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zz plant toxicity

Zamioculcas zamiifolia belongs to the Araceae family, also known as the ZZ plant. There are so many ZZ plant varieties, like ZZ raven, Zenzi, Lucky classic plant, etc. Furthermore, it is a popular houseplant for its attractive, oval, deep glossy green leaves. Thus, it is used for decoration in the garden or office. Also, this plant can thrive with minimal care in any indoor environment. Moreover, the ZZ plant improves indoor air quality by filtering toxins, including benzene, xylene, and toluene, from the indoor air and adding oxygen. However, be careful; ZZ plants are toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. So, don’t ingest this plant or its leaves.

Quick Facts about ZZ Plant

  • Common name: ZZ Plant
  • Family: Araceae
  • Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
  • Other Names: Zanzibar Gem, Eternity Plant, Aroid Palm
  • Origin: Eastern Africa
  • Plant Type: Tropical Perennial
  • Mature Size: Minimum 2 feet to maximum 4 feet long and wide.
  • Sun Exposure: Like bright to low indirect light.
  • Color of leaves: Glossy green leaves 
  • Bloom Time: Spring
  • Flower Color: Yellow to brown spadix
  • Ideal soil type: Well-drained loamy soil
  • Ideal pH of soil: Neutral or slightly acidic
  • Propagation: Stem cutting
  • Hardiness Zones: 9 to 10 (USDA)
  • ZZ plant toxicity: Toxic for both people and pets if ingested

Common problem with the ZZ plants

However, ZZ plants are robust and can thrive with minimal care. Even insects can’t harm these plants effectively in favorable conditions. However, the tree cannot cope with some problems. For example, problems occur when common house pests, including mealy bugs, scales, fungi, gnats, and aphids, attack during winter. Also, excessive watering can lead to the formation of fungi or bacteria, which are harmful to plants. However, if you know about these problems and the right solution, your ZZ plant will be healthy and beautiful. Treat in time to avoid more problems and issues. Here, are some common issues with ZZ trees and cures.

Mealybug attack

When the mealybug attacks, small white cotton-like bunches appear at the base of the leaves or twigs of the ZZ plant. And this insect is oval-shaped and 1/4 inch long. These insects suck the sap of the plant, as a result of which yellow spots appear on the leaves, the leaves fall off, and even the growth of the plant can be reduced. Also, mealybugs secrete honey-like adhesive or honeydew, which helps in the growth of black fungus or sooty mold on leaves and stems.

Treatment of mealybug attack

  • Separate the affected plant from other plants.

  • Clear the affected parts with isopropyl alcohol in cotton.

  • Spray the whole plant with powdered wax, insecticidal soap, or neem oil on the stem to kill the remaining mealybugs and prevent further infestation.

  • Cut off the most affected parts of the plant.

  • Monitor the plant regularly and apply the treatment repeatedly to the affected areas.

  • Lastly, ensure proper care of the plant, as healthy plants are resistant to mealybug attacks.

Fungus gnats

Small, mosquito-like insects, eggs, and larvae are usually seen around the soil on the pot. This is fungal gnats. These insects are attracted to excess moisture in the soil, and their larvae feed by sucking the roots of plants that grow in the soil. As a result, yellowing of the leaves, less growth, and root rot can occur. If you can see small black worms or larvae in the soil, you will know that the fungus has attacked the gnat.

Solutions or cures

  • First, keep the soil dry because gnat larvae grow best in moist soil.

  • Add water when the top is dry. Also, ensure a well-drained pot so the soil does not retain excess water.

  • Catch adult insects using sticky traps on the ground.

  • If the problem is serious, hydrogen peroxide and water mix in equal parts and spray on the soil.  Also, you can spray insecticides or neem oil.

