STOP Watering Your ZZ Plant (here’s why)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

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[@izachokOla]

I had unexpected experiment with my ZZ plant. Due to russian war I left our house. My parents visited it after 7 months and found, that ZZ plant is alive and even has several new branches. Of course it looked not super healthy, but it was green and alive

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Are you Ukrainian?

[@izachokOla]

@@SheffieldMadePlants yes

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@izachokOla sorry to see what’s happening in your country. Glad your ZZ survived 😁

[@RCKYBOO2024]

Glad your ZZ survived but much happier you have. 🤗

[@thespikyspinosaurus6166]

Z

[@marieb3630]

I water my ZZ quite infrequently. It looks very happy! Thanks for agreeing with me. I don’t bottom water my plants. I am a big advocate for drenching the soil from the top and allowing it to completely drain. My ZZ is about 18 years old. It’s 3 ft tall and wide.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Wow 18 years old that’s fantastic. Thanks Marie

[@E.P.7131]

Wow! 18 years old! How many times have you repotted it? I have a large tall pot I want to repot mine into, but I'm afraid that as it grows it will become root bound and I won't be able to get it out for repotting.

[@mayadasilva5952]

If a plants ever stuck in a pot (root bound), it can be possible to cut it out depending on the pot if that helps 😊

[@marieb3630]

@@mayadasilva5952my comment was not about getting the plant out of the pot. It was about watering. I am an advocate for less stress on my plants.

[@auroraborealis4673]

My zz is 18 too. What kind of pot do you use?

[@mylittlevowels]

I almost never water my ZZ and it thrives, constantly putting out new shoots and always looks healthy. Best plant for a beginner

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Definitely 👍

[@bel07100]

Com que frequência você rega a sua planta? Obrigada,Isabel.

[@davidhatch7603]

I got mine 9 months ago and it hasn't done anything except lose two shoots. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

[@burnttoastspacegirlfriend8769]

This is one of the most comprehensive ZZ plant care videos I've found!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Awesome thank you very much 😁

[@shalizzle793]

I overwatered my ZZ plant a lot and went to repot it. There was a TON of water and one of the rhizomes even burst, so definitely feel out the soil pretty deep. But, even with overwatering, it shot out even more stalks. If you overwater it but the roots are loosened and in a bigger pot, it will probably grow a ton with enough sunlight.

[@lovemycountry4948]

Love your 9 short minutes educational videos, to the point, other videos are 30, 20, too much talk and no education like we have time for that. You were awesome, now I understands better my ZZ plant.😍

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks!

[@winebox]

I overwatered one that I had just bought and the stalks rotted off. Was lazy about throwing it out and a couple of weeks later 3 shoots came out. So be aware they seem to regenerate.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Good to know, thanks

[@nunoallen4788]

Great tips my friend! I’ve jut realised the reason why my zz plant isn’t healthy: too much water. Thanks a lot for the excellent videos!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Cool thanks nuno 👍

[@ecomandurban7183]

bottom watering only works well for a while. It is the way commercial nurseries water their house plants. However in time salts and the products of decay of the growing medium slowly build up to toxic levels in the growing medium and eventually kill the plant. It is necessary to occasionally soak the whole pot in a bucket of water for half and hour or so then to drain it and flush the growing medium out a few rimes with fresh water.

[@jmarshal]

I had a ZZ Plant next to an open fish tank and literally never watered it. It was extremely happy just absorbing moisture from the air it seemed. I had to fill up the fish tank more often, though!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

That is awesome!

[@LostInThisGardenofLife]

That’s cool. Was it a tropical fish tank that you heated? They always need filling as the water evaporates so fast. 😅

[@jmarshal]

@@LostInThisGardenofLife no, just a guppy tank. I did have a heated tank further away as well but it had a lid to stop the evaporation slightly 🤣

[@piccadilly171]

My experience with this plant has been different, I have it on a shelf just below a bright window and every spring it shoots out 2 new shoots that grow relatively rapidly, it is such a joy to see the extra growth after a weekend or even the next morning. This plant tolerates low light well but it will certainly thrive if you do place it in a bright spot (I water it about once a month or when the pot feels light).

