Zamioculcas plant, also known as the ZZ plant, is a popular houseplant due to its beautiful glossy green leaves and its ability to survive in low light conditions. It is also a low-maintenance plant that can withstand neglect, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to gardening.
One of the best things about the ZZ plant is that it is easy to propagate. You can create new plants from cuttings with just a few simple steps. Here’s everything you need to know about propagating ZZ plants:
The best time to propagate ZZ plants is during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. During this time, the plant will be producing new shoots and leaves, which will make it easier to take cuttings.
Step 1: Choose a healthy stem
When propagating ZZ plants, it’s important to choose a healthy stem. Look for a stem that is at least 6 inches long and has several leaves attached to it. Make sure that the stem is not diseased or damaged in any way.
Step 2: Cut the stem
Using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem at a 45-degree angle. Make sure that the cut is clean and smooth.
Step 3: Let the cutting dry
After you have cut the stem, let it dry for a day or two. This will help to prevent fungal growth and ensure that the cutting doesn’t rot.
Step 4: Plant the cutting
Once the cutting has dried, plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm, bright area but away from direct sunlight.
Step 5: Care for the cutting
Keep the soil moist and mist the cutting regularly to keep the humidity level high. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to produce new leaves, which is a sign that it has taken root.
Another way to propagate ZZ plants is by dividing the plant. This method is best for larger ZZ plants that have multiple stems.
Step 1: Remove the plant from its pot
Carefully remove the ZZ plant from its pot and gently loosen the soil around the roots.
Step 2: Divide the plant
Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, divide the plant into several smaller sections. Make sure that each section has at least one stem and several leaves attached to it.
Step 3: Plant the sections
Plant each section in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Place the pots in a warm, bright area but away from direct sunlight.
Step 4: Care for the new plants
Keep the soil moist and mist the new plants regularly to keep the humidity level high. After a few weeks, the new plants should start to produce new leaves, which is a sign that they have taken root.
A: It can take anywhere from two to four weeks for ZZ plant cuttings to root.
A: Yes, ZZ plants can be propagated in water. Simply place the cutting in a vase or jar filled with water and change the water every few days. Once roots have formed, you can transfer the cutting to soil.
A: Newly propagated ZZ plants should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
A: No, ZZ plants cannot be propagated from leaves. You need to take a cutting that includes at least one stem and several leaves attached to it.
A: It is not recommended to propagate ZZ plants in winter as they do not grow actively during this time. It’s best to wait until spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.