--- title: "I need help with my ZZ! Over the past 4-5 months I’ve lost many of…" description: "I need help with my ZZ! Over the past 4-5 months I’ve lost many of her smaller stems. I water every 3-4 weeks and she gets lots of light through a west facing…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/khu0YP06mNO6Xas1AMgOcU" community: "Pests, diseases and problems" author: "Lo" published: "2025-02-20T21:05:30.936607Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/bietQkiKSR4V9kCj5sMgm0mjb9BlrbOeMgEd5oOLxFA/cvC8G80MS1WFOMfHcjHJaQ.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md) # I need help with my ZZ! Over the past 4-5 months I’ve lost many of… _Posted by Lo on 2025-02-20_ I need help with my ZZ! Over the past 4-5 months I’ve lost many of her smaller stems. I water every 3-4 weeks and she gets lots of light through a west facing bathroom window. I repotted from an 8 to a 10 inch pot a couple month ago because I thought she was too cramped. Roots looked good to me. Now another stem just turned yellow and I see yellowing starting on leaves on even another stem. BUT there is new growth for the first time in forever (3 new stems coming). What’s happening?? Also- what’s the best way to remove the stem once the leaves fall? ![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/bietQkiKSR4V9kCj5sMgm0mjb9BlrbOeMgEd5oOLxFA/cvC8G80MS1WFOMfHcjHJaQ.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/bietQkiKSR4V9kCj5sMgm0mjb9BlrbOeMgEd5oOLxFA/X_gbdOLaSF-Fm5e36hShZg.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/bietQkiKSR4V9kCj5sMgm0mjb9BlrbOeMgEd5oOLxFA/-X0juhg9TsGTon5vwL3NqA.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/bietQkiKSR4V9kCj5sMgm0mjb9BlrbOeMgEd5oOLxFA/FSdYewzvQR2zZ_75XjVyrQ.webp?size=large) ## 8 comments ### Adrian commented on 2025-02-21 Sounds like overwatering. ZZ plants are a little infamous for not needing to be watered for months, even years for some ZZ’s. The roots look good, but I would check the rhizomes (the things that look like “potatoes” in the roots). If they’re soft, mushy, have burst, or discolored, then there is likely some rot from overwatering, but if they’re firm and still intact, just let it dry out for a while. I’d try letting it dry until the leaves start to feel thinner and more pliable, at least a month or so to start. Making sure it’s in a well draining mix is another great step. I’d suggest a well draining cactus mix in the least if it’s not already in cactus mix, and I’d personally avoid Miracle Grow for this one, as even their cactus mix can be poor in drainage and would only worsen the problem. I swear by Espoma’s Organic Cactus and Succulent mix, and it runs for about $7-9 where I live. Hope this helps! #### Lo replied on 2025-02-21 Thanks! #### Adrian replied on 2025-02-21 As for your question about removing the stems, if you’re referring to the ones with yellowed leaves, I would take a pair of sharp scissors or gardening shears and sanitize them with a couple of spritzes/drops of hydrogen peroxide, then cut the stem as far down as possible. If the remainder of the base of the stem callouses and dries out, it’ll be easier to just pull it out instead of trying to fool with the root ball to try to pull it all out by the roots. #### Lo replied on 2025-02-21 Thanks! ### Joana commented on 2025-02-21 It is too close to the light you are burning it, pour filtered water on it and remove any yellow plants, leave it for at least two months without adding water so that the excess dries out, then add water every month and clean the leaves that helps a lot but put it further away from the light Good Luck 👍🏻 #### Lo replied on 2025-02-21 Thanks! #### Lo replied on 2025-02-21 When you say remove yellow plants, cut at the base or remove completely from root ball? #### Joana replied on 2025-02-21 Cut it below the last leaf because the stem looks healthy and can grow new leaves. --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_