Question
Will, I have several zz plants.  They make beautiful house plants as I'm sure you know.  My problem is as they mature, the taller stalks tend to flop over and break at the dirt level.  Should I remove these or what ?

Answer
Hi Melanie,

When ZZ Plants are kept in sunny locations, the stems are thicker and less likely to sag under their own weight. In low light, this is a common problem with older leaf stems.

Certainly, anytime a leaf stem looks unsightly it should be cut off at the base. Fortunately, new growth comes in to replace the ones you remove. Cutting off these stems will not harm the plant.

One other note: in very poor light or when the soil is kept too damp, the roots will gradually die back and that will cause leaf stems to flop as you described. Once that happens, the root damage is usually too far advanced for the plant to recover. ZZ Plants can survive drought, but not constantly moist soil.

I have written an article on ZZ Plant care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends 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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Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com