How to propagate ZZ plant

Gregory Stewart

Updated on March 21, 2023

Propagating ZZ plants is a great way to grow your collection or share it with your friends. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to increase the number of Zamioculcas zamiifolia with stem or leaf cuttings or even by splitting the stems and leaves.

ZZ plants (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) are easy to propagate at home. It’s something anyone can handle even the youngest gardeners.

It’s even simpler by providing this comprehensive guide by providing all my top tips as well as detailed step-by instructions.

In addition to the tool suggestions and tips for care. You’ll also learn about the process of rooting the stems and leaves and also how to propagate ZZ plants through division.

ZZ PLANT PROPAGATION METHODS

There are several ways to propagate ZZ plants. No matter if you have leaves or stems or a mature plant that is ready to split, each one could produce new children to delight you.

FROM CUTTINGS

You can cut off the Zamioculcas zamiifolias’ stems or individual leaves and plant them in water or soil. They’re a little slow, but they need minimal maintenance.

Making long pieces of the stem is the most effective way to propagate a Zz plant quickly since the leaves need some time to grow into a fully-grown specimen. Both will be successful with a bit of patience.

BY DIVISION

The mature ZZ plants thawn to the top of their pots are excellent candidates for ZZ plant propagation via division.

It’s easy to cut off huge chunks of the rootball to make another. Then, you can tease the individual segments of the rhizomes to make a variety.

WHEN TO PROPAGATE ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA

The best time to grow ZZ stem cuttings or leaves is early spring or later in summer. This way, they will benefit from warmer weather in the coming months.

The summer and spring are the most ideal times of the year to divide them. The warmer seasons will assist the body recover faster, giving an increased chance of being successful.

SUPPLIES FOR PROPAGATING ZZ PLANTS

Before we begin with the process of propagating ZZ plants, we’ll provide you with the equipment you’ll require.

• ZZ cuttings of plants or leaves
• Water or a rooting medium
• Pot or vase
• Rooting hormone
• Sharp, clean clippers razor-sharp clippers
• Potting soil
• Heat mat (optional)

PROPAGATING ZZ PLANT FROM STEM CUTTINGS

Once you’re ready follow these steps to ensure you are cutting stems properly. The most important thing to bear at heart is to select healthy stems that have a variety of green leaves. It is a good idea to start many cuttings with ZZ plant leaf propagation because some of them may not take off.

HOW TO TAKE ZZ PLANT STEM CUTTINGS

The good news is that it’s simple to harvest a large stem cut from the Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant to help grow.

You can get them from any place that has at minimum two” long segments, though I recommend 3-4″ If feasible.

Make sure you disinfect your razor-sharp clippers to prevent damaging or crushing the stems and make sure you have an even and straight cut.

PREPARING THE STEM CUTTINGS FOR ZZ PLANT PROPAGATION

Cuts that are dried out or shriveled will have a harder time getting roots. It is therefore recommended to put them in the soil or water for a short time.

To make them ready for use, trim or cut off the leaves that are on the bottom 2” of each cut. This way, there will be plenty of stems to plant in the soil or water.

PROPAGATING ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA FROM LEAVES

If you’d like to try rooting some leaves, make sure you follow these guidelines for safely removing the leaves. Because this is the slowest way of creating the ZZ plant, we suggest the rooting of several.

HOW TO TAKE ZZ PLANT LEAF CUTTINGS

Make use of clean, pruning tools to cut them off or pull them out using your fingers. Be careful.

It is essential to ensure that the small portion of the stem is connected to the leaf’s base. Make sure you don’t break or tear them, or they might not be able to root.

PREPARING THE LEAVES FOR ZZ PLANT PROPAGATION

There’s nothing you need to do in preparation for the leaves before planting them. Be sure to not tot them shrink or become dry, then put in the medium for rooting as quickly as you can.

The first steps for propagating ZZ plant leaves in soil are the same as the water method, but end with you gently pressing the leaves upright into the soil with the pinched or cut side down. Give the substrate a generous watering and then keep it lightly moist. After that, all you can do is wait and hope for the best

HOW TO ROOT ZZ PLANT CUTTINGS (Stem Cuttings & Leaf Cuttings)

The stems and leaves of the ZZ plants can be grown in water or soil. Below are step-by-step instructions for each technique below.

STEPS FOR ROOTING ZZ PLANT CUTTINGS IN SOIL

The use of a soil medium in place of water is a fantastic method of encouraging solid roots. It also has a higher likelihood of success, however, it may take longer.

Here are step-by- procedures for rooting the stem or leaves in soil.

Step 1 Prepare your medium and pots – To use the method described above, you’ll require an effective rooting medium that drains well.

We suggest using a mixture of equal parts of potting soil, perlite, or pumice to promote drainage and decrease the chance of the possibility. The container should be filled to its top.

2. Apply the rooting hormone dust the rooting hormone on the cutting ends of both the stems and leaves to promote rapid new growth.

3. Make the hole using your finger – Leave a tiny space to ensure that the hormone doesn’t get removed when you put the scraps of tissue into the soil.

We would recommend burying stem cuttings 1-1/2″ down. For leaves, you should only cover the lower 1/4. Then, gently pack the leaves with the medium until it is in contact with the base and holds it in place with a firm grip.

step 4: Moisten roots medium by adding water. Add enough water until it is sufficiently moist but not becoming too wet. The excess water should be allowed to disappear out of the container.

