If you have a ZZ plant at home, after a while, you will understand that the ZZ plant is mature enough, so now it’s time to ZZ plant propagation by dividing it into smaller parts with separate root systems. If you don’t know how to propagate ZZ Plant, you better follow me.
Actually, there are three ways including leaf cuttings, stem cuttings and also division, that I explain to aware you.
Leaf propagation of ZZ plant
Pros and Cons
If you are looking for a simple way to get a new plant from a leaf and save the mother plant less damaged, I must say that, this method is the best which can be used in both water and soil. However, you should be patient. Because it takes time for the leaf to take root and then grow. Normally, tiny roots form after 2 months and can be seen, but it takes 6 to 8 months to produce new branches and leaves.
How make the leaves ready?
1. Choosing healthy leaves from the bottom.
2. Cleaning pruning tools with chemical like rubbing alcohol and a bleach solution.
3. Making a clean cut the leaves without tearing.
ZZ plant leaves water propagation
1. Ready a clean container of water.
2. Getting help from Styrofoam: Make notches on the foams, put the leaf cutting in them and then sink below the surface of water.
3. putting the container in indirect light.
4. keeping the water fresh: By changing the water every 4 to 7 days, the growth of algae will be stopped.
ZZ plant leaves soil propagation
1. Pay attention to the soil mixture: Mix peat, coir and perlite in the same ratio and turn the soil well-drained.
2. Planting the leaves: Put the leaves in the soil with a wooden dowel at a distance and firm the soil around it.
3. Watering and lightning: keep the soil slightly wet and place it in indirect light.
Stem Propagation of ZZ Plants
Pros and Cons
If the time and chance of success in propagation are important to you, I suggest the stem cutting method. But, you need a large space and more resources than leaf cuttings. In addition, the mother plant is also damaged. Although, after placing the cuttings in water or soil, the roots usually grow within a few weeks, you will actually see new leaves and stems after about 3 months.
How select the correct cuttings?
1. Choosing a healthy stem with leaves at least 4 to 6 inches long.
2. Sterilizing the pruning shears with rubbing alcohol and a bleach solution.
3. Cutting the stem: Insert a cut with an angle of 45-degree from below the leaf node.
ZZ plant stem water propagation
1. Using a water container with a narrow opening.
2. Putting only the end of the stem in the water.
3. Leaving the container exposed to indirect light.
4. Changing the water every 4 to 7 days.
5. After the roots have grown 1 to 2 inches, you should transfer it to soil.
ZZ plant stem soil propagation
These processes are quite similar to leaf cuttings in the soil. Just you can add rooting hormone to the end of the stem when you are planting it.
Propagation by Division
Pros and Cons
If you want to get a new strong plant as soon as possible with the highest chance of success, the Division is perfect. It should be noted that, you need a whole plant and careful handling. Unfortunately, the roots and rhizomes become more active and it causes stress to ZZ plants and makes them weak gradually. The fastest way to take cuttings is Division. In this method, the plant is divided into rooted parts, so it can easily adapt and start growing within 30 to 45 days.
How pick out the right plant?
1. Select a large and healthy plant with many stems and roots.
2. Watch out the ZZ plant to be far from any diseases and pests.
Division stages
1. prepare the ZZ plant: Water the plant completely one day before starting work.
2. Taking the plant out of the pot.
3. Identifying rhizomes and cutting them: be sure to clean the tools and divide it into parts with at least one stem and a healthy root system.
4. Planting each section: use soil mix which has two parts coir, one part perlite, and one part pine bark.
5. Watering and lighting: like other ZZ plant, put them in indirect light but water them thoroughly.
Comparing ZZ Plants After Propagation vs. Regular Care
As you know, when you propagate a ZZ plant yourself, it is different from when you bought it from a flower shop, so there are some points that help you to understand what is the difference between caring for a new ZZ plant and a Care of mature ZZ plant.
Watering
New plants just after propagation, need more water to boost their roots and grow better. Keep the soil wet but do not overdo it.
But, Adult ZZ plants need time to dry between two waterings. So you should water them completely and do not go to repeat until they dry up again.
Lighting
The young plant must be kept in a bright place with indirect light so that it does not get damaged.
However, the big ZZ plant can cope with even the lowest light, but it grows better in indirect light.
Humidity
The young plant need more humidity than usual, so you must leave it somewhere in the house that is humid for a while or get help from humidity trays.
Mature plants adapt to indoor conditions and do not need humidity settings.
Fertilization
Do not fertilize the new plant after cutting immediately, lest it stop growing. Be sure start fertilization after several months.
ZZ plant that have grown enough, need a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season, i.e. spring and winter.
Potting
For newly cut plants, we use a small pot to avoid too much soil and as a result decrease humidity.
It is necessary to change the pot of the ZZ plant with suitable soil every two or three years.
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