If you’re a plant enthusiast, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a dream. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in low light — making it one of the most loved indoor plants in Canada, the USA, and beyond.
But here’s the best part — it’s surprisingly easy to multiply! Whether you want more greenery for your home or to gift a friend, knowing how to propagate ZZ plant can save you money and bring endless joy.
Methods to Propagate ZZ Plant
There’s no single way to propagate; you can choose based on your patience, tools, and desired outcome.
1. Propagating ZZ Plant from Leaf
This is one of the most beginner-friendly methods. Simply cut each ZZ plant leaf as close to the petiole as possible. This ensures you have enough tissue to encourage new root growth.
Place the cuttings directly into soil or start them in water. Many plant parents choose water first, as it’s satisfying to watch the roots develop.
Tip: How long to propagate a ZZ plant from a leaf? On average, expect 2-3 months before seeing significant root growth.
2. Propagating ZZ Plant from Stem
If you have a mature plant, the stem cutting method is quick and efficient. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut a healthy stem, ideally 4–6 inches long.
Place the cut stem in water, and change out the water every 3-4 weeks. You’ll notice roots starting to form within 6–8 weeks. The left one was in water for 2 months in my own propagation experiment — it developed strong roots and adapted well when moved to soil.
3. Propagating ZZ Plant in Soil
If you want to skip the water phase, you can go straight to soil propagation. Simply plant your leaf cuttings, petiole cuttings, and division into a well-draining potting mix.
Keep the soil slightly moist (but never soggy) and place the pot in bright, indirect light. This is ideal for those who want to avoid the transition shock when moving from water to soil.
4. Propagating ZZ Plant by Division
For the impatient gardener, division is the fastest way to get a full-grown ZZ plant. Remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes — these are the thick, potato-like structures that store water.
Plant each division in its own pot with fresh soil. Water lightly and let the plant settle for a few days before returning to your usual watering schedule.
Also Read: Monstera Madness: Varieties You Need in Your Indoor Jungle
Best Way to Propagate ZZ Plant
If you’re wondering about the best way to propagate ZZ plant, it depends on your goal:
| Method | Time to Root | Success Rate | Best For |
| Leaf Cutting | 2–3 months | Moderate | Beginners & patient gardeners |
| Stem Cutting in Water | 6–8 weeks | High | Watching roots grow |
| Soil Propagation | 2–3 months | High | Direct growth |
| Division | Immediate | Very High | Quick results |
Propagating ZZ Plant in Water vs. Soil
Both methods work beautifully. Water propagation allows you to keep an eye on root growth, while soil propagation avoids transplant shock. Many experts recommend starting in water and then moving to soil once roots are 1–2 inches long.
ZZ Plant Care After Propagation
Once your cuttings have rooted, here’s how to ensure they thrive:
- Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Keep in medium to bright, indirect light.
- Fertilize lightly during the growing season.
For black ZZ plant varieties, the same propagation methods apply, but ensure they receive slightly more light to maintain their deep foliage color.
Benefits of Growing ZZ Plant
Aside from being one of the easiest houseplants to propagate, the ZZ plant benefits include:
- Air purification
- Low water requirements
- Tolerance to neglect
- Attractive, glossy leaves
- Suits both modern and classic home décor
Also Read: 5 Permanent Crops to Plant This Spring for Harvests That Last a Lifetime
Common Questions About ZZ Plant Propagation
Q: Can you propagate ZZ plant in water?
Yes! Just ensure you change out the water every 3-4 weeks and keep it in indirect light.
Q: How long to propagate ZZ plant from leaf?
It usually takes around 2–3 months before noticeable root growth.
Q: What is the fastest method?
Division gives you a full-grown plant instantly.
Learning how to propagate ZZ plant is rewarding and budget-friendly. Whether you try leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, division, water, and soil methods, the joy of seeing a new plant grow never gets old.
If you haven’t tried propagation yet, start small — maybe a single leaf cutting in a jar of water — and watch nature work its magic.
