ZZ-plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) Propagation

The Zamioculcas – also known as the ZZ plant – is a popular house and office plant. It needs very little water, is low-maintenance and belongs to the same family as the Anthurium and Philodendron. The good news? Propagating it is surprisingly easy – if you have a bit of patience.

Want to try propagating your Zamioculcas at home? Here's how to do it.

Rinse your knife or scissors with hot water and a bit of soap. Then use alcohol or disinfectant to kill off any bacteria or fungi. Clean tools help prevent rot and infection.

Take a healthy stem and divide it into several cuttings. Make sure each cutting has at least two leaves. This method works well for both water and soil propagation.

If you’ve got rooting powder at home, dab a bit onto the cut surfaces and let it dry. It can help stimulate root growth.

No rooting powder? No problem – you can still propagate just fine, though it might take a bit longer.

• In water: Place the cuttings in a glass of clean water and put it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Change the water weekly.
• In soil: Use fresh, airy potting soil. Place the cutting in a light spot and water very sparingly at first. Only increase watering once roots start to form.

Whichever method you choose, patience is key. Zamioculcas grows slowly, but each cutting will eventually develop new roots and leaves.

• When: best done in spring or summer
• Light: lots of light, no direct sun
• Water: change weekly (water method) or water sparingly (soil)
• Roots: only repot once roots are at least 5 cm long
• Patience: visible growth may take a few months

Both methods work well, but you’ll see results faster in water. Plus, it’s easier to monitor root growth. Once the roots are long enough, you can transfer the cutting to soil.

These tips are based on our own experience with propagating. All methods are tested in our plant nursery and work well for beginners too.

Want to explore more propagation tips? Check out our other step-by-step plant guides.