If you want to turn one ZZ plant into many, follow these steps that I used to get 100% success with both Green and Raven ZZ varieties.
Step 1: Take Your Cuttings
⢠Stem Selection: Use a sterilized blade to cut a healthy stalk at the base.
⢠With or Without Leaves: You can propagate from a full stem with leaves (like my Raven ZZs) or even just a leafless stem segment. Stems with leaves generally produce energy faster.
Step 2: The Critical Callus Period
⢠Dry it Out: Before putting the stems in water or soil, let them sit out for 24 hours.
⢠Why? This allows the cut end to "callus" over, which acts as a scab to prevent the stem from rotting once it hits the moisture.
Step 3: Choose Your Propagation Medium
⢠Water Method: Place callused stems in a jar with just enough water to cover the bottom inch. Change the water every 7ā10 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
⢠Soil/Coir Method: Plant the stems directly into a well-draining medium like coco coir or succulent mix.
Step 4: The "Potato" Phase (Rhizome Development)
⢠Be Patient: This is the longest part! Over several weeks or months, the plant will grow rhizomesāthick, potato-like bulbs that store water.
⢠Check Progress: In water, you can see these forming; in soil, youāll know they are there when the stem feels firmly anchored.
Step 5: The "Big Reveal" (New Growth)
⢠New Shoots: Once the rhizome is established, a brand-new leafy stalk will eventually sprout from the soil next to your original cutting.
⢠Transition: At this stage, ensure the plant is in a small pot with drainage holes to avoid "drowning" those new water-storing rhizomes.
šI had one already that I propagated before and thatās what the other stems are gonna look like Iām waiting on the ones I just cut to callous to add in water