The ZZ plant (botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia) has earned a reputation of being a low maintenance houseplant, even for people with the ultimate brown thumb. It tolerates low light levels, periods of drought, and months of neglect without becoming too fussy.
The leaves on ZZ plants should be thick, waxy and green, so if you notice them curling or changing color, something is not right. Fortunately, curled leaves are not a death sentence, and your plant can bounce back if the underlying problem is fixed. Continue reading to learn why this occurs and how to fix it!
1. ZZ plant leaves curling due to too much sunlight
The most common cause of curling ZZ plant leaves is too much sunlight. If the leaves are curled and have brown burn spots, this is likely the problem. ZZ plants prefer medium, indirect light. If exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the leaves curl as they try to move away from the light source.
Move the plant to a shadier location, farther away from the window. Cover the window with a sheer curtain if moving the plant is not feasible.
South-facing windows especially provide very bright light. While other plants such as succulents may enjoy this sunshine, ZZ plants do not. East or west facing windows are best because they provide enough sun without being too harsh.
Note: Once the plant’s leaves have brown sunburn spots, they do not fade away even when the plant is moved into the shade. Trim the leaves to remove signs of burn.
2. ZZ plant leaves curling due to insufficient water
While ZZ plants are known to be drought tolerant, it is possible to underwater the plant. If you notice curling leaves and dry, brown tips, your ZZ plant probably needs a good drink. Check the soil with your finger- if it is very dry, water your plant.
In general, water about once every 2 weeks in the summer and once every 3 to 4 weeks in the winter. Adjust this schedule as needed based on your plant’s specific environment (humidity, temperature and light received). Plants in sunnier or hotter areas require more water than those in cooler, darker areas.
When you water, it is best to water at the base of the plant until you see water come out of the drainage hole. Then, allow the soil to dry until the next watering. Do not mist the soil in between watering. ZZ plants prefer to be soaked with periods of drought in between.
3. ZZ plant leaves curling due to too much water
On the other hand, too much water also leads to curling leaves. Yellow, mushy and curling leaves with brown stems are signs of root rot from over watering. While ZZ plants are able to withstand drought, they cannot tolerate excess moisture around their roots.
If rot is the cause, cut back in watering frequency and prune your plant. Let the soil completely dry out for as long as a month before watering again. Keep the plant in medium, indirect light and in a warm area so the soil dries out quicker.
Preventing rot
Remember that over watering is the most common cause of death in ZZ plants. It is better to err on the side of under watering because that is much easier to fix.
Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
The best type of container to use is a plain terracotta pot with a drainage hole. This allows excess water to drain away after watering. Dump out any water that collected in the saucer as well so the plant does not sit in it for too long.
To increase the drainage, mix in perlite or gravel to the soil. This creates a porous mix that allows the roots to breathe.
4. ZZ plant leaves curling due to cold temperatures
Native to tropical areas, ZZ plants prefer warmer temperatures between 65 to 80 °F (18 to 27 °C). If kept in temperatures below 50 °F, the leaves could curl from the cold.
Keep your ZZ plant away from AC vents, fans, or drafty windows to keep them warm.
If the air is very dry and the tips of your ZZ plant look crispy, consider placing a humidifier nearby to increase moisture.
5. ZZ plant leaves curling due to pests
Various pests, such as mealy bugs, thrips or aphids can change leaf shape. These insects suck on the sap of the plant, distorting it’s appearance.
Carefully check all over the plant for signs of insects, paying special attention to the underside of the leaves. If you spot pests, move the ZZ plant far away from any neighboring plants so the infestation does not spread.
Spray the plant with insecticidal soap, diluted neem oil, or rubbing alcohol. Repeat every three to four days until the infestation is gone (it may take several weeks).
6. ZZ plant leaves curling due to being rootbound
ZZ plants grow from rhizomes, which are bulbs that store water and nutrients for the plant. If the rhizomes become rootbound without room to expand, it could lead to curling leaves.
Repot ZZ plants every few years so that the plant has room to grow, especially if you notice roots peeking out of the soil. Choose a pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one (do not choose a pot that is too large, because the excess soil retains water and promotes root rot).
Choose a well-draining houseplant soil and mix in perlite to increase drainage.
Pruning curly ZZ plant leaves
The curled leaves do not straighten out again, however you can prune the curled leaves to improve appearances.
Using a clean pair of garden shears or scissors, trim the stems as close to the rhizome as possible.
General ZZ plant care
ZZ plant care can be summarized in the table below:
| Sunlight | Prefers medium to low sunlight. North, East, or West-facing windows are best. Avoid South-facing windows because they provide light that is too bright. |
| Water | About once every 2 weeks. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to completely dry before watering again. Do not over water because that causes rhizome rot (the most common cause of ZZ plant death) |
| Soil | Well-draining, porous soil |
| Temperature | Thrives in the warmth. Room temperature is best. Do not keep at temperatures lower than 50 °F (10 °C). |
| Humidity | Not picky about humidity, average house humidity is fine. |
| Propagation | Propagate ZZ plant by dividing rhizomes, leaf cuttings, or stem cuttings Propagation is generally a slow process and may take up to a year |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs and children |
In summary for ZZ plant leaves curling…
6 common reasons for ZZ plant leaves curling include:
- Too much sunlight
- Insufficient water
- Too much water
- Cold temperatures
- Pests
- Rootbound plants
Once you find the reason why your ZZ plant leaves are curling, the plant should bounce back when the problem is fixed. ZZ plants are quite resilient. Keep them in medium, indirect light, water when the soil is dry, and plant in well-draining soil and they should stay happy.
See other plant specific care guides here
Have any more questions about ZZ plants leaves curling that I did not answer? Let me know down below!
