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Why Are My Zanzibar Gem's Leaves Browning at the Tips?
Zanzibar Gems are lush, beautiful plants with wand-like stalks of bountiful, emerald foliage that add a dazzling pop of color to any interior. So when you notice browning leaf tips, it's natural to be frustrated. The good news: browning tips on a ZZ Plant are easily treated and almost always trace back to one of a couple of simple care hiccups. Here's how to fix them.
At Léon & George, our master gardeners have spent nearly a decade growing premium plants and helping thousands of plant parents nationwide, so the guidance here comes straight from hands-on experience.
An Environment Too Dry
The most common cause of browning tips on a Zanzibar Gem is a lack of humidity. Air conditioners, heaters, drafts from doors and windows, and seasonal changes can all dry out the air around your plant. The fix is simple: mist your ZZ up to three times a week, either with plain water or water mixed with a foliar feed, and keep it away from vents and heaters.
Overwatering
The browning caused by overwatering has a distinct look and feel. If the foliage is soft, mushy, and falling off or easily removed, the plant may be overwatered. Zanzibar Gems should be watered only sparingly, when the top two inches of soil are entirely dry. If you suspect overwatering, lift the plant (in its nursery pot) out of the ceramic planter, pour out any pooled water, and let the soil dry completely before watering again. Trim any mushy stalks or roots, and repot in fresh soil if needed.
Keeping Tips Healthy
ZZ Plants store water in their bulbous roots, so they need far less water than most houseplants. Water only when the soil is fully dry, raise the humidity a touch, and trim browned tips with clean scissors to keep the plant looking sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my ZZ Plant have brown tips?
Brown tips on a Zanzibar Gem are usually caused by dry air or, less commonly, overwatering. Misting and keeping the plant away from vents fixes dry-air browning; soft, mushy foliage points to overwatering.
How often should I water a ZZ Plant?
Only when the top two inches of soil are completely dry, often every two to three weeks or longer. ZZ Plants store water in their roots and are very drought-tolerant.
How do I add humidity for a ZZ Plant?
Mist it a few times a week, group it with other plants, or use a pebble tray. Keep it away from AC units and heaters, which dry the air and cause browning tips.
Should I cut the brown tips off my ZZ Plant?
Yes, you can trim browned tips with clean scissors for a tidier look. Fixing the humidity and watering will keep new tips from browning.