Unique plants are eye-catching plants…and the ZZ plant falls right into that category. When I first started collecting indoor houseplants, this was one that I snatched up. I own two of them, and they haven’t caused me any issues. They don’t talk back, miss curfew, or refuse to flaunt their beauty. They have a unique, eye-catching shape that is loaded with a dense cluster of glossy zig-zag leaves. The leaflets are so shiny it looks as if the plant has been sprayed with leaf polish.
ZZ plants are drought tolerant, can handle dry air, and will be happy in low-light conditions. If given bright indirect light, they will shoot out new growth. And trust me, new growth on this plant is exciting to experience. The thick stems and bulbous roots store water like succulents do, making it the perfect houseplant for someone who is always on the go or who works long hours. They are slow-growing plants that reach up to three to five feet — patience, my friend, patience. If you are short in the patience department, purchase a more substantial plant from the get-go!.
You can also call ZZ plants Zanzibar Gem, Zuzu plant, aroid palm, eternity plant, emerald palm, Zamioculcus zamiifolia, and Zamioculcus zamiifolia ‘Zenzi.’ They have small roots that grow into other plants. The fact that it’s hard to remember plant names and that people get them mixed up when they talk about them makes sense.
The vibrant green leaves of the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) add a lush, tropical feel to any indoor space. This resilient plant thrives despite low light and sparse watering, earning it a reputation as an easygoing houseplant. So when those glossy ZZ leaves start developing strange holes and blemishes it can be quite alarming for any plant parent.
While no plant is completely immune to damage holes in ZZ plant leaves are uncommon and warrant some investigation into the cause. By understanding the various reasons behind the holes you can take the proper actions to restore your plant’s health and beauty.
Common Causes of Holes in ZZ Plant Leaves
Here are the most likely reasons your ZZ plant developed holes out of the blue:
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Environmental Stress – Exposure to excessive light, heat, or cold can damage the protective wax coating on leaves, leading to burnt holes.
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Physical Damage – Accidental cuts, punctures, or tears from people, pets, or objects can create holes with ragged edges.
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Pests – Sap-sucking insects and chewing pests like caterpillars can leave behind tiny perforations.
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Overwatering – Excess moisture causes leaves to burst, especially around veins, leaving water-soaked holes.
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Underwatering – Severe drought makes leaves crisp and brown sections crumble away.
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Chemical Exposure – Spilled bleach, soaps, or cleaners can burn through the leaf surface and leave holes.
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Disease – Fungal or bacterial diseases are rare but can spread from the roots to leaves.
While the holes may detract from your plant’s appearance, the good news is that ZZ plants are remarkably resilient and can bounce back with proper care.
How to Diagnose the Cause of Leaf Holes
Examining the holes closely provides clues to identify the underlying issue:
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Location on plant – Holes concentrated near tops of leaves likely indicate environmental damage while random spots point to pests.
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Hole appearance – Singed edges signal sunburn; water-soaked decay suggests disease; smooth cuts are from physical damage.
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Other symptoms – Curled leaves, sticky residue or insects confirm pests; yellowed foliage points to overwatering.
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Plant history – Recent changes like repotting, location change, or fertilizing provide context.
Pinpointing the cause then allows you to take targeted action to treat the problem at the root and support future growth.
Fixing and Preventing ZZ Plant Leaf Holes
While the holes themselves won’t repair or close up, you can fix the underlying issue and improve the appearance of new growth by:
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Move plant away from hot windows or direct light if holes resulted from leaf burn.
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Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if you spot pests like spider mites.
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Cut back on watering frequency if you suspect overwatering is the culprit.
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Add a moisture-retaining amendment like peat or coconut coir if underwatering led to leaf crisping.
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Isolate and discard the plant if fungal infection is suspected. Sterilize the pot before reuse.
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Flush the soil to remove excess salts or fertilizer if chemical damage occurred.
You can prevent future holes proactively as well by:
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Keeping the plant in a spot with bright indirect light and ideal temperatures.
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Allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
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Inspecting regularly for pests and promptly removing them.
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Dusting leaves often and keeping chemicals away during cleaning.
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Using well-draining soil and pot with drainage holes.
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Avoiding overfertilization which can burn leaves.
With some detective work paired with attentive care, you can get your ZZ plant back to forming flawless new leaves. Don’t stress over a few imperfections – holes or not, the ZZ plant remains a resilient beaut.
Water RequirementsWater only when the soil is completely dry. Remember that the thick stems and bulbous roots store water, so you actually have to worry about overwatering rather than underwatering. Problems can develop if the plant is watered too frequently and the potting soil is constantly wet.
- With clean, sharp scissors, cut off any leaves and stems that are dying, discolored, broken, or infected as you find them.
- The leaves should be cleaned often enough to keep dust off of them. Do not use a feather duster because it makes it more likely that pests will move from one plant to another.
- Avoid using commercial leaf shining products on this plant.
- When potting, 3 parts potting soil to 1 part succulent is a good mix.
Light Requirements ZZ plants are happy in low-light conditions, but the brighter the indirect light is, the better. To provide indirect light, place the plant a few feet away from a sunny window, in front of a window covered with a sheer curtain, or in front of a window with a northern exposure. I own two of these plants. One is high up on a shelf in my studio, which doesn’t get much indirect light; instead, the room is flooded with fluorescent lighting, and it is flourishing. My other ZZ plant sits in the center of our living room on the coffee table. It gets indirect light from a northern window. It, too, is doing super well.
ZZ Plant Issues & Solutions
FAQ
Why do my ZZ plant leaves have holes?
What is chewing holes in my plant leaves?
What does a ZZ plant look like?
1. Yellowing Leaves ZZ plant leaves are typically emerald green and darken with age. The ‘Raven’ variety, on the other hand, has dark purple to almost black leaves. Yellowing leaves clearly indicate that your plant has care or environmental problems.
What are the most common ZZ plant problems?
These are the most Common ZZ Plant Problems with their detailed solutions. Knowing them will help you to keep your plants safe and healthy. 1. Stunted Growth 2. Leaves Turning Yellow 3. Brown Tips 4. Floppy / Drooping Stems 5. New Growth is Light Green 6. Exposed Root Bulb 7. Wrinkled Stems 8. Root Rot 9. Leaf Curling 10. Lackluster Foliage 1.
Why does my ZZ plant droop & Wilt?
If your ZZ plant’s leaves and stems droop or wilt, it’s most likely due to underwatering. Lack of moisture can cause the plant cells to shrink, leaving your plant with a dehydrated look. A thirsty ZZ plant may also have wrinkled leaves or brown, crisp leaf tips.
What causes lower leaves on ZZ plants?
The loss of lower leaves on ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) can be a common concern for houseplant owners, but by identifying the underlying causes and implementing targeted solutions, you can promote a healthier and more vibrant ZZ plant. 1. Natural Aging
Do ZZ plants rot?
ZZ plants are susceptible to root rot when kept in constantly wet soil. The roots and bulbs are sensitive to excess moisture and will decay if you water your plant too often. The rot-causing pathogens can spread to the stems, and the decayed section will cause them to bend.
Why are my ZZ plant leaves curling?
Leaves curling on the ZZ plant is a defense mechanism to conserve moisture. The puzzle for you is to identify what the plant is defending itself against. It can be a few things. Common causes of leaf curl are direct sunlight, dehydration, or exposure to cold drafts.