why is my ZZ plant crying? (Permaculture House Plants forum at permies) (2024)

FAQs

Why is my ZZ plant crying? (Permaculture House Plants forum at permies)? ›

This is a normal phenomen and is the sign of a happy, well-watered specimen. It's called guttation or weeping leaves.

When the air is very dry, plants lose water so rapidly that they can't take in enough to replace it and some fluid may be exuded as a result. If you've watered your plant too frequently, the excess water pressure could also induce weeping.

How can I tell if I am overwatering my ZZ? Overwatering results in mushy brown stalks and yellowing of the leaves. Dropping leaves can also be an indication of overwatering. Hold off on watering and prune your plant.

Since you won't be watering the ZZ as often as your other plants, make sure to stay aware and keep an eye on the plant for any signs of dryness! Drooping and wrinkly foliage, bone-dry soil, and wrinkled leaves are all indicators of a thirsty ZZ.

Underwatering and overwatering both lead to droopy ZZ plant leaves. Bright, indirect sunlight is optimal; avoid extreme temperatures. Consistent care: Water schedule, proper soil, and pest checks are crucial.

While guttation may look like a sign of distress in a plant, it is actually a normal and necessary process for the plant's survival. The water droplets contain excess minerals and nutrients that would be harmful if left inside the plant, so guttation serves to protect the plant by removing these excess substances.

When plants are deprived of water, they may emit a 'scream' that is too high-frequency for humans to hear, a new study has suggested. The research published in the journal Cell suggests that plants can also generate airborne sounds in response to stress (such as from drought, or being cut).

ZZ plants have very few problems under proper care and conditions. Most troubles start with overwatering. Soft, weak, droopy leaves point to overly wet soil. Leaves of overwatered plants may turn yellow, then brown or black.

It's a good idea to move it to a position with more natural light to keep it thriving. You can also use grow lights, like this plant grow light from Amazon, to provide your ZZ with extra light if it sits in a shadier position in your home.

Generally speaking, thinner leaves are an indication a plant will need extra humidity. But be careful not to mist succulents or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, affectionately known as the ZZ plant, as they are quick to rot from excess moisture.

How do you make a ZZ plant happy? ›

It does well in low-light areas, isn't bothered by low humidity and can survive a forgetful owner's sporadic watering habits. Though ZZ plant is a survivor, proper ZZ plant care includes watering it when the top few inches of soil dries out and feeding it with regular houseplant fertilizer a few times per year.

You may be overwatering your ZZ plant if you notice that leaves are both turning yellow and falling off. This plant is slow to grow. It may take a few years for your plant to grow a few feet. The best way to help your ZZ plant's growth process is by giving it optimal light, water and temperature conditions.

Water your ZZ Plant every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Signs that it is thirsty include wilting, wrinkled leaves, and dry potting mix, while wet mix or yellowing and mushy leaves signal overwatering and root rot.

Guttation: The term for a plant that releases its excess water. Guttation is one way houseplants attempt to regulate their growing conditions independently. Guttation can occur when a plant has been overwatered or under stress, or the plant could be perfectly fine and want to balance its nutrients or minerals.

This is a natural phenomenon in the wild and can happen to indoor plants as well, and is known as guttation. Guttation is a natural process that frequently occurs on plants outdoors. There are also some indoor plants with which guttation is quite commonly associated.

Research showing water-stressed or injured plants emitting high-pitched sounds could have implications for horticultural monitoring. Plants do not suffer in silence.

Through a natural and essential process called transpiration, a plant will push small amounts of the excess moisture out from the tips of its leaves to help balance its water levels throughout the day. It also helps to cool its leaves and the air surrounding them, much like human sweat.