Learn why your ZZ plant drooping and how to fix it. This article explores the main causes of droopy ZZ plants including underwatering, overwatering, low humidity, too much sun, pests, and improper repotting.
Get tips to properly care for your ZZ plant by providing even moisture, indirect light, ideal temperatures, and more. Find out what to do if your ZZ plant is severely wilted or has yellow, curling leaves. Discover when drooping can be fatal and if ZZ plan
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a popular and easy to care for houseplant known for its shiny green leaves and thick potato-like stems or rhizomes. ZZ plants are native to eastern Africa and grow well indoors with minimal care.
However, ZZ plants may start drooping – where the stems and leaves start to wilt, bend down, and look limp. This is usually a sign that something is wrong and the plant is stressed. Read on to learn the main reasons why ZZ plants droop and what you can do to revive your plant.
More ZZ plant topics
ZZ Plant Propagation is Super Easy – Here’s How to Do It
The Raven ZZ Plant: The Must-Have Houseplant Trend
Discover Chameleon ZZ Plant: A Colorful Wonder
Main Causes of ZZ Plant Drooping
There are several possible causes of a droopy ZZ plant, most related to improper care. Here are the most common reasons ZZ plant stems and leaves start drooping:
Underwatering
Not watering enough is the most common reason ZZ plants start to wilt. ZZ plants should be watered about once every 2-3 weeks, when the top few inches of soil become dry. Underwatering causes the stems and leaves to droop and shrivel.
Overwatering
While ZZ plants don’t need frequent watering, overwatering can also cause drooping. Too much moisture prevents the roots from getting enough oxygen. Well-draining soil and proper watering habits prevent overwatering issues.
Low Humidity
ZZ plants prefer average room humidity around 50-60%. In very dry indoor air, ZZ plant leaves can start to curl or droop at the tips from lack of moisture. Grouping plants together or using a humidifier can boost humidity.
Too Much Sun
Direct hot sunlight can scorch ZZ plant leaves, causing them to yellow, droop, and curl. Provide bright, indirect light instead by placing ZZ plants near an east or west-facing window. Keep plants out of midday sun.
Pests or Diseases
Pests like mealybugs and diseases like root rot can weaken ZZ plants. Inspect plants regularly and treat any infestations. Isolate-affected plants to prevent spreading.
Repotting Stress
ZZ plants don’t like having their roots disturbed. Repotting into a larger container can shock the plant while it re-establishes its roots, causing temporary drooping.
Temperature Stress
Exposure to extreme cold or hot temperatures can also cause ZZ plant leaves to droop and plants to go dormant. Keep ZZ plants between 65-80°F for best growth.
Solutions and Prevention
If your ZZ plant is drooping, review its care and make adjustments:
Properly Water
Water ZZ plants only when the top several inches of soil are dry. Stick to a schedule of watering every 2-3 weeks. Underwatered plants need more frequent watering. Overwatered ZZ plants should be allowed to dry out.
Increase Humidity
Use a humidifier, group plants together, or place pots on pebble trays to provide more moisture in the air if humidity is low. Mist ZZ plant leaves occasionally.
Provide the Right Light
Move ZZ plants so they receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight but are protected from hot direct sun which can scorch leaves.
Inspect and Treat Pests/Diseases
Check for signs of pests and root rot. Remove bugs with insecticidal soap. Cut off dead roots and repot in fresh soil to treat disease.
Avoid Temperature Extremes
Keep ZZ plants between 65-80°F and avoid drafts from vents, windows and doors. Move plants away from hot radiators or cold outdoor areas.
Repot Carefully
Only repot when the ZZ plant is rootbound, using a container just 1-2 inches larger. Water sparingly after repotting while it recovers.
Fertilize Occasionally
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength once a month in the spring and summer when actively growing.
When to Be Concerned
Mild drooping of a ZZ plant usually recovers with improved care but severe or prolonged drooping can indicate bigger problems:
Severe/Prolonged Wilting
If the ZZ plant stems and leaves are severely drooped, shriveled, and curled inward, or drooping lasts for weeks, it is likely very dehydrated from a bad case of under or overwatering. The roots may be damaged.
Yellowing Leaves
In addition to drooping, if many leaves are becoming yellow or brown, it could indicate overwatering, disease, pests or insufficient sunlight.
Dead Stems
If entire stems have turned brown or black and died, root rot from overwatering is likely to blame. The plant may be too far gone to recover.
Conclusion
ZZ plants are easy to grow but prone to drooping if given improper care, especially inadequate watering. Provide even, consistent moisture, medium light and humidity, and proper temperatures to prevent most instances of a droopy ZZ plant. Catch problems early and improve care before drooping becomes too severe and the ZZ plant dies. With the right conditions, most stressed ZZ plants can bounce back and thrive again!
FAQs
Is drooping fatal?
Mild drooping can often be corrected but severe, prolonged drooping may be fatal if the roots have rotted from overwatering or the plant is extremely dehydrated.
How often to water ZZs?
Water ZZ plants only when the top several inches of soil become dry, about every 2-3 weeks on average. Underwatered ZZ plants need more frequent watering.
Can ZZs recover from drooping?
ZZ plants can often recover from mild drooping if given improved care, proper moisture and time to stabilize. But severe drooping may be irreversible.
Should I mist my ZZ plant?
Occasional misting of ZZ plant leaves can provide extra humidity. But take care not to get water on the stems or soil which can lead to rot.
What soil and pot for ZZs?
Use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix, not soil that stays wet. Add perlite or gravel to improve drainage. Terra cotta pots pull moisture from the soil.