14 Reasons Why Your ZZ Plant Is Not Growing Well and Solution

 Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, is one of the most well-known houseplants. It’s tough, resilient, and easy to care for. The problem? Many people kill it.

 People do not always know how to take care of them correctly. This article will list 14 common reasons why a ZZ plant may not be growing well and what you can do to solve the problem.

 1. The plant is not getting enough light.

      Solution: Place the plant in a location where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight.

 2. The potting soil is too wet or too dry.

      Solution: The soil should be dry to the touch before you water it. If the ZZ plant is sitting in moist soil, it can rot or cause other problems such as root diseases and fungal infections.

 3. The potting mix has not been sterilized and contains insects and their larvae which are eating away the roots and preventing proper growth.

      Solution: Before adding soil to a pot, it should be heated in the oven to kill any bugs and their eggs which would otherwise go on to eat your plant’s roots. You can also sterilize soil by soaking it with boiling water.

 4. The ZZ plant is getting too much sunlight.

      Solution: See solution for Reason 1.

 5. The temperature is too low.

      Solution: ZZ plants need a warm environment to grow well and flower. They should be kept between 18-25 degrees Celsius.

 6. The plant is not getting enough water.

      Solution: Water the plant when the soil feels dry.

 7. The ZZ plant is getting too much water.

      Solution: See solution for Reason 1.

8. The pot has not been repotted in too long and the roots have become compacted.

      Solution: Repot the plant into a pot that is one size larger using fresh, sterile soil.

 9. The plant has been overfertilized.

      Solution: Fertilize the ZZ plant only once a month with half the recommended dosage of fertilizer.

 10. The wrong type of insect is pollinating the flowers.

      Solution: Only insects such as bees and butterflies will pollinate ZZ plants. If other types of insects are pollinating them, they may not produce seed pods which cause the plant to stop flowering.

 11. There is a pathogen affecting the leaves.

         Solution: Diseases such as root rot, fungal infections, and leaf spots can affect the leaves of ZZ plants. If you suspect your plant has a disease, take it to a garden center for diagnosis and treatment.

 12. The pot is too large.

      Solution: See solution for Reason 8.

 13. The plant was not grown from seed.

      Solution: Seeds will produce the most vigorous and healthy plants and flowers.

 14. Old age.

      Solution: ZZ plants can live for decades with good care, but they do eventually stop producing flowers and new leaves start to yellow and drop off. If this is happening, it’s time to replace your plant.

      Note: These reasons are only the most common reasons why ZZ plants may not be growing well. If you can’t figure out what is causing your plant to not grow properly, bring it to a garden center for help. Thanks for reading!