Why your ZZ plant is turning yellow and how to fix it

The zamioculcas, known as the ZZ plant, has become incredibly popular recently. Its elegant leaves and low maintenance make it an ideal decoration for both homes and offices. Moreover, the zamioculcas thrives in various conditions, making it a favourite among beginners in the world of houseplants.

Not everyone knows how easy it is to grow this plant. You just need to provide it with a few basic conditions to enjoy healthy, green leaves all year round. Therefore, it's worth exploring care tips for zamioculcas to fully utilize its aesthetic and practical benefits.

The right spot for the zamioculcas is key to its proper growth. This plant thrives best in well-lit areas but away from direct sunlight, which can cause burns on its leaves. For this reason, partial shade or diffused light is ideal for the zamioculcas. However, this doesn't mean it won't manage in less favourable conditions — it's resilient enough to survive even in slightly darker rooms.

The next aspect is choosing the right soil. The zamioculcas doesn't have high soil requirements, but it feels best in a mix of humus-rich soil with the addition of sand or perlite. Such a substrate ensures good drainage, which is crucial because this plant does not tolerate waterlogging around its roots. Additionally, it's important that the pot has drainage holes to prevent overwatering.

The zamioculcas also appreciates proper fertilization. It's advisable to use mineral fertilizers once a month during the spring-summer period.

When watering the plant, caution is important. Despite being exceptionally drought-resistant, excessive moisture in the soil can lead to serious issues. Therefore, it is recommended to water only when the top layer of soil is dry. During the winter, reduce the watering frequency even further.

The yellowing of zamioculcas leaves is a common issue that its owners might encounter. Most often, it's a signal that the plant has been overwatered, causing the roots to rot. It's worth changing the soil to fresh, well-draining soil and reducing watering to remedy this. Adding a raw egg to the soil can also be helpful, providing the plant with the necessary calcium for proper development.

Repotting the zamioculcas is another aspect that deserves attention. This plant doesn't require frequent repotting, but when the root system fills the entire pot every few years, it's a good idea to consider this step. The new pot should be only slightly larger than the previous one to ensure stable root development without the risk of overwatering. During repotting, consider propagating the zamioculcas by dividing the rhizome to obtain new, healthy cuttings.