Some believe that if a small part of the ZZ plant bulb, or more accurately, the ZZ plant rhizome, appears above the soil, it is normal and does not cause a problem for your houseplant. However, this may not be correct and could mislead you.
Partial root bulb exposure may not immediately harm the ZZ plant, but it carries many risks.
Damages of Exposed ZZ plant root bulb
The ZZ plant root bulb without soil can’t maintain the moisture well and dries quickly, so it causes your plant to be an underwatered ZZ plant. In these cases, I saw that the ZZ plant withers and the ZZ plant leaves turn yellow and fall over.
In addition, the root bulb may be damaged by houseplant pests and animals. Even when the weather suddenly becomes very cold or hot, the ZZ plant root bulb has no protection and can easily be destroyed.
Reasons for exposed ZZ plant root bulb
Although everyone asks me about the reason why the ZZ plant root bulbs are exposed, I directly point to overwatering and improper planting depth, but there may be other reasons.
Over time, if you water the ZZ plant too much, the soil around the Bulb will be washed away and then erode. So, the ZZ plant root bulb will be exposed.
If you don’t plant your ZZ plant deeply enough, as it grows, the roots will move, push the Bulb up and be exposed. So, it can be said that the natural growth of the ZZ plant is not unaffected.
In addition, if you put the ZZ plant in the same pot for a long time and don’t change the pot, the soil will be compacted gradually, and this can cause the Bulb to rise above the soil level.
How to treat exposed ZZ plant root bulb
It is very easy: If the problem isn’t with the size of the pot, just cover the exposed bulb with more soil or start repotting the ZZ plant.
Step by step repotting the ZZ plant with an exposed root bulb
1. First of all, you should carefully take the ZZ plant out of the pot and check the root and Bulb.
2. After that, choose a new pot with a slightly larger size that also has a drainage hole. The depth and width of the pot are very important because the size of the ZZ pot can protect the ZZ plant from exposed root bulbs.
3. Then, fill the bottom of the new pot with fresh ZZ plant soil mix with good drainage.
4. Now, put the root bulb in the pot so that it is about 1 to 2 inches below the soil level.
5. Fill around the Bulb with soil and press gently to release the air from the soil.
6. After planting, water the ZZ plant slowly and put it somewhere with indirect light so that the ZZ plant light requirements are well met.
How to prevent exposed ZZ plant root bulb
If you plant your green friend at the proper depth and cover it with enough well-drained soil and water when the soil surface is dry, I promise that your ZZ plant root bulb will never be exposed.
Tip: Be aware that burying the root bulb too deep will limit air circulation and lead to ZZ plant root rot.
I tried to explain everything clearly and simply, but if you still have any questions about the exposed ZZ plant bulb (Rhizome) , feel free to ask me in the comments.
