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nick_b79

Droopy ZZ plant stems, why?

nick_b79
15 years ago

I have a ZZ plant that is ~2 ft tall, but the largest stems keep bending over all the time. It looks healthy enough; the leaves are a nice deep green and it has sent up 4-5 new stems for the 2 years I've had it. The stems are firm, not soft like if there were rot starting, and it receives enough water. I don't think it's overwatered, and it is in a terra cotta pot to prevent waterlogged soil.

I have it pushed up against the wall of our patio to help support the stems because I'm scared they will break off if they continue to lean. I've tried using rocks to prop up the stems as well, with limited success. Other ZZ plants I've seen have strong, erect stems, and I want mine to look like this too.

Any tips? Thanks a lot.

Comments (8)

  • amccour
    15 years ago

    It might be a lack of nutrients if it hasn't been fertilized in awhile. If you google for ZZ plant related ailments, you might find information on nutrient deficiencies, which is what I did when my pineapple started having issues earlier this summer.

    I guess yellowing leaves are more of a sign of overwatering, so if you don't have those...

  • pirate_girl
    15 years ago

    Sometimes I'll stake mine if they need it, but usually anything floppy, I think I'd check the mix & the drainage.

    Some of my younger ones (I've grown 4, all from single leaves, stems or both) are thinner stemmed, so I'll sometimes rig up a stake to something while it matures & its stem thickens.

  • watergal
    15 years ago

    My guess is that it needs more light. ZZ's in bright light grow quite upright. ZZ's in lower light will have stems that arch, kind of like the curve of a rainbow. If you can gradually move it into a brighter spot, the new stems should be straighter.

    Sounds like you've got the watering right. ZZ's will yellow if they are either too dry OR too wet.

  • nick_b79
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    Would overpotting a ZZ plant cause drooping stems? I've been doing some research on Google, and that seems like the only thing I can think of that might have caused this. It receives plenty of light even in winter, being next to an eastern bay window and near the fluorescent lights I use to keep pothos, cacti, spider plants, etc alive. The soil isn't heavy enough to get soggy either.

    Thinking back, the drooping started after I transplanted it to a larger, shallow clay pot from the tall, narrower plastic pot it came in. Has anyone else seen this happen before? I think I might repot to a smaller pot and see what happens, along with staking the stems for a while.

  • Taneeka
    9 years ago

    Ok what am I doing wrong? I've noticed that the new stems of my plant seems to be lighter in color and drooping. I have them held up by other stems of my plant. They also are not as firm. I water about once per month but I am getting worried. Please see my photo of Grace any ideas? I bought this plant during a difficult time in my life and for some reason it made me feel better. I want to make sure she gets whats needed. She stays indoors, I've had her about 4 months or so, and she gets minimal light from my patio door through the sheers that hang above the door. Please fellow ZZ lovers I need help. Is this normal? She is not as dark green as she used to be either.

  • whip1 Zone 5 NE Ohio
    9 years ago

    You answered your own question. Lack of light. I put mine outside in the summer in a mix of sun and shade. In winter it sits in a room with lots of west facing windows.

  • Jason J
    9 years ago

    Agreed needs more light, think of these as a succulent.

    The new growth will always be more pale then the mature growth, it will darken with age. Just move it to a porch or really sunny window.