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Division (Easiest & Fastest): This is the quickest way to get a new, established ZZ plant. It works best if you have a mature plant with multiple stems and rhizomes (the potato-like underground structures that store water).
- How to do it:
- Carefully remove your ZZ plant from its pot.
- Gently loosen the soil around the rhizomes to expose them.
- Look for natural divisions where the rhizomes can be separated. Each section you divide should have at least one stem and a portion of healthy roots attached.
- You can often pull them apart by hand, but if they’re stubborn, use a clean, sharp knife or shears to cut through the rhizomes.
- Repot each divided section into its own pot with well-draining potting soil.
- Water thoroughly and place in bright, indirect light.
- How to do it:
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Stem Cuttings (Faster than leaves, still requires patience): You can root ZZ plant stems in water or soil. Water propagation allows you to see the root growth, which can be satisfying.
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In Water:
- Cut: Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, cut a healthy stalk (stem) from the base of your ZZ plant. Make a straight cut.
- Prepare: Remove any leaves from the bottom portion of the stem that will be submerged in water.
- Place in Water: Put the cut stem into a clear glass or jar with enough water to cover the cut end.
- Light & Water Changes: Place the container in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. Change the water every 3-4 weeks (or more often if it looks murky) to keep it clean and prevent rot.
- Wait for Roots: This can take several weeks to a few months. You’ll see rhizomes (small bulbs) and roots develop.
- Pot: Once the roots are at least an inch long and a good rhizome has formed, you can plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix.
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In Soil:
- Cut & Callous: Cut a healthy stem as described above. Allow the cut end to “callous over” (dry and form a protective layer) for a few hours or even overnight. This helps prevent rot.
- Plant: Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix and make a hole. Insert the calloused stem cutting about 1-2 inches deep.
- Water: Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.
- Care: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Place in bright, indirect light. It will take time for roots and rhizomes to form.
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Leaf Cuttings (Slowest, but you can get many plants): Propagating from individual leaves takes the longest, but it’s a great way to use leaves that might accidentally fall off your plant.
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In Water:
- Cut: Carefully cut individual leaves as close to the main stalk as possible, trying to get a little bit of the leaf stem (petiole) with it. Take multiple leaves for better success rates.
- Callous (Optional, but recommended): Allow the cut end of the leaf to dry and callous over for a few hours or overnight.
- Place in Water: Submerge the stem end of the leaf in about half an inch of water in a small container.
- Light & Water Changes: Place in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.
- Wait: This method can take many months (3 months to a year or more) to develop a rhizome and then a new shoot.
- Pot: Once a small rhizome and roots have formed, plant the leaf in well-draining soil.
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In Soil:
- Cut & Callous: Cut leaves as described for water propagation and allow them to callous over.
- Plant: Insert the calloused end of the leaf about 1 cm (half an inch) deep into well-draining potting mix. You can plant multiple leaves in one pot.
- Water: Water lightly and keep the soil consistently moist but not overly wet.
- Care: Place in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Be very patient, as new growth can take a long time to appear.
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Published on June 1, 2025 by DianMedia