ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is known for its low maintenance, fast and easy growth, and simple propagation process. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, ZZ plants will bring a smile to your face. These plants, just like succulents, are not fussy about sunlight or water, so it’s damn easy to grow them. They bear the inconsistent watering schedule at the peak growing period. If you are planning to expand your garden with more ZZ plants or give one to your best friend to share the joy, we’ll guide you with different methods on “How to propagate ZZ plants.” Let’s have a look.
Tools Required for Propagation
It’s good to get ready for propagation with all the tools and materials before propagation. Collect all the tools and materials and keep them in one place for easy access. You don’t need many tools, but whatever you would require is as follows:
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Sharp and rust-free plant shears.
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Rooting hormone for successful rooting process.
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A clean water container with a wide mouth.
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A big pot double the size of the root ball for proper growth filled with well-drained soil mixture.
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Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol for rubbing the tool for disinfection.
Tips for Proper Sanitization to Avoid Plant Diseases
Propagating ZZ plants is an exciting process to get new plants at no cost, but you need to be cautious and follow the sanitization process. Disinfect the potting bench where you plan to keep the pots, sanitize all the harvesting tools like shears and knives, and wash your hands frequently with clean water to prevent disease.
How to Propagate ZZ Plant?
There are three different ways to propagate a ZZ houseplant: root ball division, stem cutting, and leaf cutting. Stem and leaf cutting are further subdivided into water and soil propagation, which we have discussed in the article.
Root Ball Division
This is one of the easiest propagation methods for the ZZ plant. All you need to keep in mind is that the ZZ plant should be large with multiple rhizomes and that you should avoid damaging the mother plant.
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If you see new stems growing next to the other plant, it’s the right time to remove the mother plant for repotting.
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Clean the soil debris from the root balls to see the root growth.
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Without damaging the plant root, gently remove the plant section using a sterilized knife.
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Get new pots with drainage holes and report each section.
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Press the base of the root to keep the plant in an upright position.
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Water the repotting ZZ plant and keep it in a place that receives indirect sunlight.
| Tips | The ZZ plants retain water in their rhizomes hidden under the dirt, which look like bulbous potatoes, and that’s the reason the plant sustains less water. Rhizomes are visible at the base of the plant. |
Stem Cutting Propagation
Water Propagation
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Cut stalks from the base of the plant using a sterilized shear. Make sure the stalk has some leaves on it.
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Leave the stalk for some time in a warm place so that a hard protective tissue layer is formed.
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Pour the plant cutting into a jar with sufficient water to cover the cut end.
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Keep it at a place away from low light.
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Change the water once a week.
Soil Propagation
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Cut the plant stem and leave the stalk for some time in a warm place to form the protective layer.
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Fill the new pot with well-drained soil. Don’t forget to pre-moisten the soil for better growth.
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Plant the cutting in the soil.
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Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight.
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Water the cutting when soil drains from the bottom.
Leaf Cutting Propagation
Water Propagation
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Choose the stem and cut a leaf close to the petiole. For better results, cut multiple leaf cuttings.
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Let the leaf callus(form the protective layer).
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Put leaf cutting in a sleek glass filled with enough water to cover the cut ends.
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Keep it under the bright indirect light.
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Water them weekly.
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Once you see the new roots, report them using rosy soil.
Soil Propagation
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Prepare for leaf-cutting.
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Add pre-moistened potting mix to a container.
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Plant the stem of a healthy leaf into the soil and keep it in bright indirect sunlight.
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Water the plant and drain excess water from the holes. Afterward, water them only when the top one or two inches of soil dries.
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Once the new roots and rhizomes develop, repot the plant.
Care Tips for ZZ Plant From Propagation to Complete Growth
Choose the best soil for ZZ plants because the suitable soil ensures robust growth of the plant. The best soil for ZZ plants is a combination of potting soil and perlite. ZZ plants thrive in bright and indirect light, barring few who can bear direct sunlight, and they can tolerate temperatures between 65 Fahrenheit and 75 Fahrenheit.
You can water them once a week, but the best way to check for water requirements for ZZ plants is to see if the top two inches are dry or not. If it’s dry, water them, or else wait until the soil dries.
How to Expedite the Pace of Propagation of the ZZ Plant?
ZZ plants have a natural way of propagating, however a few things can fasten the propagation speed. Always select the healthy parent plant, provide sufficient light, maintain the desired temperature, water them regularly, fertilize when required and lastly follow the correct method suggested by experts.
Conclusion
The propagation of ZZ plants is a smart and cost-effective way to multiply plants in the garden; however, certain things to consider include sanitization, selection of proper stem and leaf, and more.
