The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a beautiful green plant that originates from Eastern and Southern Africa. This plant has a rich green color from the family Araceae.
As a very attractive plant, this ZZ makes the perfect houseplant and decorative piece. Because of this, they are popular to propagate.
If you would like to propagate this stunning plant and create some more actual plants, check out the methods you can try below! Here, we are going to be going through some ways you can propagate your ZZ plant.
The Humble ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant can be propagated very easily, usually by using stem cuttings from a healthy mother plant. Propagating this plant is almost foolproof, so it’s perfect for beginners or anyone who doesn’t feel confident in the process.
Although propagating is a slow process, it can be very rewarding. For successful propagation, all you need to do is follow a few basic rules or plant care, and you will have it in the bag.
To find out how to do plant propagation and make sore adorable baby plants, keep reading! Below, we will go through how to propagate a ZZ plant using plant cuttings.
Propagating Your ZZ Plant
There are two primary ways of propagating a ZZ plant – placing the cuttings in water, or putting the cuttings in soil.
Both methods work well to create a healthy indoor plant, as long as you can take care of it. Like any other houseplant, you are responsible for your plant from start to finish.
You will need to choose your preferred method, or try them both out! You can see which one works better or which one you prefer.
When it comes to soil propagation, there is always a slightly higher risk of the plant experiencing bacterial infections, but this rarely happens.
Water propagation allows you to see how your cuttings grow from the start. Because of this, many people prefer to use the water method.
Whichever method you decide, we will include a step-by-step method below, so you can do it whenever you feel like!
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are simply pieces of stem that grow directly from the mother plant. They often grow longer than seedlings, making them easy to handle.
When taking stem cuttings, you are cutting off a portion of the stem at its base, then leaving it alone until it grows into a new plant.
Once again, you must not disturb the cuttings during their growth period. The most common way to do this is with a razor blade or sterilized knife.
All stem cuttings must be taken from a healthy parent plant. Any disease on a stem cutting will reduce the chances of it thriving. Stem cuttings should have some healthy leaves by the top, and should be at least 2-inches long.
Leaf Cutting
You can also propagate by using a single leaf from mature plants. This method typically takes a lot longer, but it’s still possible.
For this, a leaf cutting should be taken as close to the stalk as you can get so that you have as much stem as possible. You might want to take several leaf cuttings.
Water Method
The water propagation method is very easy, and almost always yields good results. For this method, you will essentially take your stem or leaf cutting and plant in water.
The cuttings should be kept in a bright location with plenty of indirect sunlight until they grow roots and rhizomes.
To do this method of propagation, follow the steps outlined below:
1) Get a cutting from a healthy mother plant, as described above.
2) Make sure the cutting has healthy stems and leaves (or is just a healthy leaf with some stem attached).
3) Leave the cutting out for up to 3 days to allow the cut area to callous over. This will help protect that plant from bacteria and root rot as it propagates.
4) Get a glass or another container to hold clean water and fill it up
5) Place the cutting in the water and leave it in a spot with bright, indirect light. It should be somewhere warm.
6) Wait for the cutting to start growing. You will need to get fresh water when the water in the container begins to look cloudy and unclean.
7) When the cutting has grown at least one rhizome and one inch of roots, you can repot it in a potting mix!
8) Once repotted into soil, carefully water the cutting to allow it to grow into a new plant.
Soil Method
The soil propagation method is also a very easy method you can use to propagate a ZZ plant. Like the water method, you will need a healthy cutting from a healthy parent plant.
It is definitely recommended to allow the cuttings to callous over before planting them, primarily due to the bacteria in the putting mix. Doing this is just a way to protect your cutting.
To do this method of propagation, follow the steps outlined below:
1) Get a stem or leaf cutting from a healthy mother plant
2) Allow the cutting to sit undisturbed for up to three days. This will give the cutting time to callous over and protect itself from bacteria and potential root rot.
3) Prepare a plant pot for the cutting. You can use a well-draining potting mix with some orchid bark, organic potting soil, horticultural charcoal, and perlite.
4) Plant the cuttings in the prepared pot and gently press them down until there are no air pockets between them.
5) Water the cutting thoroughly to ensure the potting mix stays moist.
6) Keep the cutting away from direct sunlight, since high temperatures can cause the cutting to dry out too quickly.
7) After about two weeks, the cutting should have rooted and a small amount of foliage may have been produced. When the plants show adequate signs of foliage and growth, you can repot them.
Division Method
This third and final method is considered to be both the quickest and easiest. However, this method calls for a mature plant that has multiple stems.
