Everyone worries about seeing yellow or brown ZZ plant leaves. Here, we check the causes of yellowing leaves and treat our ZZ plant by solving the yellow leaves problem.
Reasons for ZZ plant’s yellow leaves
Poor watering
First of all, it is important to know that the yellowing of the leaves of the ZZ plant has several reasons, mainly due to overwatering. So, if the leaves of your ZZ plant have turned yellow, you likely overwatered it.
The key point of watering is checking the ZZ plant soil surface moisture. When the top inch of the soil is dry, it’s time to water.
Now, suppose you water the ZZ plant too much. In that case, you should let the ZZ plant soil mix dry out. Conversely, if you forget to water your houseplant and it becomes an underwatered ZZ plant, water it well and let the extra water drain out of the holes in the houseplant pot.
Improper lighting
The ZZ plant typically prefers low to medium, otherwise the color of the ZZ plant’s leaves will change.
If mean, if direct light shines on the ZZ plant for a long time, its leaves will burn and turn yellow or brown.
If you put your ZZ plant in a completely dark place for a long time, its leaves will turn yellow.
I place my ZZ plant somewhere with indirect or filtered sunlight, like near a north or east-facing window.
Root rot
A ZZ plant with root rot, in addition to the mushy, black and smelly roots, its leaves also turn yellow.
Please start repotting ZZ plant, cut the damaged roots with sterilized scissors, and place it in fresh, well-drained soil.
Pest problem
Another cause of yellowing leaves of ZZ plants is pests such as spider mites. These uninvited guests take the moisture of the ZZ plant and cause the leaves to turn yellow and create small spots.
For treatment, I suggest insecticidal soap or neem oil. Be sure to read the instructions before use.
Lack of nutrients
Although not very common, I have seen ZZ plants with yellow leaves because they lack nutrients. So, during the growing season, which usually lasts from spring to summer, give enough ZZ a balanced houseplant fertilizer according to the instructions on the package.
Treatment of yellowing ZZ plant
For treatment, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to pick the yellow leaves at the base and make it look tidy, which helps the growth of the health. Then, by checking factors such as watering, ZZ plant light requirements, humidity, and ZZ plant health, you can find the problem and solve it.
In the end, go on caring of the ZZ plant regularly so the leaves do not turn yellow again.
Treatment time for yellowing ZZ plant leaves
Remaining the ZZ plant’s yellow leaves takes a lot of time. Depending on how severe the ZZ plant’s problem is and how you take care of it, treating the ZZ plant yellow leaves can take a few weeks to a few months.
So be patient and bring your ZZ plant with yellow leaves back to life.
Seasons of ZZ plants leaves turning yellow
The yellow leaves of the ZZ plant are most visible in autumn and winter. The low light, cool air, and humidity inside the house put pressure on the ZZ plant, which turns its leaves yellow.
Brown leaves in ZZ plants
Some people believe that the browning of ZZ plant leaves has the same reasons as their yellowing. But if you check them carefully, you will understand they are different. If the ZZ plant gets direct sunburn, suffers physical damage, or is kept in a dry place for a long time, the color of the leaves will turn brown.
Obviously, the treatment method is the same for both. Just follow the steps I explained.
If you have any questions about the yellowing or browning of the ZZ plant, feel free to ask in the comments.
Hi Marco,
I am so happy I came by your post.
I got my first ZZ plant in March. I have been trying to care for it. Right now I have it on a shelf by my window which is west facing. A couple of the leaves have turned yellow and a couple other leaves are yellow on the tip. For watering purposes, I watered my plant the week of April 29 and then I watered it again today (5/21) as it was dry. I would leave my blinds open but with my blackout curtains covering most of the light. Will it be beneficial to keep the curtain and blinds closed while I’m at work and then open them up around 4pm so it gets sunlight while the sun is going down? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!
Hi dear Alexis,
it’s my pleasure.
Try to ensure that during the day, the plant receives medium and indirect light. Avoid making the environment too dark or too bright. If the place where you live lacks humidity or is very hot, reduce the intervals between waterings. Make sure the plant is placed where there is good air circulation. One thing I forgot to mention: before anything else, prune the yellow leaves.