How to Propagate ZZ Plant from Leaf? – (In Water & Soil)

Propagating a ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) from a leaf is a simple and cost-effective way to expand your indoor plant collection.

With the right method and a bit of patience, you can easily grow new plants from the leaves of your existing ZZ plant.

In this post, we will cover two popular methods for propagating ZZ plants: the water method and the soil method.

What is ZZ Plant Propagation?

Plant propagation is the process of growing new plants from existing ones.

This can be done through several methods such as seeds, cuttings, division, or layering. In the case of the ZZ Plant, the most common and efficient method is through leaf cuttings.

Leaf-cutting is a method of propagating ZZ plants in which a leaf is removed from the parent plant and then grown into a new plant.

The leaf cutting is placed in soil or water, and the new roots that form on the cutting will establish a new plant.

The leaf cutting should be taken from a healthy and mature ZZ plant, and should be cut cleanly at the base of the stem.

In the soil method, the leaf-cutting is planted directly into the soil and the pot should be placed in a bright, indirect light location and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

On the other hand, in the water method, leaf-cutting is placed in a jar of clean water and placed in a bright, indirect light location, but out of direct sunlight, and change the water every few days to prevent bacteria from building up.

It’s important to note that ZZ plants prefer high humidity, so if possible place the jar or vase inside a plastic bag or pot inside a plastic bag.

This will help increase the humidity around the cutting and help it to root better.

Propagating ZZ Plant from leaf cuttings is a simple and easy process, that can be done even by beginners.

With a little patience and the right method, you can easily grow new plants from the leaves of your existing ZZ plant and have a great addition to your indoor plant collection.

Propagating ZZ Plant from Leaves

There are two main methods to propagate the ZZ plant from the leaf:

Method 1: Water Method

Propagating ZZ plants in water is a simple and easy process, but it does require a few basic pieces of equipment and ingredients to get started. Here is a list of what you will need:

Equipment:

• A sharp, clean pair of scissors or a knife
• A clear jar or vase
• Water

Ingredients:

• A healthy leaf from your existing ZZ plant

Instructions:

1. Start by selecting a healthy leaf from your ZZ plant. Use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a knife to cut the leaf at the base of the stem.
2. Next, fill the jar or vase with water, making sure the water is clean and not tap water.
3. Place the leaf cutting in the jar or vase of water, making sure the leaf is fully submerged and that the stem is resting on the bottom of the jar.
4. Place the jar in a bright, indirect light location, but out of direct sunlight.
5. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria from building up.
6. After a few weeks, you should start to see small roots forming at the base of the leaf-cutting. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot of soil.

It’s important to note that ZZ plants prefer high humidity, so if possible place the jar or vase inside a plastic bag. This will help increase the humidity around the cutting and help it to root better.

Method 2: Soil Method

Propagating ZZ plants from a leaf in the soil is a simple process, but it does require a few basic pieces of equipment and ingredients to get started. 

Here is a list of what you will need:

Equipment:

• A sharp, clean pair of scissors or a knife
• A small pot or container

Ingredients:

• A healthy leaf from your existing ZZ plant
• Well-draining potting mix (such as cactus mix or a mix of peat moss and perlite)
• Water

Instructions:

1. Start by selecting a healthy leaf from your ZZ plant. Use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a knife to cut the leaf at the base of the stem.
2. Next, fill the small pot or container with a well-draining potting mix, such as cactus mix or a mix of peat moss and perlite.
3. Carefully place the leaf cutting in the pot, making sure that the stem is in contact with the soil.
4. Water the soil lightly and place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.
5. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
6. After a few weeks, you should start to see small roots forming at the base of the leaf-cutting. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transfer the cutting to a larger pot.

It’s important to note that ZZ plants prefer high humidity, so if possible place the pot inside a plastic bag. This will help increase the humidity around the cutting and help it to root better.

It’s important to also make sure the container has drainage holes at the bottom to avoid waterlogging.

You can read also about propagating a ZZ plant from the stem or how to grow from cutting.

Keep in mind

When propagating a ZZ plant, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure that your new plants will thrive:

1. Use healthy leaf cuttings: Make sure to take leaf cuttings from a healthy, mature ZZ plant to increase the chances of success.
2. Provide the right environment: Keep the cutting in a warm and humid place, out of direct sunlight, and keep the soil or water consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
3. Monitor for signs of rotting or mold: Keep an eye on the cutting and make sure to remove any leaves that show signs of rotting or mold.
4. Keep the cutting in the right light conditions: ZZ plants prefer bright, indirect light, so make sure to place the cutting in a location where it will receive plenty of light but not direct sunlight.
5. Be patient: Propagating a ZZ plant can take several weeks, so be patient and give the cutting time to develop roots and establish themselves.
6. Be mindful of the water you are using: Distilled or filtered water is recommended, as tap water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can harm the cutting.
7. Keep humidity high: ZZ plants prefer high humidity so if possible place the jar or vase inside a plastic bag or pot inside a plastic bag. This will help increase the humidity around the cutting and help it to root better.
8. When transferring to soil make sure it has good drainage: The soil used for the new plant should be well-draining and not waterlogged.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to propagate ZZ plants successfully and enjoy the beauty of these plants for years to come.

How long does it take to propagate ZZ plants in water and soil?

The time it takes to propagate ZZ plants in water and soil can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the leaf-cutting, the temperature and humidity of the environment, and the quality of the water or soil.

However, generally speaking, it usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks for roots to develop in both water and soil methods.

For the water method, once the roots are about an inch long, the cutting can be transferred to a pot of soil. The process from a leaf cutting to having a new plant can take around 4-8 weeks.

For the soil method, after the leaf-cutting has been planted in the soil, the roots will begin to form within a couple of weeks.

Once the roots are about an inch long, it can be transferred to a larger pot and this process can take around 4-8 weeks as well.

It’s important to note that during the propagation process, it’s important to keep the cutting in a warm and humid place, out of direct sunlight, and keep the soil or water consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

These conditions will ensure that the new ZZ plant will have a healthy start and will thrive.

It’s important to also keep an eye on the cutting to check for any signs of rotting or mold, which can occur if the cutting is not kept in the right conditions or if the cutting is not healthy.

FAQs:

Conclusion

Whether you choose the water method or the soil method, propagating a ZZ plant from a leaf is a fun and easy way to expand your indoor plant collection.

Just be sure to provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil or water consistently moist, and your new ZZ plant will thrive.