Plant guide:ðŸŒŋ ZZ Plant
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Cold Damage on ZZ Plant

Commonly affects: Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)

Leaflets develop translucent, water-soaked patches that turn brown or black after cold exposure, often near a drafty window in winter.

Potential Causes

  1. 1Exposure to temperatures below the ZZ Plant's tropical origin cold tolerance, generally below 10°C
  2. 2Cold drafts from a nearby window, door, or air conditioning vent
  3. 3Leaves touching cold window glass in winter

Solution Steps

  1. 1Move the plant away from cold drafts, windows, and vents, especially in winter
  2. 2Keep leaves from touching cold glass directly
  3. 3Trim away severely damaged leaflets once the danger has passed
  4. 4Maintain a consistent, warm location year-round

Prevention Tip

Even a brief brush against cold window glass on a winter night can damage ZZ Plant leaflets — keep the plant a few centimetres clear of the glass.

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