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You’re doing something right!

[@progressbaby1]

I keep my zz plant in my south facing room, water as needed and it’s been just over a year since I got her 🥰 she’s given me 5 new stems 🎉

[@CowneloAlvaroid]

I put my zz outside for a few months right after I bought it and WOW! It grew another 5 stems and grew another 6 inches taller

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Perfect 👍

[@BLANKU2]

I am guilty of underwatering mine to the point the stems shrink. So I bought a large planner and keep a watering log of who got what and on what dates. I found mine needed water every 20 to 25 days given my household conditions. What I found most interesting about my ZZ is it had babies in winter but none in spring or summer lol. I call her Tesla cause she's always finding new ways to stump me in plant care lol. Totally gonna start bottom watering her and chart the difference with her. TY!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

So organised, that's really good. Wish I was organised enough to have a chart!

[@DanaMiSa74]

Then I have two Teslas 😄

[@chelseaclerke3582]

I wonder if maybe she is near a heater?

[@ggirlii88]

Yes mine just had shoots come up right as seasons cooled. I also had a sterling silver that is doing the same 🤔

[@sadhnaparbhunath3766]

K

[@melissainaus7955]

Just wanna say thanks.u just saved all my snake plants and some of most of my other plants.make up dirt with cactus mix and added half vermiculite and some peat moss and won’t be watering them for month or two .like how u explained how they come from west Africa and get rain once a month then heat again and desert conditions thanks again.Melissa xx

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glad you found it useful 👍

[@notasleanstillasmean3593]

I can confirm that this is a hard to kill plant. After I bought it I started doing some home projects and moved the plant to a dark corner and forgot about it for a little over 2 months. Didn't bother it one bit, still going strong 6 months later.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

That's great 👍

[@richardsmith5461]

Greetings from America Thank you Mr Sheffield for helping me save a couple of zz plants I rescued. It's been a year I adopted the two variants of zz's and today I had to transplant them in a slightly larger pot. One bit of advice I would share is to make sure you don't plant a ZZ in a round pot as I did a year ago. I ended up hurting the plant as it had grown to completely fill the round pot making it very difficult to remove the plant because of the lip of the pot curving. This time I put her to bed in a pot with slightly angling out. Again, thank you for helping me with all of my plants. You have some of the wisest info on you tube. Richard

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you 😊

[@dave-j-k]

I recently repotted my ZZ it was in a 6" pot from store and the rhizomes were breaking out of the pot! Its now in a 9" pot suitable for bottom watering one day, seems happy as it has now put out two large shoots :)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great stuff 👍

[@sericonti]

I have killed so many ZZ plants that I lost count. I have a few that do well in the garden but indoors they just rot away. This is the same problem with Aspidistra. I will follow your advice and get a moisture meter. Great video. Thanks for the tips.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching

[@sushma1805]

Thanks for the most awaited and wanted video. I lost my Raven ZZ due to over watering. I learnt my lesson. Now, I'm extra extra careful while watering ZZ.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glad you liked the video Sushma 👍

[@monicahammond1007]

I needed this today! I JUST noticed last night that my ZZ has 3 yellow leaves!!!!! What I saw online said to take out of the moist soil ASAP and put in drier soil and leave it alone. Hopefully that helps. I am so sad I did that to her. I feel terrible. Thanks for this video!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glad it was useful, thanks Monica!

[@AmyK007]

I water mine every month to six weeks. She’s really happy and has new shoots on the bottom of the plant. She likes it dry.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👍👍

[@ToriForrest]

I thoroughly water mine roughly every 2 months and it is the happiest plant in my house! Got lots of new growth in a bright indirect light in a NW facing window.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

The more neglect the better 😂

[@gregq55]

Two months seems like a long time not to water a plant. Is your ZZ plant still doing well with that watering schedule?

