
Originally from eastern Africa (from southern Kenya to northeastern South Africa), the Zamioculcas zamiifolia houseplant is also known as the ZZ plant or Zanzibar Gem. They can be propagated using three simple methods: stem cuttings, division, and leaf cuttings. They are adored for their low-maintenance care. Although patience is essential, propagation is a gratifying way to expand your collection of office plants or give plants as gifts to loved ones.
ZZ plants can be multiplied by division, petiole cuttings, and leaf cuttings. Botanists use three methods for propagating a ZZ plant and determine when it is best to do so.
In this guide, we’ll explore different ways you can use to propagate zz plant and create new plants for your garden.
Propagate ZZ Plant: Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings are an easy and dependable way to propagate ZZ plants. It produces outcomes that are quite dependable and works well for plants of all sizes. Here are the steps to propagate zz plants using stem cuttings –
- Trim a stalk from the plant’s base using sterile pruning shears. There should be some leaves on the stalk.
- For a few hours, place the Zamioculcus zamiifolia stem callus – a hard protective tissue layer – in a warm location.
- Fill a container with enough water to cover the cut end of the ZZ plant cutting.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight on a windowsill.
- Every week, change the water.
You can also propagate the zz plant’s cuttings in soil by following these steps –
- Cut the plant stem and let it callus.
- Fill a well-draining new pot with Rosy’s ZZ plant soil. Pre-moisten the soil to encourage new growth.
- Plant your ZZ cutting in damp soil.
- Keep the pot in an area with bright light but not direct sunshine.
- Water the ZZ plant cutting till it drains from the bottom.
Propagate ZZ Plant: Leaf Cuttings
Since leaf cuttings are less dependable than stem cuttings, starting with multiple healthy leaves increases the likelihood of successful propagation. Although it takes time to grow a new plant, it can be fun to see the results!
- Take Cuttings – From a mature leaf, carefully take one healthy leaflet. Put the cuttings in the ground.
- Place the Cutting – Place the leaves in a shallow pot or dish filled with well-draining potting soil, with the top of the leaves resting above the soil and the base of the leaf pressed down into the soil. Carefully water the leaves until the earth is damp but not soggy. The potted plants should be placed on a windowsill or another warm spot with bright, indirect light.
- Watering – After the dirt has completely dried up, keep watering the potted leaf cuttings. The leaves should start to form tiny rhizomes and roots at the base after three to four months. You may ultimately notice tiny shoots emerging from the new rhizomes if you continue to take care of the cuttings.
To propagate zz plant leaf cuttings in soil, follow these steps –
- Prepare your leaf cuttings.
- Pre-moisten the potting mix and transfer it to a container.
- Plant the leaf’s healthy stem into the damp soil (1 cm deep).
- Keep the plant in bright indirect sunlight.
- Water the plant, letting the excess drain from the bottom. For future waterings, water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
- Repot your new plant during the growing season after the new rhizome and roots have developed (about three months).
Propagate ZZ Plant: Division
The simplest method of propagating ZZ plants is via division; however, this method requires a mature plant with several stems and rhizomes, which are perfect for shrinking a large plant.
It can be helpful to wait until your plant is time for a watering before splitting your ZZ plant, while it’s not a must. This keeps previously watered plants that require repotting from getting overwatered.
- Take out your big ZZ plant from its container. You can either gently grasp the stems toward the base and pull the pot off, or you can lay it on its side and wiggle the pot off the roots.
- Separate the rhizomes beneath the soil with your hands to start dividing the plant. In the process, try to break as few roots as you can.
- After dividing your plant, repot the resulting plants in different pots. Make use of terracotta or plastic pots with drainage holes and well-draining soil. After dividing your plants, place them again in to their original spot and give them plenty of water.

When to Propagate ZZ Plants?
The ideal times of year to propagate a ZZ plant are usually spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing. As long as you have a warm, bright place to keep it, you can also propagate a ZZ plant in the winter, though its growth will probably be slower.
Conclusion
Propagating the zz plant is as easy as growing and caring for this beautiful succulent plant. ZZ plants are among the most unique and low-maintenance indoor plants that are popularly grown. And by propagating these tropical plants, you can create new ones for your garden or gifting purposes. You can choose from the various methods mentioned above to propagate your plants. To learn more about plant propagation and how you can care for your plants, download the Plantora app.
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