save an Underwater Zz Plant?
If your ZZ plant is wilting, its leaves are turning yellow, and it looks overall unhealthy, then it may be time to give it a little TLC. If you think your ZZ plant is suffering from too much or too little water, the first step is to check the soil. Is the soil dry?
If so, then your plant needs more water. If the soil is soggy or mushy, then your plant has been overwatered and you’ll need to take steps to improve drainage and reduce watering frequency.
Once you’ve determined how much water your ZZ plant needs, you can start working on saving it.
If the roots are healthy but the leaves are wilted, try giving the plant a thorough watering and see if that does the trick. If the problem is more severe and the roots are rotting, then you’ll need to repot your ZZ plant in fresh potting mix. Be sure to use a well-draining pot and avoid over watering in future.
With proper care, your ZZ plant should soon recover and be back to its usual self!
Can a Plant Recover from Being Overwatered?
Yes, a plant can recover from being overwatered. However, it is important to note that too much water can cause root rot, which can permanently damage the plant. If you believe your plant has been overwatered, there are a few things you can do to help it recover.
First, remove the plant from its pot and check the roots for signs of root rot. If any of the roots appear black or brown, they are likely rotten and will need to be removed. Cut away any affected roots with a sharp knife and replant the healthy roots in fresh soil.
Next, water your plant sparingly for a few weeks while it recovers. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again. Once the plant has recovered, you can resume watering as normal.
How Long Does It Take for an Overwatered Plant to Heal?
If you’ve overwatered your plant, don’t despair. It is possible to save it. Here’s what you need to do:
First, stop watering the plant. Allow the soil to dry out completely before giving the plant any more water. This will give the roots a chance to recover from being waterlogged.
Next, check the root system of the plant. If the roots are mushy or rotten, they will need to be removed. Cut away any damaged roots with a sharp knife, being careful not to damage healthy roots in the process.
Once you’ve removed damaged roots, replant the plant in fresh potting mix and water it sparingly until it recovers. With proper care, your overwatered plant should make a full recovery within a few weeks.
What Does Underwatered Zz Plant Look Like?
An underwatered ZZ plant will have leaves that are wilted, yellowing, and drooping. The stems may also be weak and limp. If you think your ZZ plant is underwatered, check the soil to see if it is dry.
If the soil is dry, water your plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Conclusion
If you have an overwatered or underwatered ZZ plant, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to save your plant. If your plant is overwatered, the first thing you should do is remove it from the water and allow the soil to dry out completely.
Once the soil is dry, you can replant your ZZ plant in fresh, well-draining potting mix. If your plant is underwatered, simply water it deeply and regularly until it recovers.
