ZZ Plant root rot

Unpot a ZZ when wet-soil decline comes with soft bases, collapsing stalks, or a sour smell. Its underground rhizomes should feel firm, like potatoes. Mushy storage tissue will not recover by drying the pot alone.

Save the firm parts

Remove collapsed roots and completely soft rhizomes with clean tools. If a rhizome is partly affected, retain it only when cutting removes all soft tissue and leaves a sound section. Use fresh mix and a clean draining pot sized to the roots that remain.

After cleanup

Allow fresh rhizome cuts to form a dry seal before potting. Keep the plant warm in bright indirect light. After potting, water when the mix is dry through, then drain; if the fresh mix is already moist, wait for it to dry. Resume feeding after new growth begins.