[@russellperdomo4972]

I live in a tropical country and I water it every 2 weeks in indirect sunlight

[@ToriForrest]

@@gregq55 still the happiest plant in my house! I check all my plants weekly and water accordingly, but my zz still only needs watered every 6-8 weeks

[@IthinkIneedAhug]

I've been neglecting my ZZ for a while, it's still been just fine though! I've moved it to where it gets more sun and where I'll see it more. I've been worried about how much water it'll need now, so this is great information! 💖 Thank you!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@nativemafiainc9963]

I started a ZZ propagation box about 5 months ago from leaves ..i put them in a container with drain holes and a clear lid. I used cactus soil ... I literally had to forget about it...but it worked and out of it I have 3 pots full of new plants. Patience ...

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You’ve got more patience than me!

[@nativemafiainc9963]

@@SheffieldMadePlants honestly..it happened quicker than I would have thought...the key is to set it and forget it lol ..

[@susie-q96]

Ah! Here’s my ZZ tutorial. 😊 Mine really didn’t like the dark foyer, but doing much better since I brought her into the light! 😆 Thank you!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👍👍👍

[@bldlst1229]

I acquired a ZZ plant about 1 yr ago. I think it’s a super nova ZZ, because it’s 6ftx4ft. It’s flowered 3 flowers after I repotted. Because it was in the same pot 15 years. ❤And I found that it puts out new branches regularly with worm castings every month or so. I skip fertilizer. This keeps it happy and growing.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Wow what a beast!

[@barbarapz834]

I’m excited to have found you. I could watch your videos all day.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you 😊

[@lauratejeda8188]

After months and countless videos, I finally used your link for the longer water meter (less than$20 US!). Anyways, THANK YOU, IT'S SAVED my Plants! No more Mushy Roots! 🎉

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glad I could help!

[@playme129]

I bought this plant this summer. It was among the the succulents, at the grocery store. I wanted a succulent because I keep forgetting to water my houseplants. It is still doing fine because I haven't over watered it. Thanks for posting all of this great information about a plant I knew nothing about.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks glad you found it useful 😄

[@garypamatat3167]

Excellent tips on caring for ZZ plants especially on the watering part. The first time I bought a ZZ plant I must have over watered it. Because it rotted I actually thought it was a member of the palm family. I got a beautiful large ZZ plant which one of my neighbors put out by the curb to throw out I was driving by and I saw the plant by the curb and immediately stopped my car and bought it home. I water it very infrequently and have it growing in a south facing window in my house it's doing great. I just bought it back into my home from its summer vacation in my backyard. It's a beautiful plant to own. Thanks for all your wonderful plant tips. Love your British accent. Have a great day mate :)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks Gary 👍 You’ve got a nice free plant there!

[@kbm4409]

Awesome because I was looking at this plant yesterday but was nervous because I'm still learning about taking care of plants that is potted in soil

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

This plant is really easy so fear not 😁

[@yurmomsaccount]

My favorite kind of plant care! Neglect!!!! Succulents and ZZ plants for the win. ❤

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😁

[@steve7015]

Chock-full of helpful instructions, tips and great laughs.... Really enjoying your vids. Thanks!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Super! Thanks very much Steve 😁

[@frankw9836]

transferred mine to Leca and its standing in water 24h and she loves it

[@carolstewart4176]

I have just got this plant,repotted in succulent mix and a bigger pot and it has five new leafs and a flower

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great 👍

[@weasel9062]

I just drench mine once a month in the shower (its in a fairly large terracotta pot) got the Raven variant also. 3 years now with no issues. Put it about a meter back from a south facing window is the only change I did with it.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great stuff 👍

[@kristinemisko2578]

Due to a long distance move I left my ZZ plant in the temporary care of a relative, with specific instructions to water it well once a month. When I retrieved the plant three months later, I notice signs of over watering. While the plant was in her care, several new stems had emerged but the leaves were smaller than normal, puckered and misshapen and some new leaves had fallen off one of the stems. It was getting about the same amount of sunlight as it did at my house but the plant was watered once a week rather than once a month. When I got home I replaced the saturated soil with dry soil and returned to an appropriate watering schedule. New stems recently emerged and the leaves look smooth, shiny and normally shaped.

