Propagation
How to propagate ZZ plantZamioculcas zamiifolia
A practical guide to making more ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) at home — the right method, the right time of year, and what to expect.
How to propagate by division
Division is the most straightforward way to multiply ZZ plant: you split the root ball in spring, giving each section its own roots and shoots. The new plants establish quickly because they already have a mature root system.
- Water the plant thoroughly the day before dividing — well-hydrated roots are more resilient.
- Slide the plant gently out of its pot. If it's stuck, run a knife around the inside edge.
- Shake off the loose potting mix to expose the root system. For clumping plants, you'll see distinct crowns or growing points.
- Tease the clumps apart by hand where possible. For tightly bound roots, use a clean sharp knife or pruning shears — each section needs at least one healthy shoot and a decent portion of roots.
- Pot each division into fresh, well-draining potting mix at the same depth it was growing before.
- Water gently, then place in indirect light for 1–2 weeks while the plants settle. Avoid direct sun and fertiliser for the first month.
- New growth is the sign that the plant has adjusted. After 4–6 weeks, resume normal care.
Other ways to propagate
Leaf cuttings
ZZ plant can be propagated from individual leaves. It takes patience — leaves can sit for weeks before anything visible happens — but the success rate is high when conditions are right.
- Choose a healthy, mature leaf (not old and leathery, not brand new and soft). Early spring to midsummer gives the best results.
- Pull the leaf off cleanly at the base or cut it with a clean knife, keeping a small section of petiole (leaf stalk) attached if possible.
- Let the cut end callous over in open air for 30–60 minutes — this reduces the risk of rot.
- Place the cut end into slightly moist cacti or succulent mix (or standard potting mix with added perlite). Lay succulent leaves flat on the surface; push the petiole of other plants 1–2 cm into the mix.
- Do not water for the first week. After that, mist lightly every few days to keep humidity around the leaf without waterlogging the roots.
- Place in bright, indirect light and temperatures above 18 °C. Avoid direct sun.
- Tiny plantlets or roots appear at the base of the leaf after 3–8 weeks. Once a plantlet has a few leaves of its own, separate and pot it up individually.
Track your cuttings
Botanicaly logs each of your ZZ plant plants with its own watering schedule, light reading, and care reminders — so your new cutting gets exactly the same care as the parent from day one. Free on iOS and Android.
App Store Google Play
Get the app →Common questions
What is the best way to propagate ZZ plant?
The most reliable method for ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is division. It can be challenging — patience and the right conditions matter.
When should I propagate ZZ plant?
The best time is spring to summer, when the plant is actively growing and roots form most quickly.
How long does it take ZZ plant to root?
Expect roots to appear within roughly 90–135 days, given warm temperatures and good indirect light. Division and offset methods are faster because the new plant already has its own roots.
Propagation method based on genus-level horticultural knowledge — accurate for the vast majority of specimens in this species.
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