The zz plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a popular and easy to care for houseplant. With its glossy leaves and unique appearance, it’s no wonder the zz plant is a staple in many homes and offices.
However, despite being a relatively hardy plant, zz plants can develop issues. One common problem is zz plant leaves turning light green or yellowish. This change in leaf color is not only unsightly but can indicate underlying problems with your plant’s care.
In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons for light green zz plant leaves and what you can do to restore your plant’s health.
What Causes ZZ Plant Leaves To Turn Light Green?
There are several potential causes for zz plant leaves turning lighter in color:
Overwatering
The #1 cause of light green zz plant leaves is overwatering. ZZ plants are drought tolerant and prefer infrequent watering. Too much moisture causes root rot, nutrient deficiencies, and leaves to yellow.
Low Light
ZZ plants grow best in bright, indirect light. Insufficient light exposure can prevent the plant from producing enough chlorophyll, causing lighter colored leaves.
Improper Fertilization
While zz plants are low maintenance, fertilizer is still required a few times per year. Lack of nutrients leads to chlorosis, where leaves turn yellow from inside out.
Cold Temperatures
If temps dip below 60°F, zz plant growth slows Prolonged exposure to cold causes nutrient deficiencies and pale leaves
Old Age
As zz plants mature over time, lower leaves naturally yellow and drop. This is normal, but can indicate aging if happening excessively.
Transplant Stress
Repotting or moving a zz plant to a new location can shock the plant. Light green leaves after transplanting are temporary.
Pests
Insects like spider mites and mealybugs suck sap, causing stippling damage and lighter colored leaves. Treat infestations promptly.
5 Tips For Fixing Light Green ZZ Plant Leaves
If your zz plant has light green or yellowing leaves, take action to get it healthy again. Here are 5 tips
1. Check Soil Moisture
Feel the top few inches of soil If wet, cease watering and allow to dry out completely before next watering. ZZs only need water every 2-3 weeks
2. Move To A Bright Spot
Place zz plant near a sunny window. West or East facing locations are ideal for these low light tolerant plants.
3. Fertilize With Balanced Liquid Fertilizer
Use fertilizer at 1/2 strength every 2-3 months during spring and summer. This provides nutrients for rich green growth.
4. Increase Ambient Temperature
Get temps above 65°F. Use a space heater or move to a warmer room. Cold slows growth and causes leaves to lighten.
5. Inspect for Pests
Check undersides of leaves for tiny insects. Wipe leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap to kill bugs.
When To Worry About Light Green ZZ Plant Leaves
As we learned, several issues can cause zz plant leaves to become light green or yellowish in color. But how do you know when it’s a serious problem versus normal:
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Minor color changes – A few lighter leaves here and there is no big deal. Monitor and adjust care as needed.
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Poor growth – If your zz plant is barely growing and has widespread light green leaves, it likely needs help.
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Leaf drop – Significant leaf yellowing and drop indicates a stressed, unhealthy plant. Take action promptly.
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Spreading – If you see light leaf color spreading from older to newer leaves quickly, inspect for pests and overwatering.
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No improvement – If you’ve adjusted care but see no change after a few weeks, the problem may be more serious like root rot.
The good news is zz plants are hardy and bounce back well when given proper care and time to recover. With just a little TLC, you can get your plant’s leaves back to their lush green wonder.
Why My ZZ Plant Has Light Green New Growth (And What To Do)
Sometimes zz plant owners notice new growth coming in much lighter green compared to older leaves. What gives?
There are a couple reasons why new zz plant growth can be light green:
1. Immature Growth – New leaves start out pale and darken as they age. So light green new growth is often just young leaves maturing.
2. Insufficient Light – ZZs need bright indirect light for best growth. Low light prevents leaves from forming enough chlorophyll, causing lighter green.
3. Nutrient Deficiency – Lack of fertilizer limits available nutrients. New growth is pale from nutrient starvation.
4. Transplant Stress – After repotting, new growth may emerge light green. Give it time to overcome shock.
5. Root Problems – Issues like root rot reduce the plant’s ability to take up nutrition through roots.
While alarming at first, light green new growth is rarely cause for concern. Here are tips to remedy it:
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Provide bright indirect light to aid green pigment development.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer to correct any nutrient deficiencies.
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If recently transplanted, allow several weeks for stress recovery.
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Check that soil isn’t staying too wet, leading to possible root problems.
With the zz plant’s easygoing nature, new light green growth will typically correct itself on its own as conditions improve. Focus on optimizing care and be patient as the plant adjusts.