[@daisysingh4659]

Very informative! TIL the plants can go from the leaves, thank you sir! 😮😊

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You bet!

[@laurieoverton9797]

I actually have great results with my ZZ plant in front of my patio glass doors lots of sunlight and I do water it every 3-4 days just a little and it's grown more than 5 or 6 shoots in the last 4 months I know I've been lucky it's a beautiful plant!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sounds like it 👍

[@davidrocque1587]

The ZZ species name zamiifolia means ‘leaf like a zamia’. Zamias are really cool cycads that probably even tougher than ZZ plants. My big one is about 30 years old but Zamia can live 500 years or more. Cycads are actually conifers so when they flower they have cones. Mine is a boy Zamia so the cones only have pollen, no seeds.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great knowledge!

[@feliperamedeiros]

Cycads are gymnosperms like conifers, but are not conifers! They're actually in their own division, the Cycadophyta, and indeed are very badass plants.

[@nicknamelost]

My wife's grandparents have a zzplant and it's growing pretty fast, like 1 or 2 new steams a month. I've cutted one steam from it and picked up all the leafs, put 6 leaves in water and 6 leaves in coco. I now have 6 zzplants growing !

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great stuff 👍

[@safisadula1625]

Hi, which ones rooted ,in water coco? When did you get the first rhizome?

[@TruthWillSetYouFree832]

Thanks, Rich. I think it was another video where I commented that I bought a ZZ plant and watered it on day 5. You suggested I then let it be for a while and it's now coming up on 5 weeks since I've watered it. It's in a place I see all the time, and I've been checking on it. It's grown two new stems with leaves forming and one of those about to open up. I just checked the soil with the meter and it's at 2, so I came to see if I should panic or not. It's hard for me to not want to water it, so I needed the reassurance. :) While checking the soil, I noticed the tips of two more new stems forming. I will watch the existing leaves to see if they start showing any lack of water and maybe wait until the meter gets to 1. It's in a lower-light situation, somewhat far from a window that has some indirect light coming in.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sounds like it’s in good shape. 2 is a little early for a Zz. Depends on your climate and home etc but they normally want to dry out fully

[@TruthWillSetYouFree832]

@@SheffieldMadePlantsOkay, thanks, Rich! I think I can hold off a while, then. :)

[@ConkreteMan]

My zz plant is in my bedroom and I more or less forget to water it. I’ve had it 6 weeks and watered it twice, but I already have a new shoot. This could be the easiest and most rewarding plant I’ve ever owned.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Absolutely 👍

[@vidmoosh]

My ZZ has been with us for about 5 years, with very little change. I water it infrequently and have only repotted it once in that time. This winter, all the old stems (around 10 or 12) withered one by one, and then in no time the rhizomes pushed out as many - if not more - new, gorgeous, shiny green stems, which got as tall as the old stems very quickly. It also put out one very weird flower. It looks like a brand new plant, except for the weird stumps of the old stems, and I was shocked at how quickly all the new growth appeared after the plant had done basically nothing for five years.

[@steve7015]

My apt. has florescent lights in the kitchen (no windows).... I've had my ZZ plant in there for a week. It looks healthy. ..Grateful for the watering tip as I would have drowned it.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Catches most folks out

[@annasimanovicki8682]

I bought one three months ago i only watered it three times since i got it. It growing pretty good.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

They seem to love neglect!

[@angelakyle4838]

After watching this I really want a ZZ plant 😊 Btw The toned down music is much better 👍

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks Angela. ZZs are definitely worth having!

