Why Are My ZZ Plant's Leaves Turning Yellow? 5 Possible Reasons and How to Fix It

Ashlyn Needham
·5 min read

Plus how to get the green color back.

<p>dugwy39 / Shutterstock</p>

dugwy39 / Shutterstock

Are you noticing a discoloration to your once healthy ZZ plant? Yellow leaves on a ZZ plant is most often caused by overwatering the soil, but there are a few other conditions that lead to this unappealing look as well.

We spoke to a plant and lawn care expert for their advice in causes of yellowing leaves on a ZZ plant and how to restore your houseplant's color to its former glory.



Meet The Expert

Gene Caballero is the founder of GreenPal, a lawn care service company available nation wide.



Why Your ZZ Plant Is Turning Yellow

"ZZ plants are known for their hardiness but yellow leaves can still arise due to a few common issues," Caballero says. We found the top five leading causes for ZZ plants leaves yellowing so you can quickly address the issue.

Overwatering

Overwatering is the number one reason why your ZZ plant may have yellow leaves. If you give your plant too much water and it sits in soil that's soaking wet, it's likely to develop root rot, which leads to the yellowing leaves. Root rot keeps the plant from absorbing the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, and keeps the plant drowning.

While yellow leaves are a dead giveaway your plant is dealing with root rot, here are other signs to look for as you inspect the plant for this disease:

  • Mushy stems

  • Smelly, wet soil

  • Dark or soft roots

Underwatering

On the other hand, too little water can also lead to the discolored leaves.

"While drought-tolerant, prolonged dryness can stress the plant," says Caballero. Water a ZZ plant deeply once the plant's soil is mostly, but not completely, dry. Stick your finger in the soil to assess dryness.

Direct Sunlight

Though all plants need sunlight to grow healthy and strong, not all plants love to be in the direct path of said sunlight. Placing a ZZ plant in direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to turn yellow then burn.

Caballero advises keeping ZZ plants in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east-, south-, or west-facing window should be fine as long as you have a sheer curtain to diffuse any direct sunlight shining in.

Nutrient Deficiency

"Occasionally, yellowing may indicate a lack of essential nutrients, usually nitrogen," warns Caballero. "An all-purpose, balanced houseplant fertilizer applied in the growing season can help."

Yellow leaves on a ZZ plant cause by nutrient deficiency can look one of four ways:

  • Nitrogen deficiency: old leaves turn yellow.

  • Potassium deficiency: yellow edges around leaves.

  • Magnesium deficiency: old leaves develop yellow veins.

  • Iron deficiency: new leaves turn yellow.

Once you spot the nutrient deficiency your plant is experiencing, you can find the right fertilizer as a quick fix.

Bacteria or Pests

ZZ plants are prone to the occasional fungus or pest invasion that can lead to yellow leaves. Most of the diseases a ZZ plant could develop come from overwatering and the excess moisture. A common sign of bacteria or diseases taking over your ZZ plant is dark brown and yellow spots on your leaves.

Mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites are the most common pests your ZZ plant can see from time to time. Once they begin to feed on the plant and suck the plant sap you'll begin to notice the discoloration and yellowing leaves as a result of the pest damage.

5 Remedies for Yellowing Leaves on ZZ Plant

Now that you know the leading causes for a ZZ plant's yellow leaves, here are five remedies for keeping healthy, green stems:

  • Watering: Only water a ZZ plant once the soil has mostly (but not completely) dried out.

  • Light: Place a ZZ plant in bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours every day.

  • Fertilizer: If you notice yellowing due to nutrient deficiency, spot the type of missing nutrient before administering a fertilizer.

  • Bacteria: Remove the plant from the pot before cutting away dark, squishy material from the root or plant. Spray with two parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide before letting the plant dry off a little bit and repotting in a clean pot with fresh soil.

  • Pests: Use mild soap and water to remove any plants or insects from the plant. A spray from a removable showerhead often does the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an overwatered ZZ plant look like?

An overwatered ZZ plant has leaves that are yellowing and falling off from the bottom of the stem up and a mushy brown stem. You will also know if the plant is overwatered by the feel of the soil. If the soil is sopping wet, it's overwatered.

Can yellow leaves turn green again?

Sadly, most ZZ plants' yellow leaves will not turn green again if you're dealing with a water, light, or pest and bacteria issue. Though once you fix the problem, you shouldn't get any more yellow leaves. Yellow leaves from nutrient deficiencies may turn yellow again with fertilizer treatment.

How do I get my ZZ plant green again?

To revive a ZZ plant, try drying the plant out if it's overwatered before repotting into a planter with great drainage, or moving the plant into a more shaded area. Taking good care of a ZZ plant will ensure new, green growth.

Read Next: 10 Reasons Why Outdoor Plant Leaves Turn Yellow

Read the original article on The Spruce.