Do you have a ZZ plant that’s doing well and it’s made you think you’d like more of them? Well, you’re in luck.
Propagating a ZZ plant in water is an easy way that is fairly low risk and will let you grow your collection of plants. Even if you’re a total beginner it’s a process that most people will be able to do without any problems.
This guide will take you through every step of how to do it with tips and troubleshooting advice to help you grow your ZZ plant family. If you’re patient and follow the steps here you’ll have yourself lots more ZZ plants to enjoy.
Why the ZZ Plant is Perfect for Propagation
ZZ plants are more than just good looking. They’re tough houseplants that can survive without much light and little water. As it’s so resilient it’s a great choice to be propagated.
But what is it about propagating in water that works so well?
- Easy Observation: Watching the roots sprout in water makes it easy to see how the plant is doing. Also it’s lots of fun to watch your new plant grow.
- Mess Free: No soil means you won’t have anything to clean up. This is perfect for those who only have indoor plants and don’t want to be dealing with lots of dirt.
- Beginner Friendly: It’s easy to do and doesn’t need any special equipment.
ZZ Plant’s Unique Anatomy
Before you get into the propagation it’s helpful to understand the plant itself. ZZ plants grow from rhizomes that are weird looking bulbs that store water and nutrients.
It’s the rhizomes that make ZZ plants able to go long periods without water. So when you’re propagating one you’re trying to get new roots to grow which will eventually lead to the formation of more rhizomes and in turn a new ZZ plant.
What You’ll Need to Propagate a ZZ Plant in Water
Doing the preparation right will help to make sure the propagation goes smoothly.
So get together everything you’ll need.
- A healthy ZZ plant with mature stems.
- Sharp pruning shears or scissors.
- A clear container like a vase or jar. Glass is preferable. Even a drink glass would work.
- Filtered or distilled water
- Optional: a rooting hormone to speed up the process.
- Optional: cinnamon powder that works as an antifungal.
Step by Step Guide to Water Propagation
1. Choosing the Right Cutting
Start with a healthy ZZ plant. You want to take the current from a stem that’s older, so it should look dark green and feel firm. Make sure it has a few leaves attached to it as well.
Don’t choose a stem that is yellowing, wilting or has any signs of pests or diseases.
Tip: If you’re not sure which stem to cut look for one that’s already a bit longer or leaning out of the pot. That way it won’t have any real impact on the look of the plant.
2. Cutting the Stem
Using your shears or scissors cut diagonally about 6 inches below a leaf node. Cutting diagonally increase the surface area that the water can be absorbed through.
And don’t forget to sanitize your tools before and after using them. You don’t want to introduce any bacteria or fungi.
3. Preparing the Cutting
Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem. They may rot if they’re put into water.
Let the cutting sit for a few hours as it will let the cut end form a callous. Don’t skip over this as it’s important to stop rotting from happening when you put the cutting in water.
Optional: Dust the cut end with cinnamon powder. This can help to make fungal infections less likely.
4. Placing the Cutting in Water
Fill your glass container with filtered or distilled water. You ca use tap water but it’ll work better if you leave it to sit out for 24 hours and let the chlorine to dissipate.
Put the cut end into the water but keep the leaves out of the water.
Put the container somewhere that will get bright, indirect sunlight. Try to avoid putting it in direct sunlight as it can overheat the water and stress your cutting.
5. Maintenance is Key
Change the water every week so it’s fresh and full of oxygen. Each time you do rinse the container and look at your cutting to make sure it’s not rotting or there’s any decay.
If you notice an any sort or slimy build up or there’s a nasty smell then clean everything fully and replace the water.
How Long Does Root Development Take?
Don’t expect to see your cutting grow overnight. ZZ plants are notorious for growing slowly.
So you could be waiting anywhere from 2 to 4 months for roots to appear. You’re going to have to be patient I’m afraid!
Once the roots are around 1 to 2 inches long then you can move the cutting in to soil. Don’t be tempted to transplant it too early though. If the roots aren’t fully developed then they will struggle to do well in soil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though propagating in water is simple there are some problems that you might run in to:
- Submerging the Leaves: Leaves in the water will rot and can also contaminate everything else.
- Using Dirty Tools: Make sure you’ve sterilized your scissors so you aren’t spreading infections.
- Skipping Water Changes: Water that has become stagnant is more likely to get bacteria and fungi growing.
- Direct Sunlight: Bright light is good but too direct sun will overheat the water and stress out your cutting.
When and How to Transition to Soil
Once the cutting has grown roots to at least 1 to 2 inches then you can be confident about moving it to soil.
- Get a pot ready and fill it with soil that drains well. Try a mix of regular potting soil and perlite.
- Put the cutting into the soil and cover the roots and base.
- Water it fully as it will settle the soil. And let the top of the soil dry out completely between each time you water.
- Keep the pot in the same light so it doesn’t get stressed as you move it.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Fixes
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Roots not forming even after a few months | Check for rot and make sure the cutting is in bright, indirect light. Think about using rooting hormone. |
| Water turning cloudy or smelling awful | Change the water more often and clean the container. |
| Leaves drooping or turning yellow | Make sure none of the leaves are in the water and look at the stem to see if there are any signs of rot. |
Advanced Tips
- Experiment with Leaf Cuttings: Propagating individual leaves is slower but if you don’t mind waiting it can be a fun challenge.
- Use a Humidity Dome: A clear plastic bag can be used to cover your cutting to keep the humidity up and speed up the rooting.
- Label Your Propagations: Keep track of your cuttings by labelling. This is especially helpful if you’re using different methods to propagate them.
Final Thoughts
Propagating a ZZ plant in water is pretty straightforward. And at the end of it you’ll have more ZZ plants you can either enjoy yourself or share with family and friends.
The tips and techniques you’ve read here should have give you everything you need to successfully propagate your ZZ plant. and be ready to deal with any hiccups along the way.
Remember though – you have to be patient. Roots don’t form overnight. B it the wait is worth it to see your new ZZ plane growing and doing well.
For more tips to get your ZZ plant growing faster and better try this guide. And if you want to know how to propagate your ZZ plant in other ways apart from in water we’ve gone through all the options.
