ZZ Plant — common problems

Find the symptom you're seeing for the likely cause and fix.

Root rot

Likely cause: Excessive watering or sitting in standing water.

Fix: Water only 1-2 times a month after the medium dries completely; drain fully before returning to a saucer or cachepot.

Black spots on stems

Likely cause: Normal for the plant — not a disease.

Fix: No action needed.

Source: extension care guide. Symptoms often overlap — match the conditions (light, watering, humidity) to your situation.

Other houseplants

General care guidance from university extension sources — not a substitute for diagnosing your specific plant and conditions. How this works.