Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, known as ZZ Plant, is a living thing that you need to know. ZZ plants care to keep your house looking fresh and green. Something that bothers us is how to fix the holes in the leaves of ZZ plants.
To begin with, let me tell you why holes appear in ZZ plant leaves. Physical damage, Fungal Infections, and Overwatering, besides pest attacks that are rare, like aphids, mealybugs, and caterpillars, are the causes that make situations harsh for ZZ plant and then lead to the death of the plant.
So, if you see holes in the leaves of your ZZ plant, I have some useful tips for you.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
You should follow these issues to avoid many possible problems:
– First, keep your plant clean; frankly speaking, fallen leaves, dust, and dirt.
– Second, check the plant about once every two weeks; in this way, you will know about the damages when it is in the first stage, for example, tiny holes, and you will take immediate action to improve it.
– Third, control the area around it; a stable temperature of 65 to 75°F, proper humidity of 40 to 50%, and air circulation play important roles in plant growth. In these cases, I suggest that you get help from digital gauges. Be careful not to place ZZ plants directly in front of the heating and cooling vents of the house.
Timely Treatment
Well, now imagine that you understand that something is wrong. You may have seen holes in the ZZ plant leaves or suspected pests; I guide you on how you can recover them on time.
Cut Dead Leaves off
Pruning ZZ plant makes it focus on the healthy parts, so the disease does not cover the whole ZZ plant.
Cure Diseases With the Help of Nature
If you are looking for something highly-recommended and also safe for nature, you cannot ignore the effect of ladybugs as the main enemy of vermin and neem oil spray. I am satisfied with using them and always recommend them to others.
Remove the Pests by Hand
If it has pests, which is indeed a rare issue, Take a soft cloth and gently wipe the visible pests from the leaves. I usually use mild soap, which is a good way to make sure they are all gone.
Regular Caring
After solving the problem, you should not leave the ZZ plant because the problem may take place again and again. During the life of the plant, pay attention to the following things:
Pleasant Lighting
When you are aware of a ZZ plant’s light requirements, you will help it a lot because if you put it in front of direct light, its leaves will burn, and if the light does not reach it at all, it loses the ability to take care of itself against pests.
The Dos and Don’ts of Watering
Water ZZ plant only when the top inch of soil is dry. Over-watering can create favorable conditions for pest outbreaks and root rot.
Correct Fertilization
Just as when there is not enough fertilization, the growth of your ZZ plant stops; too much of it can also weaken the plant. At the time of buying fertilizer, make sure that it is balanced and slow-release.
Improving the Soil Quality
As it is clear, with proper drainage of the ZZ plant mixture soil, not only can natural sources get in easily, but the water also reaches as much as it needs, and ZZ plant root rot and pest issues don’t happen.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Nowadays, environmentalists for reducing pests without chemicals always say to use nematodes that destroy soil-borne larvae and other pests, and in more severe cases, botanical insecticides like pyrethrin are helpful.
source:
https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/beneficial-nematodes