Step-by-Step Guide on Propagating ZZ Plant

Zamioculas zamiifolia, or the ZZ plant, is one of the common low-maintenance houseplants you can find in many houses.

But since they are famous, they can be hard to find, or their prices can be high. The solution? Propagate your own!

There are three ways you can use it in propagating ZZ plants. You only need a small part of the mother plant to create a whole new ZZ.

Find out how propagating the ZZ plant can be done by reading this article.

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Propagating ZZ plant from Stem Cuttings

Getting stem cuttings from a ZZ plant is straightforward, and you do not need much to make a new plant.

To begin with, take sterilized scissors or knives and cut off a stem from the mother plant. Ensure that the cutting is at least two inches long with a few healthy leaves close to the top.

You can propagate your ZZ plant with just one large cutting, or you can cut the large cutting into sections. The sections should work fine as long as they are still at least two inches long.

It is recommended to lay the stem cuttings in a warm place for a short period to give time to the cut ends to callous over. Some individuals do this for a few hours while others wait for three days. It is not a must to do, but it is good for reducing the risk of rot.

Once you have your stem cuttings ready, you can either use the water method or the soil method to propagate your ZZ plant.

1. Stem Cuttings in Water

In this method, you will need to put the stem cuttings into a glass or container of water. It does not have to be a lot of water – you need enough to cover the cut ends. Place the container in a warm and well-lit place and change the water twice a week.

The duration takes for the new roots to develop varies. The first signs of movement can be noticed within a week or two, but it can take two or more months for the roots to grow sufficiently to even consider repotting. Sometimes it may take longer.

2. Stem Cutting in Soil

Just like the water method, you will need to cut a stem into one or multiple pieces. Again, you can offer the stem cuttings a chance to heal before proceeding any further.

Once your ZZ cuts have been calloused over, you can put the cuttings into loose, well-draining soil. Normal potting soil mixed with some orchid and/or perlite works perfectly for houseplants with succulent-like properties such as ZZ plants. Water generously after planting your cuttings.

This method also takes time for the cuttings to develop roots. Your cuttings will develop their root system before putting out new growth above ground, which implies it can take some time before any leaves show up.

Give a slight tug to find out if your propagation attempt has been successful. If you feel some resistance, it means roots have developed. Avoid disturbing your new plants frequently so as not to damage the delicate roots.

Propagating ZZ plant from Leaf Cuttings

It is possible to propagate the ZZ plant from a single leaf. Although it will take you a good while to get a mature plant through this method, you will barely have to damage the mother plant to propagate it.

For propagating ZZ plants using the leaf cuttings method, pinch off a few healthy leaves from the mother plant, getting as near the base as you possibly can.

1. Leaf Cuttings in Water

There are several ways of propagating ZZ plant leaves in water. One of them is by simply placing the leaves into water and allowing them time to develop roots.

Another way is by making a clean cut along the bottom of the leaves, snipping off the bottom quarter to enhance new growth. If you settle for the latter method, you should allow the leaves time to heal over before placing them into the water.

One advantage of this method is that whether you are using a stem or leaf cuttings, you can easily monitor the roots growing. This eliminates lots of guesswork from the process, and you can pot up once the root system is well established.

2. Leaf Cuttings in Soil

The preliminary steps for propagating ZZ plant leaves in soil are similar to the water method but end with you pressing the leaves into the soil with the cut or pinched side down.

Give the cutting a generous watering, and then keep it lightly moist. Give the leaves a slight tug to confirm if they have rooted.

Once you notice the leaves appearing to be moving upwards, this implies a rhizome and stem are well on their way to developing.

Propagating ZZ Plant Through Division

This method is the quickest and easiest way of propagating ZZ plants. It does, nonetheless, imply that you require a mature plant with multiple stems.

Propagating ZZ plants through division works since they are clustering rhizome plants. If you notice new stems showing up from the soil next to the mother plant, this implies your plant is ready for division.

Carefully take the mother plant out of its container, loosen the soil, and separate the plant into multiples. Ensure that each section has plenty of roots and leaves, then plant in fresh soil, and you are good to go.

The good thing, of course, is that these new plants are already established. They may sulk for a bit but should continue growing well with a high success rate.