---
title: "I went to fix a stem on my Zz plant that was leaning, and it popped…"
description: "I went to fix a stem on my Zz plant that was leaning, and it popped right out of the soil 😬. Is this a sign of rot? I’m not sure what to do, I tugged lightly…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/Vx7jGPu9TUGvkVal_lfJ7g?language=nl"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "PlantMum"
published: "2024-05-26T04:02:04.804895Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/5cGiaOKyZgBZHroc1fX29yZQ3VJTmM7wg3n8z8sDGLc/67XurB55Q8WZep3kLgwhVg.webp?size=large"
---

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# I went to fix a stem on my Zz plant that was leaning, and it popped…

_Geplaatst door PlantMum op 2024-05-26_

I went to fix a stem on my Zz plant that was leaning, and it popped right out of the soil 😬. Is this a sign of rot? I’m not sure what to do, I tugged lightly on the other stems and they were all secure, the plant overall looks decently healthy.

![Bijlage 1 van 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/5cGiaOKyZgBZHroc1fX29yZQ3VJTmM7wg3n8z8sDGLc/67XurB55Q8WZep3kLgwhVg.webp?size=large)

![Bijlage 2 van 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/5cGiaOKyZgBZHroc1fX29yZQ3VJTmM7wg3n8z8sDGLc/rIHcTsxvSTiHqK6FA663qg.webp?size=large)

## 11 reacties

### Sam reageerde op 2024-05-26

Mine did that too! Stick it in water and wait a ridiculously long time (change it to clean water every week or so) and it may start to grow new roots. Mine has taken a long time but it’s finally starting to grow it self a little root!

#### PlantMum antwoordde op 2024-05-26

Thank you!

#### Jas antwoordde op 2024-05-26

Also dipping it in cinnamon before into the water will help reduce chances of rotting… if you have a pothos cutting, putting those together may help to speed the process up too🙃

#### Sam antwoordde op 2024-05-27

Does this also apply to snake plant propagation I have a couple cuttings in water now and they haven’t done anything yet. I’m trying to be patient but I’ve never had luck propagating snake plants. They always end up going mushy and rotting.

### eatyacarbs reageerde op 2024-05-26

This is a sign of rot, yes. How often are you watering? These grow natively in suuuper arid african climates, so you definitely want to err on the side of underwatering. Damage to the rhizomes can cause this too. I water mine like once a month, maaaaybe twice if it’s been reallly hot - and mine lives right in a SW facing bay window

#### PlantMum antwoordde op 2024-05-26

I water it when the soil is completely dry, sometimes a bit longer

#### PlantMum antwoordde op 2024-05-26

What should I do if there is damage to the rhizomes?

#### eatyacarbs antwoordde op 2024-05-26

Nothing to be done but to wait it out! Depending on the size of your plant, it should have plenty of back up. I damaged a couple rhizomes by stabbing them with a skewer trying to aerate lol - i lost two leaves but the rest of the plant seems ok.

As for water propping these like Sam said it will take AGES, I’d just toss the leaf.

#### PlantMum antwoordde op 2024-05-26

Okay, thank you for telling me! I’m relieved to hear that 😅

### Sushi reageerde op 2024-05-26

This one has rly pretty leaves

### Richelle reageerde op 2024-05-27

You could water next time with a 1/4 hydrogen peroxide / water mix if you suspect rot. That’s what gradually saved mine!

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