Plant guide:ðŸŒŋ ZZ Plant
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Leaves

Brown Spots on ZZ Plant Leaflets

Commonly affects: Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)

Small, dry, brown spots appear scattered across leaflets, distinct from the widespread yellowing of overwatering.

Potential Causes

  1. 1Direct sun exposure causing localised leaf scorch, since ZZ Plant naturally tolerates low to medium light rather than intense direct sun
  2. 2Physical damage from handling or brushing against the leaflets
  3. 3Occasionally a fungal spot, particularly if conditions are unusually humid and still

Solution Steps

  1. 1Move the plant out of direct sun into bright, indirect light
  2. 2Handle the plant gently to avoid physical leaflet damage
  3. 3Improve air circulation if a fungal cause seems more likely, and remove severely affected leaflets
  4. 4Trim isolated brown spots for appearance, since they won't heal

Prevention Tip

ZZ Plant naturally prefers indirect light — brown spots concentrated on the sun-facing side point to scorch rather than disease.