cold damage on Zz Plant
Quick answer
If your Zz Plant has cold damage, the most likely cause is: Exposure to temperatures below 10C (50F) or cold drafts causes ZZ leaves to turn black and mushy as the water-storing cells rupture. While leaves may die, the underground rhizomes often survive if they havent frozen.
Start here:
- 1. Pruning: Cut back all blackened, mushy foliage to the base.
- 2. Warming: Move to a stable environment between 18 and 24 Celsius.
Why Zz Plant gets cold damage
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Exposure to temperatures below 10C (50F) or cold drafts causes ZZ leaves to turn black and mushy as the water-storing cells rupture. While leaves may die, the underground rhizomes often survive if they havent frozen.
How to reverse cold damage on Zz Plant
- 1
Pruning: Cut back all blackened, mushy foliage to the base.
- 2
Warming: Move to a stable environment between 18 and 24 Celsius.
- 3
Dry-out: Withhold water until new growth appears from the rhizome, as the plant has no leaves to transpire moisture.
- 4
Patience: New shoots may take 2-4 months to emerge.
Keep cold damage off this Zz Plant
Keep ZZ plants away from drafty windows, air conditioning vents, and unheated rooms in winter.
Other Zz Plant problems
Same Problem on Other Plants
Go Deeper
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