Phase 5: Put on a heating mat ZZ plants thrive when temperatures are within the 75-80degF range. Lower temperatures can slow down. The use of the heating mat beneath the stove can greatly increase the speed.

6. Pick an area that is bright to live in. They’ll do well in an area that receives lots of indirect light but make sure to shield the animals from sunlight direct.

Sixth step: Make sure the soil is dry – As your stem cutting begins growing, don’t let the medium completely dry out. Keep it dry Avoid watering it until it makes it soggy.

STEPS FOR ROOTING ZZ PLANT STEMS OR LEAVES IN WATER

It’s a great way to observe how the stem cutting and leaves grow into their rhizomes and roots. However, they’re usually less durable by this method.

If you root several at once, it can increase the odds of success and you can also put more than one inside the container at once.

1 step: Get a container Select a vase or glass that can keep the cut pieces straight. An ice-cold shot glass or tea cup is perfect to use for leaves. If you choose an unglazed container you can see the roots grow.

2 step: add water the roots likely emerge out from the very base of the cut. This is why you should only soak the ends at the top to prevent the possibility of rot. For leaves that are not covered, water should be able to be just covering the stem nub and the bottom edge.

3 step: Set up in indirect, bright light The cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight during this period of time. A bright, well-filtered light is best, or make use of a growing light if you do not have a great spot in your home.

4 step: Maintain the water clear Keep the water clean If you see clouds or gunk inside the container, wash the container, then refill it. The smelly or murky water can indicate decay. Therefore, check the stems and throw out any that are soft.

HOW TO PROPAGATE ZZ PLANT BY DIVISION

Propagate ZZ plants through division is a fantastic method of establishing large plants fast. If your mature plant is old and is already thriving it is a great method.

Be cautious about doing it often, however. The process of dividing them can be stressful and will require several years to recover from the trauma.

STEPS FOR DIVIDING ZZ PLANT & RHIZOMES

Here are the steps to follow for how to propagate ZZ plants through the division of the rootball, also known as Rhizomes. It’s better to be gentle and you can gently tear them apart instead of Zz plant cutting or breaking them.

Step 1. Prepare the new pots – Use a clean-draining mixture of perlite and potting soil. Fill the pots with enough to completely cover the base of your container.

Step 2. Split the rootball Take the entire thing out of the pot by placing your hand on the soil’s surface and then tipping it. Then you can tear the rhizomes into small pieces or several larger clusters.

Step 3. Pot the divisions Put each division into the container and then fill it up with soil until they’re covered to the same depth as in the first pot.

Make sure they’re standing straight Then lightly press soil over the roots and add more when needed.

Step 4. Fill the pot with water thoroughly. Offer them a large amount of water till the soil becomes wet and let the excess drain into the bottom. If the soil becomes dry when watering is finished, add water to the empty spaces.

Step 5. Set up in indirect, bright light They can tolerate dim lighting, but they prefer an area with plenty of natural light that is not filtered by the direct sun’s rays.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ZZ CUTTINGS TO ROOT?

As easy as the ZZ plant life is to reproduce cuttings, they can take a long time to grow. Even at the ideal temperature and light conditions, they can take 3-4 months.

However, it is best to wait until they’ve got roots at a minimum of 1″ long before you plant them up. This could be a few weeks later.

If temperatures are colder than 75 degF or there’s just not enough daylight the process could last for approximately 9 to 10 months. Don’t fret when they appear to be inactive for a lengthy period.

Utilizing a heating mat or growing lamp to add warmth and light could accelerate the process so that they’ll root faster.

WHY WON’T MY ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA PLANT PROPAGATE?

There are many reasons your ZZ plant will not grow. Dry air, cool temperatures, and excessive or inadequate irrigation can all impact your chances of success.

Utilize the heating mat for your home if it is situated on the cooler side. Give them a slight misting every couple of days in dry air.

The rooting medium must be evenly moist, but not dry or soggy. When you’re using a vase with water, make sure it doesn’t disappear below the roots that are developing.

HOW TO CARE FOR NEWLY PROPAGATED ZZ PLANTS

It’s normal for newly propagated ZZ plants to drop after division or when potting up roots of cuttings. Give them a couple of days, and they’ll appear to be back.

Keep the soil moist and put them in a sunny, warm region with moderate humidity, to help them recuperate faster.

POTTING UP ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA CUTTINGS & RHIZOMES

If it’s time to plant root cuttings, make containers using a well-draining mix. Mix common pot soil along with perlite or the mix of cactus to get the best results.

Incorporate them into the soil, making sure not to cut out any new roots. Gently compact it around the roots. The roots and rhizomes should be fully covered and secure.

Give your newborns the water they need and let the excess be drained from the container. Return it to a warm and well-lit area.

Are ZZ Plants Toxic To Cats And Dogs?

The problem is that ZZ Plants are harmful to dogs and cats. They’re poisonous to all animals as well as humans! Every single part that is part of ZZ plants is considered to be poisonous and may cause health issues if taken in, for example, stomachaches, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Avoid touching the plant for too long with gloves, as it may irritate the eyes and skin. This is one houseplant that you must keep away from children and pets!

FAQs