3 Ways to Propagate a ZZ Plant to Get More Greenery, According to Horticulturists

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a tropical houseplant that is commonly grown because it thrives in low light. This low-maintenance plant isn't just easy to grow, it's also extremely easy to propagate. A ZZ plant can be propagated through leaf cuttings, petiole cuttings, and division. Ahead, horticulturists explain how to propagate a ZZ plant in three different ways as well as the best time to do it.

When to Propagate ZZ Plant

Spring and summer are typically the best months for propagating a ZZ plant because this is when the plant is actively growing, says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. You can also propagate a ZZ plant during winter as long as you have a bright, warm environment to keep it in, but growth will likely be slower.

How to Propagate ZZ Plant by Petiole Cuttings

Petioles connect the leaves to the main stem of the plant. The petioles can be cut and potted in soil to form new plants, says Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms.

1. Cut a strong, healthy petiole off near where it comes out of the plant or just above ground level if the base of the plant is covered. Remove the bottom sets of leaflets.
2. Fill a container with moist potting mix and place the petiole cutting in the soil.
3. Optional: You can place the cutting in a vase of water, but this method is typically less successful than potting the cutting in soil.
4. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright, humid spot. In a couple of months, it will start to produce roots.

How to Propagate ZZ Plant by Leaf Cuttings

You can also propagate a ZZ plant from a single leaflet, says Hancock. This method may take longer than propagating with petiole cuttings, but it will yield a new plant with time.

1. Carefully remove a single, healthy leaflet from a mature leaf.
2. Fill a container with moist potting mix and place the leaf about 25 percent deep in the potting mix.
3. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright, humid spot. In a couple of months, it will start to produce roots. (But it could take up to a year or more before you see new growth.)

How to Propagate ZZ Plant Through Division

If you have a big ZZ plant, division is an easy way to create a new one to keep for yourself or share with friends. "Make sure that the ZZ plant you want to divide has multiple large stems and can survive giving up part of the plant," says gardening expert Ryan McEnaney.

1. Wait until the soil is somewhat dry, then gently remove the plant from your container, avoiding damaging the roots, stems, or leaves. 
2. Gently pull the soil away from the roots so you can see the rhizomes, which resemble little onions.
3. Slowly pull apart a section of the ZZ plant while keeping the rhizome connected to the stem. Remove as much or as little as you’d like to move into your new pot.
4. Plant the divided section into a new pot with well-draining soil, making sure the rhizome and roots are covered.
5. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright, humid spot.