[@angelakyle4838]

@@SheffieldMadePlants it’ll be my next plant purchase 👍

[@HerVibesDivine]

I find that my zz grows best outside. Hes been on my north facing porch for the summer and has given me 6 new shoots!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Outside is always great for plants 👍

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Outside is always great for plants 👍

[@chell8510]

Just subbed, thanks so much for this....just got one of these plants last week. I did my research on watering and lights with every new plant. You added so much more info.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you very much Chell! Glad you found it useful 👍

[@marcyanus1430]

I found the leaf propagation method to work the best for me.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Surprising effective but very slow. Have you grown them into plants? How big are they?

[@EleaRingenwald]

I had some and i was slowly killing them.... 🙈 As i repotted them i realised i gave them to much water. I repotted them in really good drainable Soil. I super often forgot to water it and now she is thriving and making more stems. 🥰 So good for a beginner, if you'ee aware to not give 5hem lot's of water.... 🙃😊

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Spot on. Water is the main killer

[@Robert_A_Keyboards4948]

YEP! I have two ZZ plants and I only water them every 3 to 4 weeks unless it looks thirsty. They are doing well. You can top water though, you just water well and then do not water again for 3 to 4 weeks.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👍

[@itn0687]

I was out for my home for exactly 2 months and both my Zz, one black raven including survived without any damage, it was on my balcony under a shade net since we receive good amount of sunlight.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

They like neglect for sure

[@angelwright9797]

I propagated a bunch of ZZ leaves in August 2021. This summer, I have several small plants ranging in size from minuscule to a few inches in height. It's definitely a long game. All of the stem cuttings I took at that time have one or more shoots coming up right now :) In my climate, as long as the mature plants are getting lots of sun, they put out new growth yearly.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Nice one! They are so slow but very rewarding when they start to get bigger.

[@DanaMiSa74]

That great 🙂!

[@georgiaross6741]

@ Angel Wright, Oh I'm glad to see your comment and hope someone will see this and answer my question since I'm late to the party. How did you propagate? I cut a couple of stems about 10 inches tall and stuck them in water. However because their stems are so thick, I think they may rot rather than growing roots. I just started looking for a home solution for rooting compound. I used to grow medical MJ legally in Washington for my husband and did well at cloning with store bought cloning powder, but I'm out and thought I would try a home solution. Any suggestions, anyone??? Help!!! @ Angel Wright

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@georgiaross6741 cinnamon and honey are pretty good home remedies for rooting hormone

[@Fabdanc]

More light means a faster growing ZZ. They like a lot of light and warmth, but not to be scorching hot. They will basically shut down if it is too hot. A slow growing ZZ is an unhappy one. Sure they tolerate low light but their slow growth rate and tendency to rot under these conditions is a sign that they don't like what you are doing. I'm all about aesthetically stressing plants...it's how we succulent growers keep our plants colorful, but it's a fine line between stress and torture, lol.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for the tips.

[@OfGraySkies]

I’m terrible with succulents! I’m trying to keep the ones alive that I have but I’m not buying anymore!! 😅 I’m happy for you in your little succulent heaven, sounds beautiful 😍

[@katallen4021]

Thanks! The zz is so fresh and lovely! Now, I can care for it properly!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching Kat!

[@abett6111]

Well I definitely agree about oxalis, such a top plant.

[@richardringe1046]

I have many ZZs,they get rained on every day and are doing great,some of them are having a spread of 6ft( btw,I live in the Costa Rican rainforest)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I bet they look great

[@OfGraySkies]

AMAZING! I’m soo jealous of your life!

[@justinamontgomery2618]

There is a new zz coming out in stores....the camelian....I have seen the zz zenzi in stores once, and passed it up because I was making too many other purchases....and have never seen it since in stores...I knew I should of bought it :) anyways I got 2 minature zz's dwarf variety, love them, highly recommend if you ever find one, I have 2 ravens, and 2 green!! I have killed my share as well..A few! This has been helpful...thank you

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks Justina. So the Camelian has lighter leaves? I want me a Raven for sure.

