Question
Hi Will , I've been reading some  prior post on ZZ Plants. I just repotted one an I think I may have gone up to a too large of a pot. The problem that I'm having is it was in a six inch pot and top heavy to the point of leaning. It is pretty root bound and I don't want to lose it. Should I take it down to an eight inch pot or just wait and see ? What do you think is the best medium for this type plant ? Any info on ZZ Plants will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hi Vicky,

There is an easy solution for plants that are top-heavy and it does not involve repotting. Simply place the existing pot inside of a slightly larger decorative planter. Fill in the space between the two pots with small stones. The stones will hold the inner pot in place and will add ballast (bottom weight) to keep it from tipping over.

ZZ PLants are very tolerant plants, except for soil that stays moist for too long. That means ZZ's should be potted in a porous, sandy potting mix or one with extra perlite added. It also means they should be kept root bound so that the soil dries out quickly after each watering.

I recommend that you undo the repotting that you did by removing all of the soil you added, but none of the original rootball soil. Then, put it back into a 6-inch pot where it will fit snugly. If you move it to an 8-inch pot, you will have to add more potting mix and that will absorb and retain water much longer. If you do this, then you will have to be much more careful about watering less so the roots don't stay moist for very long. A 10-inch pot is way too large!

ZZ PLants will tolerate moderately low light and also direct sun. They grow faster in the latter, but do just fine in low light. They do not need high humidity and tolerate normal house temperatures very well. They do tend to grow slowly with long periods where no new growth comes in. Do not try to force faster growth with fertilizer or anything else.

Bottom line: Keep the soil on the dry side and this plant will otherwise take care of itself...if you let it!

I have written articles on repotting and on ZZ Plant care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com