All you really need to do is remove the mother plant from its container and separate the plant’s stems.
There needs to be several stems sticking up through the soil around the main plant for this to work.
Once you separate the plant, ensuring that each section has stems, leaves, and rhizomes, you can repot each of them in different pots.
To do this method of propagation, follow the steps outlined below:
1) Ensure that your mother plant is mature and healthy
2) Check to see if there are several stems around the main plant
3) Remove the parent plant from its container and separate the stems from it. Make sure each stem you separate has leaves and rhizomes.
4) Repot each stem into its own plant pot and care for it as you would a regular plant. You may need to use a stake to help the stem stay upright as it situates itself.
Related: Yellow, Not Mellow: 5 Reasons Why Your ZZ Plant Is Changing Color
Repotting
Repotting your plant is a crucial part in the propagation process, and you are going to have to repot your plant a number of times in its life.
You will need to repot your plant when it looks like it needs a larger pot, which will likely be every two years.
To repot your Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant, simply follow the steps outlined below:
1) Dig up the root ball and remove the plant from the pot
2) Wash off the dirt and old compost from the roots with clean water
3) Cut back any leaves that hang over the top of the pot, leaving around 4-inches of stem above the ground
4) Remove any damaged or diseased roots using sharp scissors
5) Repot the plant into fresh potting mix
6) Water the repotted plant well
7) If you wish for your plant to be outside, wait at least two weeks before moving them to an outside location.
Caring For Your ZZ Plant
Although ZZ plants are very easy to care for, they still have requirements that should be met.
If you have a Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant, or are thinking of getting one, below are some key things you should know.
From the light it needs to its watering preferences, you should know what your plant needs in order to thrive.
Sunlight
The ZZ plant can do very well in medium and bright light, as long as it is indirect. Indirect light is ideal as this will stop the leaves from getting burned or experiencing any other kind of sun damage.
Light conditions are important for all plants, but these plants are very good at adapting to different environments.
They can thrive in partial shade and fluorescent lighting when needed, making them perfect for low-light conditions.
Water
When it comes to watering, the Zamioculcas zamiifolia doesn’t need very much. The rhizomes near its roots hold water, which means that they need infrequent watering.
You should allow this plant to completely dry out between waterings so that it doesn’t experience root rot, a bacterial infection.
Healthy roots are of paramount importance to plants, and while this plant doesn’t necessarily have delicate roots, the root ball needs to be kept healthy.
In hot conditions, you may only need to water this plant as little as once a month, allowing the potting mix to dry out completely throughout the pot.
Make sure that the plant pot you Zamioculcas zamiifolia has drainage holes so that excess water can escape. If you are worried that your plant is at risk of suffering from root rot, you can repot the plant with fresh soil.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer of 20:20:20 is perfect for this plant. Any kind of balanced houseplant fertilizer will do wonders for this plant.
When fertilizing, you should add this liquid fertilizer when you water the plant every month.
Final Thoughts Of ZZ Plant Propagations
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a lovely plant to have in any home. As long as you can take care of this plant, it will be a rewarding addition to any home.
If you have a ZZ plant, what do you think of it? Now that you know how to propagate it, are you going to give it a shot?
This easygoing houseplant is perfect for anyone who isn’t great at watering, and doesn’t have big, bright windows to use.
It’s a great way to add a pop of color to a bland room!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Zz Plants Like Humid Conditions?
This hardy houseplant does well in regular humidity conditions. However, if it is placed near a heater, it may require some extra humidity in order to thrive.
What Is A Root Ball?
A root ball is simply a portion of the root system covered by the pot. It’s important because it protects the plant’s delicate roots from drying and rotting when it’s exposed to air.
Are Zz Plants Easy To Care For?
Yes, ZZ plants are very easy to care for and do well in household conditions.
Do Zz Plants Like Damp Soil?
No, the soil mixture for a ZZ plant should be allowed to dry out completely between watering. This can take a couple of weeks, so watering should only occur once a month.
Should I Water My Zz Plant With Warm Water?
You do not have to use warm water to water your plant. Simply use room temperature water.
What Is The Success Rate For Zz Plant Propagation?
ZZ plant propagation has a very high success rate as it is an incredibly easy plant to care for.
What Can I Use To Get Stem Cuttings?
You can use a sharp blade or a sharp knife to cut mature stems and cuttings. A sharp knife ensures that minimal damage is done to the plant when cuttings are taken from a mature stalk or stems.
Are Zamioculcas Zamiifolia Considered To Be Tropical Plants?
Zamioculcas zamiifolia are tropical plants that do well in humid and warm environments.
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