Causes and Solutions for a ZZ Plant Leaning and Toppling Over

To solve the problem of a ZZ plant leaning and toppling over, we need to pay attention to temperature control, watering control, fertilizing control and pest and disease prevention. Keep the temperature steady at around 20-32°C, water so that the soil dries out between waterings, switch fertilizers according to the plant's condition, and carry out pest and disease prevention promptly.

How to Fix a ZZ Plant Leaning and Toppling Over

1. Control the temperature

The ZZ plant is not cold-tolerant. If it is not given protective measures in winter and is left in the cold below 8°C for a long time, it will collapse over a large area. We should move the plant indoors to a warm place for care and keep the temperature steady between 20-32°C.

2. Control watering

The roots of the ZZ plant are fleshy tubers, so it is not tolerant of waterlogging and can easily rot from standing water. If we water too much, it will cause rot and toppling. We need to promptly change the soil and drain the water, cut off the rotted roots and stems and replace them with fresh dry soil, and reasonably adjust the watering frequency to control water.

3. Control fertilizing

The ZZ plant needs different fertilizer emphases at different stages of growth and development, so when fertilizing it we should pay attention to the plant's needs. If it lacks potassium, soft stems and toppling will occur. We should promptly supplement some potassium for it, applying thin fertilizer frequently, in small amounts and multiple times.

4. Prevent and treat pests and diseases

Sometimes the ZZ plant also develops toppling symptoms due to certain pathogenic bacteria, or topples because pests have gnawed on its roots and stems. At this point we should take it out of the pot and remove the soil, get rid of insect eggs, pests and so on, and thoroughly disinfect and sterilize the plant with a carbendazim solution. After it dries, repot and replant it.