The ZZ plant (*Zamioculcas zamiifolia*) is famous for being tough as nails and pretty much bulletproof when it comes to pests and diseases. But even this “indestructible” houseplant has an Achilles’ heel: mushy, brown stems. If you’re seeing this, you’re likely dealing with stem rot.
Stem Rot and Your ZZ Plant
Stem rot is probably the most common issue ZZ plant owners face. The tricky part? By the time you notice it, the rot has often spread through a good chunk of the plant, making it a real challenge to save. That’s why it’s super important to keep an eye out for early warning signs and nail down your care routine to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Symptoms of Stem Rot
As the name suggests, the most obvious sign is the stems literally rotting away. Usually, the first red flag is yellowing leaves. If the problem continues, those sturdy green stems turn brown, get soft and mushy to the touch, and eventually collapse.
What Causes Stem Rot?
In almost every case, the culprit is overwatering. ZZ plants are succulents at heart; they’ve evolved to store water in their thick roots (rhizomes) and fleshy leaves. This helps them survive long droughts in their native hot climates. Even as a houseplant, your ZZ plant only needs a light watering every once in a while.
When you give them too much love (a.k.a. water), the soil stays soggy, leading to standing water at the bottom of the pot. The roots can’t breathe, they start to decay, and that rot quickly travels upward into the stems.
How to Fight Back and Save Your ZZ Plant
Make it a habit to check your plant regularly for yellow leaves or soil that feels damp for too long. If you realize your plant is already suffering from stem rot, you’ve got to move fast! Take the plant out of its pot and trim away any mushy, black, or smelly roots. You’ll also want to cut off any rotted or slimy stems above the soil line.
Once you’ve cleaned it up, repot your ZZ plant into a fresh pot with brand-new, well-draining soil.
Hold off on watering for the first few days. Remember, your ZZ plant still has plenty of moisture stored in its healthy leaves. With a little luck and some “tough love,” your plant will bounce back and start showing off new roots and shoots before you know it!
