How to Grow and Care for ZZ Plants Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Plants zamioculcas zamiifolia — a quick note to anchor this piece for readers.

Plants zamioculcas zamiifolia: Quick notes

While this is a natural part of the life cycle for this species, you can keep your plants looking fresh by removing old or dead leaves.

Though ZZ plants rarely fall prey to disease pathogens, if you do notice signs of rot such as soggy stems or leaves, be sure to remove affected parts as soon as you spot them.

When pruning, use sharp, clean scissors and make straight cuts. Always wear gloves or wash your hands after handling ZZ plants.

If a specimen seems to be outgrowing its current container, it may also be a good time to repot.

Transfer your ZZ plant to a well-draining container one size up, add new potting medium, and water until it drains from the bottom before placing it back in its usual location.

Propagation

ZZ plants are easy, yet slow, to propagate. Rooting cuttings is the preferred method, though it is also possible to divide them if this is done infrequently and sparingly.

From Leaf Cuttings

The best way to start is by rooting leaf cuttings. You can start many at once by taking several of these from a mature stalk.

Plant newly cut leaves in light potting soil in a container with good drainage. Any standard potting mix should work. Water well and set in a location with bright, indirect light.

Continue to water every couple of weeks until rooting occurs, and note that this could take several months.

Once the cuttings have rooted, you can repot them individually into larger containers to continue growing.

Read our detailed guide on starting ZZ plants from leaf cuttings for more information.

Division

It is possible to divide Z. zamiifolia, but many gardeners advise against it since the slow-growing rhizomes take a very long time to grow back to full size.

If you do choose to divide them, do so rarely, only once every few years or so.

Before dividing, refrain from watering for a couple of weeks. Then remove the plant from its container and carefully cut or separate a rhizome by hand that has both roots and stems growing from it.

Let wounded plants sit out for a few hours to callus over before replanting each section.

Plant divided rhizomes one inch below the soil line in a loose potting mix, and water thoroughly. Be sure to always choose containers with good drainage.

Pests and Disease

These resilient houseplants are very pest resistant, and rarely suffer from disease.

It is possible for aphids to damage foliage, especially if you put them outside during the summer.

Though the aphids themselves are hard to see, you might notice yellow spotting on the leaves to indicate their presence.

You can remove them by wiping the leaves off with mild dish soap and water.

In terms of disease, the main issue to watch out for is root rot. Waterlogged soil encourages fungal growth, which can lead to rot in the roots and stems.

Signs of a problem include discolored leaves; weak, falling, or mushy stalks; and an unpleasant odor coming from the soil.

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