[@yvonnebaxter8014]

I think the ZZ Zenzii is a miniature ZZ same variety just under another supply name 😊

[@NovaSevenOneEight]

Sometimes whole month, or more, goes by, where I do not water my ZZ...and I love it 😅

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great ain’t it 👌

[@johnathondavis5208]

My ZZ is a complete puzzler (albeit, forgiving one). Frequent or infrequent watering, more light, less light..it just doesn't seem to care. Keeps growing well and seems happy...which means I am, too.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great then 👍

[@genevievepluviose9919]

I have been checking my zz monthly to see if it needs to be watered. It’s been almost 3 months’

[@PEACEBRINGER8959]

Got one today,i repotted it and found 3 in one separated them ,now i got 3 new house plants

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Nice 👌

[@YoSpiff]

Thanks, that was useful. I have one I bought a couple of years back as a fairly small plant and it's been uppotted once. Sounds like I am ignoring it enough that it's usually happy. Still shy of 2 feet tall. I think the next time it needs a bigger pot will be the time to propagate it.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yep good time to tease the stems apart and make new plants

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

9 pro tips for a big bushy Monstera Deliciosa 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJCxYX-Of9RskMU

[@eminar.4422]

Mine didn't grow any new leaves for about two years. I placed it at the south-west facing window and a month later, new leaf began to grow. Yeah!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Good job 👍

[@marsc198]

Could you please make a video on how to rescue an over watered ZZ plant please. I have done the absolute opposite to the info you gave in the video. I now have one cut stem with one new leaf growing out the top of it. the other stems have wilted and turned black, obviously from too much water. I seem to make a habit of killing even the most robust plant. I do love your videos though, I have only just stumbled upon your channel a few days ago and am learning heaps! So thank you muchly!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks Marianne. I’ll add that to the list 👍

[@Anotherhumanexisting]

My cat just chomped the longer one of the 2 stems on my baby Raven ZZ that I just bought from a local seller. He doesn’t eat them, just likes decapitating my plants! Going to try to propagate what survived and keep even further out of his reach!!

[@saradawn9385]

It's toxic to cats and can cause kidney issues. He/she should have bloodwork done and not be allowed to reach it at all.

[@neelimamachineni1710]

Ohh I didn't know this info. But I water zz weekly thrice or so. Anyway there are only 2 stems from many months and only those 2 remain without any new sprouts 😂 So let me see from today Wl change my watering schedule. Hope for the new shoots. Tq

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I think you need to 😅

[@angharadrobinson7314]

I'm a very prolific house plant grower, specifically those that can handle a lot of neglect when it comes to watering, but had killed the two or three small zz plants I'd gotten over the years. A few months ago I found a very unhappy medium sized one on the curb that someone had gotten rid of because it was looking quite haggard. I put it in a really quite lightless corner in my house and honestly just forgot it was there for.. two months or so? Didn't water it or even look at it, very very little real light to speak of- and I just found it and it has 7 tall new almost unfurled shoots. I'm almost afraid to take care of it now because it seems so much healthier being (extremely) neglected

[@chelseaclerke3582]

I have no idea how but my sister managed to kill a ZZ by under watering it, I'm not sure if she did one of those oh no I haven't watered it in 3 months and then overwatered it accidentally or if it just dried up but we still laugh about it sometimes. The funniest part is that she is actually really knowledgeable about plants and a lot of my plants are props from hers.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Ah well it's all a learning experience I guess. I've lost a few along the way. Happens to the best of us!

[@georgiaross6741]

Oh no! That reminds me, 20 years ago my neighbor Bob said he would take care of my houseplants while we were away on our 2 week honeymoon. I had a big beautiful jade plant, about 2 feet around. I believe he forgot to water that one, then flooded it the day before we came home. I tried taking it out of the pot and laying it on its side on newspaper for a couple of days to dry out. It had just absorbed too much water. I was broken hearted because I'd had it for 15 years. That said, the honeymoon in Jamaica was fabulous and we had a wonderful 30 marriage before my dear husband died last year. 🌿💔🌿

[@lynnetrue4103]

Had Mine in South window and watered every 3 weekes did fine for 3 years and then any new shoot turned yellow and died....repotted and things got worse and it died😢 Might try a ZZ again sometime with these tips.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Good luck!