Aphids

Aphids are small, pear-shaped, green, yellow, red, or black insects that usually live in groups under leaves, on young stems, or flower buds. They suck the sap of the plant, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow, curl, or deform. In the presence of aphids, a sticky honey-like substance or honeydew appears on the leaves. It can produce sooty mold fungus. They breed quickly, which can cause rapid damage to the plant

Solutions or cures

  • First, cut off the affected part of the plant.
  • Then rinse thoroughly with water.
  • If there is a slight attack, you can remove the aphid using neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • In cases of severe attacks, insecticides can be used. If necessary, spray repeatedly and continue to monitor the plant regularly.
  • Ensure proper care of the plant so it can prevent new aphid attacks.

Leggy growth zz plants care

ZZ plants tolerate low light but grow best in bright, indirect light. But if there is not enough light, the tree becomes unusually long and thin, which is called leggy growth. On the other hand, when the tree ZZ plants do not receive enough nutrients, the branches become weak and easily bent or broken. Therefore, lack of nutrition can also lead to leggings of the plant. That can prevent it from growing to its full potential.

Solutions or cures

  • Keep the ZZ plant in bright, indirect light. However, keep in a place where sunlight does not fall directly but enough light reaches. Furthermore, rotate the plant direction from time to time so that it receives equal light from all sides and grows evenly. If possible, you can use a grow lamp to supplement the light.
  • In the growing season, you can fertilize the plant with compost rich in organic matter. It provides more water-holding capacity and nutrients to the soil. At the same time, it will help to prevent laziness.

Yellow leaves zz plants care

Excess watering can cause root rot to ZZ plants. As a result, the leaves turn yellow. At the same time, the old leaves turn yellow and the new leaves lose their bright green color. Sometimes, the problem of yellowing of leaves can occur due to a lack of necessary nutrients.

Solutions

  • Before planting, make sure the pot has drainage holes. Before watering, make sure the soil is dry. Although the ZZ plants can go without water for several weeks, water sparingly during the dry season.
  • Use well-drained soil. For example, you can sand the soil mixture with compost manure. This mixture is rich in organic matter.
  • In the growing season, such as spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer. However, it is better not to over-fertilize.

Brown tips zz plants care

ZZ plants are generally good at average room humidity. However, too much dry air and sunlight can cause the plant to lose water from the leaves. As a result, the ZZ plant’s brown tips are seen. Also, if you do not water for a long time, the tip of the leaf dries up and causes brown tips. Furthermore, some ZZ plants can cause burns by leaching fluoride leaves that are also in tap water. Moreover, excessive watering during new growth can lead to brown tips on ZZ plants.

Solutions

  • Keep the plant at average room humidity.

  • Water the soil in time. But, avoid adding too much water.

  • Use purified or filtered water free of fluoride and other chemicals.

  • If possible, use a humidifier. 

Root rot zz plants treatment

Excessive watering can lead to root rot in ZZ plants. Water gets accumulated in the ground if there is no proper drainage system. This causes root rot and other plant problems.

The Solutions

  • Before watering, make sure the soil is dry. Make sure there is no water in the pot.
  • If the root rot is severe, remove the plant from the pot. Next, cut off the rotten roots and repot the plant in a new and well-drained pot. However, before this, make sure the new container has good drainage holes.

FAQs

Are ZZ plants toxic to cats?

Yes, ZZ plants are toxic to cats.

Is ZZ plant toxic to cats?

Yes, the ZZ plant is toxic to cats.

Is ZZ plant cat-safe?

No, the plant is not cat-safe.

Are ZZ plants toxic to dogs?

Yes, ZZ plants are toxic to dogs.

Is ZZ plant pet-safe?

No, the ZZ plant is not pet-safe.

Is a ZZ plant safe for the cats?

No, the ZZ plant is not safe for the cats.

When to report a ZZ plant?

If there are signs that the roots emerge from the drainage hole, slow growth, or the plant becomes heavy on the roots upwards, your plant needs to be replanted. Generally, after every 2 to 3 years.

What is the ZZ plant pot size?

The general pot size is about 2 inches larger than the size of the plant.

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