ZZ plants or the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is an excellent houseplant to add to your collection. Due to their hardiness and low maintenance requirements, ZZ Plants are widely recognized as the ideal plants for beginners.
The best thing about them is their propagation is super easy. Thus, allowing you to produce more ZZ plants for free. This blog covers the propagation method for ZZ plants. So, read on to find out!
ZZ Plant Propagation: Step-by-Step Guide
Propagating a ZZ Plant from Stem Cuttings
One of the easiest techniques to propagate a ZZ plant is by using stem cuttings. Moreover, this method also has a higher chance of success. Follow the steps below to propagate from stem cuttings:
- A healthy cutting is the foundation of a successfully propagated ZZ plant. Choose a stem with a dense canopy of glossy, deep green leaves. Avoid using stems with brown or yellow leaves, as they are a sign of disease or damage. If you use an infected leaf, the disease could spread to the rest of your plant.
- While choosing your stem, you should also keep aesthetics in mind. Choose a location with additional greenery to hide the exposed cut mark.
- Use a sharp and clean pair of scissors to make a cut. It is essential to disinfect the pruning tool to prevent bacteria and diseases from infecting the stem. We recommend cutting the whole stem at once since it won’t grow back once you have cut it. Cut off the stem into at least four-inch-inch pieces.
- Since the stem’s bottom half will rest in the soil or water, you should cut the leaves off, exposing some of the stems to expose that area. You can use your fingers to remove the leaves.
- We recommend using water for propagation since it allows you to monitor rhizome and root development. Take a transparent glass container for rooting the stem cuttings in water. Before filling, ensure it is clean to avoid bacterial development.
- Place the cuttings in the glass container ensuring the bottom is covered and the leaves are not submerged.
- Place the container in a well-lit area, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight. Remember to replace the water completely at least once weekly to promote root development.
- Next, prepare an equal parts mixture of perlite and coconut coir to root the stem cuttings in the soil. This mixture retains enough moisture to promote the growth of the rhizome and roots while providing sufficient drainage to prevent rotting.
- Take a pot and fill it with this soil mixture. Add water to moisten it. Create a couple of holes in the soil using your fingers to plant the stem cuttings.
- After planting the stem cuttings, press them around the soil to anchor them firmly. Then place the pot in a spot with plenty of filtered or indirect sunlight. Ensure the soil is moist, but don’t waterlog it, as doing so would result in root rot, causing the plant to die. Do this until you notice visible growth.
- You can transplant the stem after a few months once the roots are one to two inches long. To make your houseplant soil mix, combine two parts of potting soil: perlite and peat moss or coconut coir. To avoid root rot, make sure the pot has ample drainage holes.
- Add a cutting or two in the same container. After replanting, press around it to remove any water and air pockets. Congratulations, you have a new ZZ plant!
How Long Do ZZ Plant Stem Cuttings Take to Root?
ZZ plants are quite easy to grow, but cuttings may take a long time to root. Generally, it takes up to three to four months, even in the best lighting and temperature conditions. However, it’s better to hold off on potting them until they grow at least 1″ long roots, which can take several weeks.
This procedure can take as long as nine months if the temperature is lower than 75°F or if there is insufficient light. So, you don’t have to worry if you don’t notice any growth for quite some time.
You can speed up the process by adding more light and warmth. The best way to do this is to use a grow light or heat mat to provide optimal growing conditions for your plant.
Final Word
ZZ plants are fun and easy to propagate, regardless of whether you are an experienced or novice plant owner. However, unlike other plants, the propagation process can take some time, so remember to be patient. Happy propagating!