If you’re a plant lover, you already know the charm of the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). It’s one of the easiest indoor plants to grow—low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and perfectly happy even in low light. But here’s the best part: you can turn one ZZ plant into several without spending a penny. Propagation is simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding.
Over the years, I’ve tried multiple propagation methods—some slow, some fast—but all successful. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from leaf cuttings, petiole cuttings, and division to the easiest water and soil techniques, so you can choose what works best for you.
1. Propagating from Leaf Cuttings
If you’re new to propagation, starting with a single leaf is a great first step. The key here is to cut each ZZ plant leaf as close to the petiole as possible. This little detail is important—it ensures enough plant tissue for new root development.
Once you have your cuttings, you can either plant them directly in soil or start them in water. Watching roots develop in water is especially satisfying, though it does take patience.
Timeline: Expect around 2–3 months before you see strong roots forming.
2. Propagating from Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are a slightly faster method. Take a mature, healthy stem—about 4–6 inches long—and cut it cleanly using sterilized scissors.
Here’s the magic formula: Place the cut stem in water, and change out the water every 3–4 weeks. This keeps bacteria away and encourages healthy root growth. In my own test, the left one was in water for 2 months before I transferred it to soil. The roots were strong, and the plant adapted instantly.
3. Soil Propagation
If you want to skip the water phase, go straight for soil. Simply plant your leaf cuttings, petiole cuttings, and division into a well-draining mix. Make sure it’s moist but never soggy.
Soil propagation avoids the transplant shock some plants experience when moving from water to soil. Keep the pot in bright, indirect light, and in about 2–3 months, you’ll see new shoots emerging.
4. Propagation by Division
When you need quick results, division is unbeatable. This method is perfect for older, bushy plants. Start by removing your ZZ plant from its pot. Gently separate the rhizomes—those potato-like underground stems that store water.
Each division, water, and soil pot should have at least one healthy stem and some roots attached. Plant them separately in fresh soil, water lightly, and allow them to settle before resuming regular care.
Water vs. Soil – Which is Better?
Both work beautifully, but each has pros and cons:
- Water: You can watch the roots grow and track progress, but you’ll need to change the water regularly.
- Soil: No transplant shock, but you won’t see roots forming.
My recommendation? Start in water for the visual satisfaction, then move to soil when roots are at least 1–2 inches long.
Aftercare for Propagated ZZ Plants
Once your cuttings or divisions are potted, here’s how to keep them thriving:
- Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Provide medium to bright indirect light.
- Feed lightly during the growing season.
If you’re growing a rare black ZZ variety, ensure it gets a bit more light to keep that rich, dark foliage.
Why Propagate?
Aside from the joy of growing new plants, propagation saves money, helps you share greenery with friends, and ensures you always have a backup if your main plant struggles. The ZZ plant’s natural resilience means that even beginner gardeners have a high success rate.
Quick Comparison Table
Method | Time to Root | Success Rate | Best For |
Leaf Cutting | 2–3 months | Moderate | Beginners, patient growers |
Stem Cutting in Water | 6–8 weeks | High | Watching roots grow |
Soil Propagation | 2–3 months | High | Direct planting |
Division | Immediate | Very High | Instant full plants |
My Personal Experience
Over the past few years, I’ve tried every technique, and my favorite is still the water method. There’s something magical about seeing tiny roots appear from a plain leaf or stem. One of my best success stories was when the left one was in water for 2 months—the roots were so healthy, the plant doubled in size within a year.
Learning to propagate ZZ plants isn’t just a gardening skill—it’s a creative, budget-friendly way to expand your indoor jungle. Whether you choose leaf cuttings, petiole cuttings, and division, start in water, or plant directly in soil, you’ll find that this plant rewards patience with lush, glossy growth.
So next time you’re trimming your ZZ plant, don’t toss those cuttings. Try one of these methods, and in a few months, you’ll have beautiful new plants to enjoy or share.
