What to do when the leaves of a money tree turn yellow? Care for it this way and it will grow even more vigorously

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a highly ornamental indoor green plant.

It has thick underground tubers. Its leaves are pinnately compound, and the leaflets are fleshy, neatly arranged and thick, with a jade-green color. These leaflets look like strings of green copper coins hanging from the leaf stalks. From a distance, the ZZ plant resembles a set of exquisite green umbrellas, adding a touch of vitality and elegance to any space. Its unique shape has made it a favorite decorative plant for many people.

But sometimes we notice that the ZZ plant's leaves have turned yellow. What is going on? There are quite a few reasons!

First, there is the watering issue. The ZZ plant is fairly drought-tolerant. If you water it too often and the soil stays waterlogged for a long time, its roots are like a poor little thing flooded by water, and they will rot from lack of oxygen. That way, they cannot deliver nutrients to the leaves, and the leaves naturally turn yellow. On the contrary, if you do not water it for a long time, it will also develop dry, yellow leaves due to lack of water.

Second, there is improper lighting. The ZZ plant likes bright, indirect light. If you put it in the sun to bake, the leaves will be scorched and develop yellow spots. But if you keep it in a dark corner all the time, it cannot carry out photosynthesis properly, and the leaves will also become dull and yellow from lack of nutrients.

Third, there is unsuitable temperature. The ZZ plant likes a warm environment. If the temperature is too low and it gets frostbitten, the leaves will turn yellow and soft. Especially in winter, you must be sure to keep it warm!

So what should you do when the leaves turn yellow? If it is caused by overwatering, stop watering at once and place it in a well-ventilated spot so the moisture in the soil evaporates faster. If part of the root system has already rotted, you need to carefully dig the plant out of the soil, cut off the rotted roots, and replant it in new, well-aerated soil. If it is a lighting problem, move it to a suitable location; a spot with indirect light is what it likes best. If the temperature is too low, move it to a warmer indoor spot, or put a "warm coat" on it, such as loosely covering it with a plastic bag, but be sure to leave some ventilation holes.

How should you care for it so the ZZ plant grows vigorously?

Water in moderation. Follow the principle of "do not water until dry, and water thoroughly when you do." Insert your finger about two or three cm into the soil; if it feels dry, then you can water. Generally, in spring and autumn you can water a little more, while in summer and winter you should water less. Especially during high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter, be extra careful.

Lighting should be appropriate. Place it in a spot indoors with bright light but no direct sunlight, such as somewhere near a window but shaded by curtains. That way it can carry out photosynthesis comfortably, and the leaves will become greener and glossier.

Temperature should be suitable. The most suitable growing temperature for the ZZ plant is between 20 - 32°C. In winter, make sure the temperature does not fall below 10°C, so it can safely get through the winter without being harmed by the cold. When the temperature is high in summer, you can spray a little water around it to cool it down and let it enjoy a cool summer.

Soil and fertilizing are also crucial! The ZZ plant likes loose, fertile, well-drained, humus-rich acidic to slightly acidic soil. We can plant it in a mix of peat soil, coarse sand or perlite in a certain ratio. As for fertilizing, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season, such as fermented cake fertilizer water, and that will meet its nutritional needs. However, when it grows slowly in winter, stop fertilizing.