It’s common for zz plant leaves to turn light green or yellow at some point. Issues like overwatering, low light, and nutrient deficiency can all impact leaf color. But by following the tips above, you can nurse your zz plant back to vibrant health.
Consistently providing the right care makes a big difference. Allow soil to dry between waterings, give bright indirect light, fertilize a few times per year, and keep temps above 60°F. With a little TLC, your zz plant’s leaves will return to their glossy deep green glory.
ZZ Plants & Cats
This plant is quite amazing in that it can grow new plants from an individual leaflet. This could take a while to grow but is the recommended propagation method. Cut a small part of the stem with two leaves and place in most soil. Cover with plastic or glass to speed up the process.
Bright green leaves that are new will eventually darken. Its normal that new growth is lighter in colour. However, if it is more established leaves that are turning lighter, this might be the start of the leaves yellowing. The cause of this is almost always overwatering.
It is normal that sometimes the lower leaves may yellow and drop. However, if the leaves are turning yellow it is may be a sign that the plant has been overwatered.
A ZZ plant that is starting to droop may need more light. Try moving to a brighter spot to see if this clears the issue. If not, a lack of nutrients might be the cause. Feeding your plant or improving the quality of its soil will help.
ZZ Plant Leaves Turning Light Green Top 5 Reasons And Solutions
FAQ
Why are my plant leaves turning light green?
- Problem: Plants need light to produce chlorophyll, the pigment that gives leaves their green color. If they’re not getting enough light, chlorophyll production can be reduced, leading to pale green or yellow leaves.
- Solution: Move your plant to a brighter location, or consider using grow lights.
What does an overwatered ZZ plant look like?
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Yellowing Leaves:Yellowing or browning leaves, especially starting from the bottom and moving upwards, are a clear indication of overwatering.
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Mushy Stems:Healthy ZZ plant stems are firm, but overwatering can cause them to become soft and mushy.
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Soggy Soil:The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, but if it remains consistently wet or soggy, it’s a sign of overwatering.
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Foul Odor:If the soil has a foul odor, that is another sign of root rot which is caused by overwatering
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Brown, Water-Soaked Lesions:You may also see brown, water-soaked lesions with yellow margins on leaves or stems.
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Root Rot:Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a fungal disease that can be difficult to treat.
Why are the leaves on my ZZ plant dull?
Dull Leaves
A zz plant’s leaves are typically very glossy and vibrant, so if you see that your plant’s leaves are dull, your plant has probably accumulated dust. It happens! To get your plant polished up and glossy again, you can simply wipe the plant’s leaves with a damp washcloth.
Does a ZZ plant grow light green?
New Growth On Your ZZ Plant Is Light Green The new growth of a ZZ plant is normally light green and will slowly darken to match the color of the existing foliage over a period of several months. Occasionally, a nutrient-deficient ZZ plant can develop excessively light-colored new growth or may present with leaves that are not evenly green.
Why are my ZZ plants turning green?
Other causes of light green leaves on ZZ plants include a lack of nitrogen which will eventually turn the leaf yellow, a lack of water or too much sunlight. Too much water can also cause leaves to turn light green as the soil lacks oxygen, grows mold and loses nitrogen. Light green leaves on new growth is normal and a good sign of a healthy plant.
Why is my ZZ plant not growing new leaves?
If your ZZ plant is not growing new leaves, the most likely cause is insufficient light. ZZ plants prefer bright, indirect light. Cool temperatures or any other cause of stress can also result in your ZZ plant not growing. The growing season for ZZ plants in most climates is from early spring to mid-autumn.
Are ZZ plants low-maintenance?
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are low-maintenance indoor plants because of their tolerance to infrequent watering and low-light conditions. However, constant neglect can present a myriad of problems, even for the most resilient plants. Here is a list of common ZZ plant problems:
Why does my ZZ plant have an exposed rhizome?
The root bulb or rhizome of a ZZ plant can become exposed over time due to soil getting washed away from repeated watering. The roots can also become exposed if your ZZ plant is becoming root-bound over time. An exposed rhizome/root bulb is not normally a sign of an unhealthy plant.
Do ZZ plants need a lot of water?
Since the ZZ plant can store water in its rhizome, you don’t have to worry about the lack of water. The plant will have enough resources to last a few weeks in an adverse situation. But yes, if you want to fix the pale leaves problem, you should definitely cut down on the watering frequency. 2. Check For Underwatering Situation In The Pot