If you already have a healthy ZZ plant, you don’t need to buy another one to grow your collection. ZZ plants are surprisingly easy to propagate, and you can start new plants using individual leaves, stem cuttings, or by dividing an established plant.
The one thing you’ll need is patience. ZZ plants are naturally slow growers, so it can take several months before you notice new roots or shoots. The good thing is that once they’re established, they require very little maintenance.
Here’s how to propagate a ZZ plant using three different methods.
How to Propagate ZZ Plant From Leaves
You can grow a ZZ plant from a single leaf, but it’s the slowest method. Start by choosing a healthy, mature stem and gently twisting off a few leaflets, making sure the small base of each leaflet stays intact.
Let the cut ends dry for a few hours, then place the base of each leaflet into a small pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil slightly moist, never soggy, and place the pot somewhere with bright, indirect sunlight.
Don’t be surprised if nothing happens for several months. The leaves need time to develop roots and small underground rhizomes before new shoots appear, which can take six to nine months or longer.
How to Propagate ZZ Plant From Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another simple way to grow a new ZZ plant and may produce results sooner than individual leaves. Choose a healthy stem and use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut it into sections, making sure each section has several leaflets.
Let the cut ends dry overnight before placing them in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist while roots develop, and avoid placing the cuttings in direct sunlight.
You may begin seeing new growth after three to four months, although some cuttings take longer. Much of the early growth happens beneath the soil, so don’t assume the cutting has failed simply because you can’t see anything happening.
How to Propagate ZZ Plant by Division
If you want the quickest way to grow another ZZ plant, division is usually your best option. This method works particularly well with mature plants that have several stems growing from separate rhizomes.
Carefully remove the plant from its pot and brush away enough soil to see the thick, fleshy rhizomes beneath the surface. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each one has healthy roots and at least one stem.
Place each section into its own pot with fresh, well-draining soil and a drainage hole. Because each division already has an established root system, it can settle into its new pot much faster than a leaf or stem cutting.
How to Care for Your New ZZ Plants
No matter which method you choose, the biggest mistake to avoid is overwatering. ZZ plants store water in their underground rhizomes, and constantly wet soil can cause the roots and developing cuttings to rot.
Keep your new plants in bright, indirect light and use a well-draining potting mix. Leaf and stem cuttings need a little moisture while they establish roots, but established divisions should dry out between waterings.
If you’re just getting started, I’d recommend dividing a mature ZZ plant because it’s the easiest way to get another established plant without waiting months for roots to develop. But if you enjoy growing plants from scratch, propagating from leaves or stems can be just as rewarding.