[@bldlst1229]

I acquired a 6 ft x 4 ft possible super nova ZZ plant. It hardly had any soil when I repotted. I only give worm castings every month or so. This keeps it happy and growing. No fertilizer. 😂

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Those worm casting sure are doing the trick. And the light!

[@chuckcummins9149]

Absolutely ... agree, my finding as well always seemed to like being root bound .. because I like indoor plants being more at window height find it works nicely potted in smaller clay pots sunken in much larger Planters (soil) looks good too ... while a fortnight on the porch works as well ..thanks again for assuring my learn by error plant life .. your thoughts of keeping Poinsettia thriving here, west exposure seems best?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks. Poinsettias are tricky, especially to get the red bracts back. I've got a video on that

[@shefo3916]

Hi, thank you for this awesome video. A question: In order to bottom water, must the roots be at the bottom of the pot? Asked another way, how close to the bottom must the roots be in order for bottom watering to work? For when I transplant a plant I make sure it has at least 2 inches of open soil all around the root ball. Thank you again!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It shouldn’t matter. When watering the soil should be wet enough to hydrate the roots even if it’s not as wet at the top

[@shefo3916]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Thank you 🙏

[@gardeninginthedesert]

Mine put out one stem a year for three years but this year I put it in a brighter spot and it put out two.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You’ve got a happy ZZ 👍

[@kanefaith6653]

Should i be concern about the thick roots when using the water meter. If i puncture the thick potato like roots will it be ok? Thank you for all of your very useful videos.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Go gently and try to avoid if you can but it will be ok with the odd poke

[@kanefaith6653]

@@SheffieldMadePlants thank you.

[@Isinita]

I damaged mine with a moisture meter and had to cut away two rhizomes. So I'll stop stabbing mine now.

[@hathhath2444]

I water my large ZZ plant maybe once in 2 months. No change in plumpness of stalks/leaves and still pushing new growth. Actually don't understand how it survived. With 150+ plants in the home she really is the most easy going.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

The less love you give it the better 😂

[@LostInThisGardenofLife]

I water my zz plants once a month and they do great.

[@JudithConnett]

I have had a zz plant for about 3 years now and has always been healthy and green until recently. A whole stem and leaves had turned yellow. I usually leave it 3 weeks then give it a good watering as long as it is bone dry so not sure why leaves were turning yellow. The first year I had placed it in my sitting room however it was too dark for it as the stems were becoming bald and just leaves at the top like it was reaching for light, so I do not feel it is ok for all zz plants to be in lower light. Once I moved it near the window it was much happier. Re yellow leaves I have read that underwatering can cause this as well and wondered if I was neglecting it a bit too much.

[@platinakuka]

Thanks, this video was a very good one again! 😎 I have one more question though... What kind of soil could be good for them? Is the aroid mix a good choice?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yes aroid mix is good. Anything free draining with something like perlite in

[@platinakuka]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Thanks for the answer! 😊

[@berlinorama]

I pretty much neglect my ZZ plant and it is doing great;-)) It is near a north-facing window so gets no sun.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👌

[@BetaEngineer]

I watered mine 6 months ago and seems to be doing fine.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👍

[@sandyloyst1811]

Love and Peace.

[@PhemiMinistry]

Great information! Thanks Brother 😇

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You bet!

[@amyjones2119]

I'm now the proud owner of a Raven ZZ plant, it's my first ZZ plant so this video was very helpful. I'm unsure if I should repot it, the pot it came in isn't fully round anymore because the plant roots are pushing on it. I also saw that one thick root has escaped through the bottom holes. It seems they've grown it in a different potting soil than I'm used to though so maybe it won't like regular potting soil?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Regular potting soil will be fine. They aren't that fussy. Take it out and have a look. If it's severely root bound then maybe change. Lovely plant the raven

[@amyjones2119]

@@SheffieldMadePlants thanks for your advice! I have been waiting for this plant to become available for 6 months if not more so when I spotted it in the garden center's 50% discount category it absolutely made my week!

