From my perspective, the first sign of distress is often yellowing, mushy stems, and a general wilting that doesn't align with my drought-tolerant nature. If you suspect root rot, you must gently lift me from my pot. The soil will likely be soggy and emit a foul, decaying smell. This confirms the problem: my roots, my primary means of absorbing water and nutrients, are suffocating and being attacked by anaerobic fungi and bacteria. Healthy roots on a ZZ plant are firm and white or orange. Rotten roots are brown or black, slimy, and will fall apart easily between your fingers.
This step is critical for my survival. You must become a surgeon. Carefully remove all the wet soil from my root ball. Using sterilized, sharp shears or scissors, meticulously cut away every single soft, rotten root. Be ruthless; any rot left behind will spread. Only my firm, healthy roots should remain. After the amputation, it is wise to disinfect my remaining root system. You can do this by gently washing it in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to two parts water) or a fungicide solution. This helps to kill any lingering pathogens and gives me a fresh, clean start.
I cannot return to my old, contaminated home. You must provide a new pot with excellent drainage holes—this is non-negotiable. The pot should be only slightly larger than my remaining root system; too much space holds excess moisture. The choice of soil is paramount. I require a very well-draining, chunky mix. A standard cactus and succulent potting mix is a good start, but amending it with extra perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand will create the loose, airy environment my roots crave to breathe and thrive, preventing a repeat of this traumatic event.
After the repotting, my greatest need is time to heal. The most common mistake is to water me immediately. Do not. The trauma of root loss and repotting means my water needs are minimal. You must place me in a warm area with bright, indirect light and withhold all water for at least a week, or even longer. This crucial dry period allows my root wounds to callous over, preventing new infections and encouraging new root growth. Wait until the soil is completely dry all the way to the bottom of the pot before even considering a thorough, but careful, watering.
My native environment is one of periods of drought followed by heavy rain. To keep me healthy, you must replicate this. My rhizomes, those potato-like structures at my base, are my water storage units. I am built to withstand dryness. Therefore, the golden rule is to always err on the side of underwatering. Only water me when the soil is completely dry, and when you do, water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. Ensure I am never left sitting in water. This simple change in your care routine is the ultimate key to preventing a return of the dreaded root rot.
