Black spots on ZZ plants are not always dangerous, and it depends on the location of them. Yes, you heard that right. If you see black spots on the stem of your ZZ plant, it is not a severe problem, but if there are on its leaves, your ZZ plant should be carefully checked and treated immediately.
Now, Join me as I explain everything you need to know about protecting ZZ plants from black spots.
Causes and solutions of black spots on ZZ plant’s leaves
When you see black spots on the leaves, it is better to identify the cause and save your ZZ plant as soon as possible.
Overwatering
The main reason of black spots on the ZZ plant’s leaves is overwatering. When you water your ZZ plant too much, it will suffer from ZZ plant root rot and fungal infection and will show discomfort with black spots on its leaves.
This hardy houseplant is used to dry and prefers its soil to dry between two waterings.
My ZZ plant has never had black spots on its leaves because I constantly water it when the soil surface is dehydrated, use ZZ plant soil mix with proper drainage and also I have never put it in water.
The brutal attack of pests
Spider mites, aphids and mealybugs are pests that eat ZZ plant sap and make the leaves weak. We all know that a weak ZZ plant can’t fight against diseases that cause black spots.
So if you see anything suspicious like webbing, tiny bugs, or sticky residue, treat the infection with an insecticide or neem oil.
Improper light
Although ZZ plants are known for adapting well to low light, if the ZZ plant light requirements are not met for a long time, black spots appear on the leaves.
In my opinion, when you put your ZZ plant in low light, the water does not dry well, and it becomes an overwatered ZZ plant, so prepare at least indirect light for the health of your ZZ plant.
Change of seasons
It is better to change the ZZ plant care routine according to the change of seasons. When the weather is cold, due to the lack of light, the growth of the ZZ plant goes down and it leads to black spots on the ZZ plant leaves.
Unsuitable air circulation
Suppose you place the ZZ plant where it does not have good air circulation. In that case, you will encourage it to get a fungal infection, and black spots will become guests on the leaves of your beautiful ZZ plant.
Environmental stress
A sudden change in temperature, light and humidity stresses your ZZ plant and may cause black spots on its leaves.
Causes and solutions of black spots on the ZZ plant’s stem
Black spots on the stems of the ZZ plant are not so alarming and have several causes.
If your ZZ plant is suddenly moved, old, physically damaged, or even exposed to direct sunlight, it will become angry and black spots will appear on its stems.
In such cases, treatment is usually not necessary. Just take care of it as usual.
Treatment of black spots on ZZ plants
If there are black spots on the leaves, first separate the damaged ZZ plant from other plants in your home, and then use clean and sterilized scissors to trim the infected leaves from the base, discard them properly, and apply fungicide to the ZZ plant. In this way, you do not allow the disease to cover the whole ZZ plant.
After removing the leaves, you should carefully check the main problem with your ZZ plant. With the explanations that I mentioned before, this is not very difficult.
Tip: If you don’t have access to fungicide, go to the kitchen. A mixture of baking soda and water or a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution works like a miracle. Spray it on the leaves and get rid of the fungus.
Suppose this time, the black spots are on the ZZ plant’s stems. If You are asking me, I should say that If the black spots are few, take care of them as usual, but if they are increasing day by day, the ZZ plant is wilted, and its stems are soft, you should start repotting ZZ plant in fresh soil, less watering and helping it improve with indirect light.
If you have any questions about the black spots on the stem or leaves of the ZZ plant, ask me in the comments.
