Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, also known as the ZZ plant, is one of my favorite houseplants because you can water it twice a month and ignore it the rest of the time. ZZ plants are so hard to kill, and will survive even if they do not receive adequate water or light. The ZZ plant is a great addition to any home because of it’s air-purification qualities that remove toxins such as xylene and benzene from the atmosphere. The only thing better than one ZZ plant is multiple ZZ plants! Fortunately, propagating ZZ plants is a very easy (but slow) process that anyone can try.
Check here for a complete ZZ plant care guide
To learn about ZZ plant propagation, continue reading:
About ZZ Plant Care
Native to South Africa, ZZ plants are now one of the most popular houseplants. Although they grow slowly, they are very resistant to insects, diseases, and thrive even if neglected.
The ZZ plant does not need a special potting soil: any well-draining soil will do. Water only when the soil is dry. Remember that ZZ plants are quite drought-tolerant, so do not over water it. Excess water will turn the leaves yellow and lead to rot. It is much easier to save an under watered ZZ plant than an over watered one, so water cautiously.
Provide your ZZ plant with low to bright indirect light. East, West or North-facing windows are your best bet for providing the proper light your ZZ plant needs. Keep the ZZ plant out of harsh, direct sunlight to avoid burning the leaves.
Warmer temperatures will help your ZZ plant grow. ZZ plants thrive at room temperature, or 55 to 79 °F (13 to 26 °C).
The ZZ plant is toxic, so don’t try to eat it and keep away from curious kids, cats, and dogs.
Propagating ZZ Plants
Rhizomes
ZZ plants grow from rhizomes, which are thick underground plant stems that send off roots and shoots. They look like little bulbs under the dirt. Rhizomes store starches, water and proteins for the plant, which is why the ZZ plant is so tolerant of neglect.
The easiest way to propagate ZZ plants is by separating the rhizomes and replanting the individual plants. This is a good option If your plant has grown to a very large size and is too big for it’s pot. This can only be done once in a while because the ZZ plant produces rhizomes slowly. Larger rhizomes will allow the ZZ plant to grow quicker.
For this method, carefully remove the ZZ plant from it’s pot and gently separate the rhizomes. Plant each new section into a different pot with well-draining soil.
Stem Cuttings
If your plant is not large enough to be separated by rhizomes, or you do not want to lose the density and size of your plant, you can propagate by leaf cuttings. This method does take a bit longer because you have to wait for the rhizomes to develop, so be patient!
ZZ plants can be propagated from stem cuttings using the following steps:
- Cut off a stem at the base of the plant, using a clean knife or shears.
- When you are obtaining your cutting, choose a mature stem with several leaves on it. This will allow it to root quicker than a stem with fewer leaves.
- Let the fleshy opening on the stem dry out for a few hours.
- After the opening has dried, put your cutting in a jar of water. There should be enough water to cover about 4 inches of the stem. Do not fill the water all the way up.
- Keep the jar in an area with bright, indirect light and in a warm environment. This will promote growth in your cutting. Avoid areas of harsh, direct sunlight.
- Change out the water once a month
- When you see a rhizome and about 1 to 2 inches of roots have formed, your ZZ plant is ready to be transplanted into soil! (It took about 7 months for me to get to this step.)
Be patient with this process because it takes several months for your ZZ plant to be ready for soil transplantation.
Plant your ZZ cutting
Once it is ready, take your cutting and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. It is important to use a well-draining soil to prevent excess water retention, which can cause the rhizomes to rot. I like to mix some perlite into my soil to add extra drainage.
Choose a terracotta pot with a drainage hole so that it does not retain extra water. This will also help with preventing root rot.
Press the soil firmly around the stems so they are supported. Feel free to plant multiple cuttings in the same pot so that your plant appears fuller.
Water your plant thoroughly.
Place the new pot in a warm area with sunlight. Warmer temperatures and brighter light encourage growth. Water about twice a month.
Propagating ZZ plants from leaf cuttings
While propagating ZZ plants from leaf cuttings takes a much longer time than the 2 methods above, it is still possible with patience. Just know that it can take months to see any results at all.
To propagate a ZZ plant from leaf cuttings:
- Cut off a leaf, taking some of the stem along with it. Use a pair of clean garden shears to get a good cut.
- Allow the cut edge to dry for a few hours.
- Take a pot filled with well-draining potting soil. Place the leaf’s stem (with the cut edge going in first) about half an inch inside the soil. Make sure that the majority of leaf is above ground: this will allow for photosynthesis and prevent rotting.
- Keep the pot in a warm location. Water the soil after planting and twice a month after that. Do not move the leaf around or disturb the growth.
After a few months, if you see a new stem beginning to emerge, you will have a new plant on the way! However, if the leaf dies and has no signs of growth underground, your cutting failed this time. Don’t get discouraged because not every leaf propagation will be successful. Just try again.
And that is how to propagate a ZZ plant. With it’s glossy green leaves and thick stems, this houseplant will stand out anywhere. Plus it’s hardiness and tolerance of neglect make it a great addition for even the busiest plant owner.
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Have you had luck propagating ZZ plants? Which method is your favorite? We’d love to know!
Want to learn how to propagate succulents? Check out this guide:
