Brought this plant home in February and it had 8-9 new shoots. My kittens love to sit in the pot and chew on the leaves. You can see holes and bent stems. No new growth since April (kittens joined in June). Thinking about repotting but I’ve heard this plant likes to be a little root bound. Wondering if repotting would mean more growth? Get rid of bent stems? (It’s September now)
Describe HOW you water: I completely soak the soil and let excess water drain away
What fertilizer do you use? I use Happy happy houseplant, every other or every third watering
When was the last time you repotted? I haven’t repotted.
Darryl
Thanks for the photos and info!
Environment: This window and position looks adequate in terms of light.
Effort: You are watering correctly in terms of both the WHEN (when completely dry) and the HOW (fully soak, let excess drain away). The fertilizer you’re using and frequency is fine.
Expectations: I think your zz plant looks fine. The bent stems and chew marks aren’t of any major concern – I wouldn’t cut them off but you can if they bother you.
ZZ plants aren’t really fast growers. A plant this size probably won’t put up more than 2 or 3 new stems per year – and they tend to occur in spurts rather than steadily throughout the year. So perhaps that spurt just hasn’t happened yet.
There’s no need to repot until the plant is very root bound and the rhizomes are bulging out of the side of the pot. The saying “likes to be rootbound” doesn’t mean the plant will be unhappy if repotted, it just means the plant tends to keep growing even if rootbound to some degree.
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One of the primary reasons for legginess in ZZ Plant is inadequate light. ZZ Plants are native to regions with low light levels, and they thrive in bright, indirect light.
Pre-moisten the soil to encourage new growth. Plant your ZZ cutting in moist soil. Keep the pot in an area with bright light but not direct sunlight. Water the ZZ plant cutting until it drains from the bottom.
If your ZZ plant starts to falter, check the soil moisture. If necessary, carefully remove the plant from the pot. Discard any rhizomes that are soft or rotted. Then repot firm, healthy rhizomes in fresh potting mix and get back on track.
Legginess, characterized by elongated stems and sparse growth, often plagues ZZ Plants. Unravel the causes and implement corrective measures: Light Lament: Inadequate light prompts ZZ Plants to stretch in search of illumination. Position your plant in a bright, indirect light spot to curb legginess.
In order to flourish, ZZ plants need moderate light, well-draining soil, occasional fertilizing, and little else. They have low watering needs and their soil should dry completely before repeated watering.
How to Feed ZZ Plants. A month after planting, begin feeding ZZ plants with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food Spikes to provide a steady source of nutrition.
ZZ plants seem to live practically forever. Their leaves survive about six months or longer—even if you don't water your ZZ plant, it can go about four months. With care, though, they can live five to 10 years or longer.
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.
ZZ plants aren't really fast growers. A plant this size probably won't put up more than 2 or 3 new stems per year – and they tend to occur in spurts rather than steadily throughout the year.
Despite being drought-tolerant, your ZZ will be healthiest with regular watering. Humidity: Average indoor humidity, no adjustments required. Soil: Fast-draining medium works best to avoid root rot. Good Succulent or Cactus mix works well.
Remove your plant from its pot, cut off all the rotting roots and rhizomes, and repot the plant in a container with good drainage. Add new well-draining potting soil. Don't water the plant until it recovers. The most common reasons for yellowing leaves are overwatering or temperature stress.
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