How to Handle Root Rot in ZZ Plants and Repotting Precautions
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is already one of the most familiar plants around. It gets its name because its leaves resemble ancient copper coins, and it is often grown in homes or workplaces. It also carries the auspicious meaning of bringing in wealth and treasure, and it is no slouch when it comes to purifying the air. But various improper care methods can cause the plant to develop root rot and other problems, and in severe cases it needs to be replanted. So what precautions should be taken when repotting?
What to do if the ZZ plant has root rot
1. Reasonable care
Properly caring for a ZZ plant requires consistent day-to-day effort, and basically includes watering, fertilizing and keeping it warm. Watering should follow the plant's growth needs; do not water too much, and also avoid waterlogging. When fertilizing, remember not to use too strong or too frequent applications; light, frequent feeding is best, as this can help prevent root rot.
2. Replanting
If the ZZ plant still shows symptoms of root rot, then it needs to be replanted. Take the plant with the rotting roots out, remove the soil, and it is best to remove all of the soil. Cut away the rotted roots, soak them in a carbendazim solution or sprinkle on some charcoal, leave them in a cool place to dry, and then repot and plant them again. Some branches and leaves can be cut off to help it survive better, and after that you must be careful and appropriate when caring for it!
Precautions for repotting a ZZ plant
1. Try to let the moisture in the pot be slightly on the dry side before repotting. Repotting when it is too wet can easily cause damage to the bulbs when they are too swollen during handling, and the roots are also more prone to rotting from injury when it is too wet.
2. For a ZZ plant, repotting it once every one or two years is fairly appropriate. Because after 1-2 years of cultivation the potting soil has gradually caked and become filled with old roots, and repotting helps the ZZ plant grow.
3. Since you are repotting, use a pot slightly larger than the original one, as this is what benefits the ZZ plant's continued growth. Put some coarse stones or tile pieces at the bottom of the pot. Then add fresh, loose peat soil. Place the ZZ plant in. Add more peat soil. Note that the entire new pot must be filled with peat soil. No gaps can be left. Plant it at a moderate depth.
4. After repotting the ZZ plant, do not water it right away; keep it dry for a few days. Let the injured, broken-skin roots dry, and water only after the wounds have healed. After repotting, also pay attention to managing temperature, light, water and fertilizer, as these directly affect how well the ZZ plant grows.
How to water a ZZ plant
1. Watering frequency
In general, a ZZ plant cannot tolerate overly wet soil conditions. So when growing this plant in a pot, choose a soil medium with strong water drainage and air permeability. This way, if too much water is given, it can drain away in time. In addition, the indoor growing environment for a ZZ plant should have good ventilation; wind can speed up the drying of the soil surface, so generally watering about once every five days is enough.
2. Water according to temperature
Once the temperature exceeds 33 degrees, make sure to spray the leaves once a day; the potting soil generally does not need much watering, as the ZZ plant is relatively drought-tolerant and soil that is slightly dry on the surface is fine.
3. Special watering treatment by season
In spring and summer, follow the watering management methods above. When autumn arrives, or after the Mid-Autumn Festival, the amount of water should be reduced each time, replacing direct watering with misting. This method helps the newly grown leaves get through the coldest season intact. The indoor air environment is too dry. At this time, although watering is not necessary, spray around them to raise the moisture in the environment. In addition, note that in winter the soil in the flowerpot should be kept dry; being too damp will cause the plant's roots to rot.
How to grow a ZZ plant
1. Soil
The basic soil requirement is good permeability. The growing medium is mostly a mix of peat, coarse sand or rinsed coal cinders with a small amount of garden soil, and its pH value should be adjusted to between 6-6.5, in a slightly acidic state. Decide whether to change the potting soil according to the growing season and growth conditions.
2. Water
The ZZ plant is relatively drought-tolerant, but the most suitable growing environment should not be too wet, nor too dry; slightly dry is fine. Watering should be chosen according to the different seasons. In spring, water once a week; in summer, water once every 3 days; in winter, water once every half month. Misting can be used, especially in winter. Do not water too much each time, as this will be bad for its growth.
3. Temperature
The most suitable temperature for the ZZ plant's growth is 25-32°C. When the summer temperature exceeds 35°C, use black netting to shade the light or spray water to cool it down. In winter, maintain a temperature above 10°C, and it is best to grow it in a greenhouse. 4. Light
The ZZ plant likes light and is also shade-tolerant. Create an environment for it with good light conditions while also avoiding direct sunlight. Especially at noon in summer, avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching.
5. Fertilizer
During the growing season, fertilize once a month; in winter, do not fertilize.
The ZZ plant is a very rare foliage plant with underground tubers, and it has high ornamental value. In addition, it also carries the beautiful meaning of flowing wealth, so growing one at home is a very good choice. The ZZ plant is relatively drought-tolerant, and when growing it, the water should not be too much.