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Cold Damage on zz plant

zz plant with cold damage

What's Happening

Exposure to temperatures below 10C (50F) or cold drafts causes ZZ leaves to turn black and mushy. Underground rhizomes often survive if they haven't frozen.

How to Fix It

  1. 1

    Pruning: Cut back all blackened, mushy foliage to the base.

  2. 2

    Warming: Move to a stable environment between 18 and 24 Celsius.

  3. 3

    Dry-out: Withhold water until new growth appears from the rhizome.

  4. 4

    Patience: New shoots may take 2-4 months to emerge.

How to Prevent It

Keep ZZ plants away from drafty windows and vents in winter.

Related Problems

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes cold damage on my plant?
Exposure to temperatures below 10C (50F) or cold drafts causes ZZ leaves to turn black and mushy. Underground rhizomes often survive if they haven't frozen.
How do I fix cold damage?
Pruning: Cut back all blackened, mushy foliage to the base.. Warming: Move to a stable environment between 18 and 24 Celsius..
How do I prevent cold damage from happening again?
Keep ZZ plants away from drafty windows and vents in winter.