ZZ plants are known for their thick, glossy green leaves that turn a beautiful rich shade of dark purple. However, sometimes the leaves will start to turn brown and dry out. This article will explore why this happens and what you can do about it!
why ZZ plant leaves turning brown?
A stressful situation can cause ZZ plant leaves to brown. If you notice any indications of pest damage or dryness, the leaves may begin dying off early. A brownish discoloration on the top surface of a leaf indicates a lack of sunlight exposure, whereas yellowing and drooping indicate overwatering.
This isn’t as much of a concern as the browning that occurs on stressed ZZ plants. Brown spots can develop if leaves are exposed to direct sunlight, and tiny holes may appear due to insect damage— especially spider mites.
If your ZZ plant is suffering from any of the above, there are some simple things you can do to fix it.
How to get rid of brown leaves on my ZZ plant?
It’s a common question which people ask when they first purchase their ZZ plant. Brown leaves on the ZZ plant are normal and will happen to your plant from time to time, but they can be prevented.
To get rid of brown leaves on your ZZ plant, you need to follow these easy steps:
Don’t Overwater your plant
Brown leaves on the ZZ plant are usually caused by overwatering. Make sure to water your ZZ plant regularly, but keep in mind that this doesn’t mean it needs more than an occasional watering every week or two weeks depending on how hot and dry it is where you live.
Keep your ZZ Plant’s Pot Dry. Once you water your ZZ plant, make sure to drain the excess water from its pot. This will prevent the roots from rotting, which can lead to brown leaves on your ZZ plant.
Keep in mind that if you water it less frequently and provide a humid environment for your ZZ Plant, it may produce new growth with smaller leaves instead of losing its existing ones.
Also, keep eye on underwatering
With a lack of water, the ZZ plant’s leaves turn brown and fall off. You can avoid this problem by keeping your eye on how often you water it, as well as the humidity level of its environment.
If you live in a dry area or forget to water your ZZ Plant regularly, make sure that there is enough moisture at the roots for them to absorb.
The brown leaf tips on your ZZ plant are also a result of underwatering. If the roots have been allowed to dry for too long, they will die and secrete a substance that causes leaves around them to turn yellow and drop off. Just add water.
it’s beneficial if you let the top half-inch of soil dry out before watering.
You should also try to let the top half-inch of soil dry out between waterings, as this is beneficial for your ZZ plant’s health. But how do you know if it needs water?
One way is by testing its weight. If you pick up your potted ZZ Plant and its pot feels lighter than normal, it’s time to water.
If you notice that your ZZ plant has a lot of long, yellow leaves in addition to brown ones at the tips, this is also a sign that your plant needs more watering.
Take a look at water quality
Water quality can also be a factor in brown leaves on your ZZ plant. If you have hard water, it may deposit mineral salts onto the surface of the soil or even at the tips of its leaves.
These minerals block moisture from entering inside the plant’s roots and are toxic to them if they remain for too long, leading to brown leaves on your ZZ plant.
You may be able to get rid of the problem by changing watering habits, but it’s best if you take measures to prevent hard water from damaging your houseplant in the first place.
Try using distilled or filtered water instead, as these types don’t contain any minerals that can damage your ZZ plant.
You can also try increasing the amount of peat moss in your potting soil, which will help filter out any impurities from the water before it reaches your ZZ plant’s roots.
Fertilize sparingly
You should fertilize only when you notice that its leaves are slightly smaller than usual, as fertilizing can cause your ZZ plant to produce new leaves. But you should only do this once every three months or so.
If all else fails and brown tips are still plaguing your ZZ Plant, it may be time for a repotting session.
Maintain a minimum humidity
The humidity level in your ZZ plant’s environment is another factor. Brown leaves on the ZZ plant can be a sign that it isn’t getting enough water, but they can also indicate too much moisture around its roots. If you notice brown tips or yellowing at the bottom of some leaves, this often means that your ZZ plant is dehydrated.
To increase the humidity around your ZZ plant, place its pot on top of a tray filled with gravel and water. This should help raise the level of moisture in the air surrounding it.
You can also keep humidity by regularly misting them with water. This will prevent your ZZ plant’s leaves from becoming overly moist, which can cause brown leaf tips and damage its health over time.
For a short amount of time, you can move your ZZ plant to the bathroom for a good humidity boost. Just be sure to return it to its original location afterward, as the humidity levels in bathrooms are often too high for houseplants.
Also, if there’s too much humidity around its roots, this can lead to root rot and leave brown leaves on the ZZ Plant as well. Try giving it lighter or placing it by a fan or air conditioning unit for better ventilation. You should also remove any humidifiers from nearby during the winter, as this is its dormant season.
sure it isn’t cold or drafty
The temperature in your ZZ plant’s environment can also be a factor. Brown leaves on the ZZ Plant may be caused by cold temperatures or drafty areas, as this will cause its leaves to dry out quickly and eventually drop off.
So make sure that your house is warm enough for it. Try to place it on warm, sunny windowsills during the winter if you don’t have artificial heaters to keep it warm.
you can also try moving your ZZ Plant closer to a heater.
If you follow the above guidelines, you should be able to prevent brown leaves on your ZZ Plant.
Read this one if your ZZ plant having black spots problem on it leaves and stems.
