Why Your ZZ Plant Isn’t Growing New Shoots: Growth Dormancy or Root Trouble?

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), known for its resilience and glossy green leaves, has become a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. It’s often praised for being nearly indestructible—thriving on neglect, tolerating low light, and asking very little in return. But what happens when your ZZ Plant suddenly stops growing new shoots?

This concern is common. You water it sparingly, it’s not visibly sick, yet months pass and no new growth appears. Should you be worried? Is it just taking a break—or is something happening under the soil?

Let’s explore how to determine whether your ZZ Plant is experiencing normal dormancy or suffering from a root-related issue, and what you can do to promote healthy new growth.

Understanding ZZ Plant Growth Patterns

Before assuming something is wrong, it helps to understand that ZZ Plants are naturally slow-growing. Unlike fast producers like pothos or spider plants, ZZ Plants take their time, often sending up new stalks only once or twice per year under ideal conditions.

New shoots—often called “spears”—emerge from bulbous underground rhizomes. These rhizomes store water and nutrients, helping the plant survive dry spells or fluctuating temperatures. This built-in survival mechanism means that the plant won’t push new growth unless it feels secure.

So if your ZZ Plant has been still for a while, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong.

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Dormancy: A Natural Pause

ZZ Plants tend to slow down significantly in fall and winter. This is a form of dormancy, where the plant conserves energy due to:

• Shorter daylight hours
• Lower temperatures
• Reduced watering and feeding

During dormancy:

• No new stalks appear
• Leaves stay the same
• Rhizomes go into a low-activity state

If your plant is otherwise healthy—no yellowing, no rot, no pests—and it’s the cooler half of the year, it’s likely just resting.

What to do:

• Reduce watering to once every 3–4 weeks
• Avoid fertilizing
• Let the plant stay in a stable, low-light corner until spring

In spring and summer, growth typically resumes as days lengthen and the plant senses favorable conditions.

Also Read- Can You Water a ZZ Plant with Rice Water? DIY Experiments and Root Health Impact

When Dormancy Isn’t the Problem

If your ZZ Plant isn’t growing after spring arrives, or if it hasn’t produced a new stalk in over a year, it may be experiencing stress or damage that isn’t immediately visible.

Let’s look at some signs of hidden trouble—starting with the root zone.

Root and Rhizome Trouble

The health of your ZZ Plant is closely tied to its rhizomes. If these are damaged, waterlogged, or overcrowded, your plant won’t grow—no matter how ideal the lighting is.

Signs of rhizome trouble:

• You notice a foul odor when watering (sign of root rot)
• The soil stays wet for days
• Lower leaves are turning yellow or mushy
• The plant feels unstable in its pot
• You haven’t repotted in 3+ years

What to do:

1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the rhizomes.
2. Healthy rhizomes are firm, pale, and potato-like.
3. If they are brown, mushy, or smell bad, trim the affected parts with sterilized scissors.
4. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil—a mix of cactus soil and perlite works well.

Also, never let your ZZ Plant sit in water. Always ensure the pot has drainage holes, and allow soil to dry completely before watering again.

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Lighting Issues

ZZ Plants can survive in low light but won’t grow well without some exposure to moderate, indirect sunlight.

If your plant is sitting in a dark corner or a room with very little natural light, it may not feel secure enough to produce new stalks.

Fix:

• Move the plant closer to a bright window—but not into direct sunlight.
• East or north-facing windows are ideal.
• If your home is dark, use a full-spectrum grow light for 8–10 hours a day.

You don’t need bright light for survival—but you do for growth.

Is the Pot Too Small?

If your ZZ Plant is root-bound, meaning the rhizomes have run out of space, it may stop producing new growth altogether.

Signs of being root-bound:

• Water runs straight through when you water
• The pot feels overly light
• Roots or rhizomes are pressing against the pot sides

Solution:

Repot into a container 1–2 inches wider than the current one. Don’t overpot, as ZZ Plants prefer slightly tight quarters. Spring is the best time to repot and encourage new growth.

Nutrient Deficiency

Though ZZ Plants are light feeders, they still need some nutrients to fuel new growth. If your plant hasn’t been fertilized in over a year, it might be lacking what it needs to grow.

Fertilizing tips:

• Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20
• Dilute to half strength and feed once a month during active growth (spring–summer)
• Skip fertilizing during fall and winter dormancy

Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause salt build-up in soil and harm roots.

Underwatering Can Also Stall Growth

While ZZ Plants tolerate drought, prolonged underwatering can slow metabolism and growth.

Warning signs:

• Leaves drooping or curling
• Soil bone dry for weeks at a time
• No new growth even in spring/summer

Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry. Make sure excess water drains out completely.

Environmental Stress

Drastic changes in temperature, drafts, or moving the plant frequently can also cause it to “pause” growth.

Keep your ZZ Plant in a stable, warm space with indirect light, and avoid placing it near heaters, radiators, or cold windows.

Recap: Is It Dormancy or Trouble?

Final Thoughts

If your ZZ Plant isn’t producing new shoots, the answer could be as simple as seasonal rest—or as serious as root rot. The key is to observe, check below the surface if needed, and gently adjust conditions. Often, all it takes is brighter light, proper watering, or a fresh repot to restart growth.

Be patient. ZZ Plants are slow by nature, but with consistent care and a little encouragement, those beautiful new stalks will return.