[@elliotsinclair5849]

Thanks for the video! For the first year my ZZ plant was very healthy. Recently though some of the leaves have started to brown and stems have toppled so I've had to pull them out. I've only got about 6 stems left (had about 14 to begin with). I'm watering it only every 2-3 months or so, or even longer, as I'm using a probe and it's constantly showing moist (for some reason the plant drinks extremely slowly indeed). It's not in direct sunlight either. Any idea why this is happening? Thanks!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Might be a lack of light?

[@noelbond7757]

I have mine in a dark corner. I’ve only had him 2 months and I’ve got 3 new stalks 😳

[@GotterVibez]

If the soil has a lot of perlite and great drainage , doesnt that mitigate the risks involved by overwatering?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yes it does

[@olgarithm7973]

Just got myself a ZZ plant and an Xlux water meter like yours! Quick question-aren’t you worried about accidentally piercing one of those chunky rhizomes when testing soil moisture close to the stem? 🌱

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Nah it’ll be fine

[@koushikroyal585]

Hi, I really appreciate your work. I have a zz plant about 2 years of age in a red soil pot.Can i now repot it into coco peat pot? As I’m planning to place it in my bedroom.

[@koushikroyal585]

Can I use coco peat as potting material for my zz

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yep

[@im_cheepy1143]

I never water my zz, and It had been growing VERY well! However, occasionally on new leaves, the top most leaf will turn brownish yellow. What do you think is the cause of it?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Maybe a lack of nutrients. When did you last fertilise?

[@im_cheepy1143]

@@SheffieldMadePlants I haven't 😅 What kind would you recommend?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@im_cheepy1143 a decent liquid fertiliser. I use miracle gro. Use a light dose because we’re heading into winter now.

[@im_cheepy1143]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Thank you very much!

[@dianadav4489]

thank you! lots of great tip.. why would the long stems be leaning out or over no longer upright.. is this a sign of something?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Possibly too wet

[@dianadav4489]

the last time i watered it was maybe 4-5 months ago so def not overwatered. Any other ideas? ty for your comment.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@dianadav4489 maybe underwatering then or lack of light.

[@sandracardoso2602]

I have a ZZ plant for the last 3 or 4 years and every year at this time - early fall - a couple of the shorter or younger shoots' leaves tend to yellow. Did you ever notice something like that? The stalk is fine and plump on the bottom, it's mainly the leaves and start on the top. The longer stalks are fine with chunky leaves in a deep green. As soon as they do that, I snip them off and propagate (Eventually... Leaves-only do propagate faster somehow?). Maybe I just need to get a bigger pot? The smaller branches might not get enough light? I'm up to any theory right now

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Not sure to be honest. Could be light, too much water, rootbound

[@marileebrozovich2095]

I saved a zz from next to a dumpster. So sad. It was water logged but i managed to dry it out really well then gave it new soil and pot. That was 2 months ago. I just now gave it more water as the soil was dry. The leaves look beautiful but there are a couple stocks that arent as dark green as the others. I hope this plant is ok??

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sounds like you did a good job

[@Herbalconjure]

I laughed too many times in video 😂. I learned a lot buttt I’m sure I laughed more. Great video

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@laurap239]

I agree with everything you've said about the ZZ plant. However, there is a contradiction (imo) with what you recommended for Alocasia a few months ago. Alocasias have rhizomes, but in that case you recommended more watering. Am I remembering wrong? Bcause I do water both the ZZ and the Alocasia very little, but the first is thriving while di Alocasia is suffering

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

The rhizomes in a ZZ are massive and store lots of water. The rhizomes in Alocasias are smaller and will need watering more than a ZZ.

[@kino7539]

But what kind of pot bottom are you supposed to have? Do any type of holes on the bottom work? Just trying to understand how big or small those holes need to be.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Any holes will do the job