Root Rot in ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is one of the most resilient houseplants available
ZZ Plant care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to root rot in ZZ Plant. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in ZZ Plant
Leaves yellow and drop, sometimes with whole stems collapsing, and the rhizome feels soft and mushy rather than firm when checked.
Common causes in ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant's rhizomes store water and are highly vulnerable to rot if kept moist — root rot here almost always results from watering more often than the recommended every 2–4 weeks.
How to diagnose root rot in ZZ Plant
Remove plant from pot. Healthy roots are white/tan and firm. Rotted roots are brown/black and mushy.
How to treat root rot in ZZ Plant
Remove the plant, cut away all mushy rhizome and root tissue with a sterilised blade, and repot the healthy sections into fresh, well-draining mix. Withhold water for at least a week.
Preventing root rot in ZZ Plant
Water only every 2–4 weeks once soil is completely dry, and use a well-draining potting or cactus mix with a pot that has drainage holes.