i love propagating because seeing it grow gives me joy. the progress is small, but the satisfaction is big. zz propagation is very slow, but it teaches me to wait calmly. it shows me that slow growth can bring real satisfaction
simple. step by step. short lines. easy to follow.
Oh ya ,there are two method . One is progating though water and the other is though soil. I have try both but I prefer water as I can see its progress
method A — leaf in water (easy to watch)
1. pick a healthy leaf with its little stalk (petiole).
2. cut cleanly near the base.
3. let the cut end dry 12–24 hours (callus).
4. put leaf upright in a jar with just the tip of the petiole in water. don’t submerge the whole leaf.
5. change water when seeing the water turn cloudy.keep jar in bright, indirect light.
6. wait for tiny roots then little rhizome. when roots 1–2 cm, pot into soil.
tips: if using water, you need to change the water often because it can turn cloudy and cause the leaf to rot. you can also put a little piece of aloe vera in the water, as it helps prevent rotting.
method B — leaf in soil (more reliable long-term)
1. cut leaf + petiole. let dry 12–24 hours.
2. prepare small pot with well-draining mix. make a shallow hole.
3. insert petiole into soil so base just covered. firm gently.
4. water lightly once after planting. then keep soil slightly moist but not wet.
5. place in bright, indirect light.
6. wait for shoots and rhizomes form slowly under soil.
tips: avoid overwatering. Overwatering will rot.
P/s: most of the time the leaf will eventually turn brown. that is natural. the leaf gives its stored energy to the rhizome. after that, the rhizome can push out a new stem. At first i thought it was dead when the leaf turned brown. but luckily it was not.As long as rhizome was still healthy, it will soon grow a new stem (green leaf → roots → brown leaf → new shoot). I also learned not to use a big pot. a small pot works better because the soil dries more evenly and helps the zz root stronger.
care after propagation
light: bright, indirect. avoid long sun.
water: let top 1–2 cm dry between waterings. zz hates wet feet.
temp: normal home temps are fine
feed: wait until new growth, then light feed once a month in growing season.
pot size: small pot helps root development. don’t oversize.
Hope you enjoy whichever method you choose. happy planting.
oh ya, in chinese feng shui, the zz plant is called “fortune tree.” it is believed to bring wealth, luck, and steady growth, just like its strong leaves and rhizomes.
