How To Propagate ZZ Plants

This plant can be propagated in two ways: soil propagation and water propagation. In soil propagation, you can use rhizome division or leaf cuttings.

For rhizome division, the plant should be removed from the pot, and the rhizomes should be separated and then replanted. Alternatively, for leaf cuttings, the healthy stem of the leaf should be planted in moist soil and kept in bright, indirect sunlight.

Water propagation involves dipping the plant's stem in water and later replanting it in a pot. Leaf cuttings can also be propagated in water by placing them in a narrow glass filled with enough water to cover the cut ends and keeping them under bright, indirect light. It's important to change the water once a week.

Preparation

Firstly, choose a mature ZZ plant that is at least 2 to 3 years old and well-established. Gather clean, sharp tools such as pruners and a potting knife. Then, prepare a well-draining potting mix for planting the plant. Alternatively, you may opt for a cacti or succulent soil mix from the market, as it is ideal.

Unpotting

Gently remove the ZZ plant from its container by loosening the soil around the base. And carefully tip the pot upside down, sliding the plant out.

Dividing Rhizomes

After unpotting, inspect the root system. You will find thick, fleshy underground structures known as rhizomes. Using your hands or a potting knife, gently separate sections of the rhizome, ensuring that each section has at least one or two growth points (eyes). Be careful to avoid damaging the roots as much as possible.

Repotting

Choose pots that are slightly larger than the individual rhizome sections. Fill each pot with the potting mix, creating a shallow depression in the center of each one. Place each rhizome section in its designated pot, ensuring that the growth points are facing upwards and are slightly covered with soil. Finally, water the pots thoroughly until water drains from the bottom holes.

Care

After completing the repotting process, place your newly potted ZZs in bright, indirect light. Then, water sparingly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry completely between waterings. New shoots will emerge within a few weeks to months.

Selecting Leaves

When propagating through leaves, select healthy and mature leaves from the lower portion of the plant. Use sharp pruners to cut them off close to the base, ideally including a small section of the stem, approximately 1 to 2 inches in length.

Preparing Cuttings

Let the cuttings dry for a couple of hours on a paper towel to promote the formation of a callous on the cut ends. This helps prevent rot. Optionally, you can also dip the cut ends in rooting hormone to encourage faster root development.

Planting

Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix, preferably one designed for propagating succulents or cacti. Create shallow holes in the soil and insert the leaf cuttings, burying the stem portion or at least half of the leaf base. Water lightly, ensuring good drainage.

Care

After all these procedures, place the potted cuttings in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil barely moist, allowing it to dry almost completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to rot. New shoots should sprout from the base of the leaf within a few months.

Extra Tips For Successful Planting

• Use sterilized tools when making cuttings to prevent infections.
• Work in a warm and humid environment.
• Be patient, as ZZ plant propagation can take several weeks or even months.
• Don't fertilize the newly propagated plants until they have established healthy roots and new growth.

Propagating ZZ plants in water is as simple a process as in soil that anyone can do. Here is a step-by-step guide.

Materials Needed

• You will need a sharp knife or pair of pruning shears.
• A clean glass or container.
• Room-temperature water.
• Optional: Rooting hormone (as it is not essential, but using this hormone can encourage faster root growth).

Choose a Stem and Make the Cutting

Select a healthy stem from the base of your ZZ plant that is at least 3 to 4 inches long and has two or three leaves. Use your pruning shears to make a clean cut at the base of the stem, being careful to avoid crushing or tearing it.

Callus the Cutting

Let the cut end of the stem air dry for a few hours or overnight. This allows a callus to form, which will help prevent rot and encourage root growth.

Prepare Your Container

Fill your container with enough room-temperature water to submerge the bottom inch or two of the stem cutting. You can add a few drops of rooting hormone to the water, though it's not essential. Afterward, gently place the stem cutting in the water, making sure the cut end is submerged but the leaves are not.

Find a Bright Spot

Place the container in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. But avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Change Water Regularly

Change the water in the container every week or two to keep it fresh and prevent the growth of bacteria. It may take several weeks for roots to start growing. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transplant the cutting into a pot with a well-draining potting mix.

Additional Tips For Successful Planting

• Use warm water, as this will encourage root growth.
• Use a clean container to avoid introducing bacteria that could harm your cutting. 
• Don't let the water level drop below the cut end of the stem.
• If you notice any leaves wilting or turning yellow, remove them from the cutting.
• Be gentle with your cutting and avoid handling it too much.

The best time of year to propagate ZZ plants is during the spring or summer when they are most actively growing. These seasons provide warmer weather, which benefits the plant and aids in faster recovery, thereby increasing the chances of successful propagation. Furthermore, if you are thinking of repotting, do it in the spring.