I watered my ZZ plant for the first time since getting he...
4
Continued- (Greg app wouldn’t let me post the whole description idk why) I’ve noticed spots on the stems, some wilting leaves, and an overall loss of thickness and vibrancy. There are also strange brown/black specks on the stems. Her soil feels extremely dry, to the point that she could be lifted entirely from her plastic pot. She’s also been sitting outside her decorative pot most of the day. I’m worried she’s declining—what can I do? Thanks!
Sorry to hear about your zz decline :( I am assuming you mean temps of 40-50 in Fahrenheit? They *should* be able to tolerate that but it could have been a sudden change it wasn’t prepared for so it’s gone into shock. If it was me, I would probably leave it to acclimatise to your environment inside. Definitely no fertilising for 6-9 months (if it’s a new plant, because it will have come with slow release fertiliser in the soil). Be prepared for some leaf loss but this plant should bounce back eventually. It’s a slooooooow grower so do be patient! From what I can see in the photos, the patches on the stems look normal, the mature stems are usually patchy. Make sure the soil is allowed to dry out fully before the next watering. The stems hold a lot of water in them, it’s like a succulent. Best of luck!! 🌿🌿
The dryness of the soil you describe could be the issue. It might be so dry that the water goes straight through and the roots don’t get much. It happens and is not uncommon. If it were my plant I would either repot with fresh soil or bottom water for about 30 minutes. If the top of the soil is still dry after a 30 minute bottom water, then water it from the top until soil runs through the holes.