Because ZZs are known for being sluggish growth, they don’t need to be replanted very often. Once every two years, we usually only need to transplant these plants up a pot size.
Repotting your ZZs should be done in the spring or early summer. This is because your plant goes into dormancy throughout the colder months of the year, slowing down its growth. I’ve found that transplanting your ZZ in the early spring gives it the space it needs to create new growth once it’s back in its growing season.
Do ZZ plants like big pots?
You won’t have to worry about growing this plant from seed because you’ll probably get it from a nursery or garden center. However, cuttings or leaves may be used to propagate the plant. If that’s the case, keep scrolling down to the propagation section!
If you choose, you can keep using the same size container that you bought your zz plant in indefinitely. In a little pot, they do quite nicely. If you do need to repot your zz plant, simply place it in a larger pot and cut the roots to prevent them from becoming root-bound.
ZZ plants grow slowly in general. They can grow to be 3 feet tall inside, which is significantly more than they are in their natural habitat.
When can I transplant a ZZ plant?
You can transplant a ZZ plant at any time of year, but the optimal period is late fall or early winter; transplanting in the summer puts the plant under unneeded stress. Late fall and winter bring cool weather, soft, moist soil, and rainfall in mild areas. Moving plants in the early spring is also a good idea. If you can’t wait until the fall to transplant your ZZ plant, choose a cloudy day or transfer it early in the morning or late in the evening.
How often should I repot my ZZ plant?
- We recommend repotting smaller desktop plants every 12-18 months. To allow for growth, use a potting vessel that is 1″- 2″ bigger in diameter. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one to avoid drowning the plant’s roots. Repot into the same vessel, adding additional soil and pruning away some roots and foliage if you choose to keep your plant’s current size. The best time to repot is in the spring or summer, when the plant is at its healthiest.
- We recommend repotting bigger floor plants every 18-24 months. To accommodate for growth, you should use a potting vessel that is 2″-4″ wider in diameter. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one to avoid drowning the plant’s roots. Repot into the same vessel, adding additional soil and pruning away some roots and foliage if you choose to keep your plant’s current size. The best time to repot is in the spring or summer, when the plant is at its healthiest.
When should I water my ZZ plant after repotting?
Indirect sunlight is best for the ZZ plant. Every one to two weeks, water the plant. Allow any extra water to drain and never leave the pot submerged in water.
Should I water my ZZ plant after repotting?
Despite the fact that my ZZ Plant roots were well hydrated, I irrigated all of my cuttings and divisions.
I believe it is beneficial for the plant to settle into its new soil and pot, as well as for the soil to settle.
Even if you don’t think your ZZ Plant requires water, don’t omit this step.
All the excess water will run out anyhow if you planted your ZZ Plant in a draining pot!
Can I repot my ZZ plant in winter?
It’s a fantastic time to repot houseplants in the winter. As plants grow, they prefer to be potted up into larger pots. More dirt can nourish the root systems in larger pots. Check to see whether your plant’s roots are coiling around the outside of its pot; if they are, it’s time to re-pot it.
Can a ZZ plant be divided?
ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are a popular houseplant that is easy to cultivate and may reach heights of more than three feet with adequate care. However, because these plants may grow so huge, many ZZ owners wonder if they can be divided into two or more smaller plants.
Is it possible to divide ZZ Plants? Owners of ZZs rejoice! These hardy plants can be separated into two or three distinct Zamioculcas zamiifolia plants with ease. Because of the plants’ unique root system, this separation and repotting is achievable on plants of all sizes.
Are you unsure if you’re capable of dividing your ZZ? It’s not as difficult as you may assume. While using a knife on a plant might be uncomfortable at any time, keep reading to discover more about what to do and when to do it.
How do you repot a ZZ plant?
Placing the ZZ on top of the moist soil is a good idea. Add more dirt if the root ball is below one inch from the lip; if it is closer than one inch from the lip, remove some soil. In the bottom of the pot, spread the roots out as much as possible. Fill the potting medium to the top of the pot surrounding the root ball.
Do ZZ Plants like terracotta pots?
On a ZZ Plant leaf, there is a sunburn. I put mine out in the rain one afternoon and kept it out until 11 a.m. the next morning. This one leaf was the only one that caught fire. It was also the end of October, and they burn quickly!
Humidity
Tropical climates are home to ZZ Plants. Despite this, they are adaptive and do well in our homes, which have dry air. Mine barely has a few microscopic, tiny brown tips here in hot, dusty Tucson.
Fill the saucer with stones and water if you think yours are stressed owing to a lack of humidity. Place the plant on the pebbles, but make sure the drain holes and/or the bottom of the pot aren’t flooded. Misting a couple of times a week should also assist.
Fertilizing
When it comes to fertilizing, ZZ Plants aren’t picky. I use worm compost and compost to feed my. I’ve been doing it once a year, but starting next year, I’ll start applying in late February/early March (here in Tucson, where the weather warms up quickly) and then again in July. Here’s where you can learn more about my worm compost/compost feeding.
If you have it, liquid kelp or fish emulsion would be good, as would a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (5-5-5 or lower). In the spring, dilute any of these to half strength and apply. If you believe your ZZ requires another application, repeat the process in the summer.
You shouldn’t fertilize houseplants in the late fall or winter because that’s when they’re supposed to be resting. Salts might build up and damage the roots of your ZZ Plant if you fertilize it too much. If your houseplant is strained, such as bone dry or dripping wet, don’t fertilize it.
Soil
My favorite combination is 3 parts potting soil, 1 part succulent and cactus mix, and 1 part coco coir. I always add a few handfuls of compost (how many depends on the size of the pot) and a 1/4-1/2 layer of worm compost on top.
I get my compost, succulents and cactus, and coco coir from a local supplier. I use this potting soil and worm compost. More online options for compost, succulent and cactus mix, and coco coir can be found here. Here’s where you can learn more about my worm compost/compost feeding.
Repotting/Transplanting
If you live in a warm environment, you can do this in the spring or summer; if you live in a cold climate, you can do it in the early fall. Your plant will need to be repotted sooner if it grows too quickly.
Both of mine are in plastic pots, but terra cotta or ceramic would work just as well. To allow them more room to expand, I potted them up a couple sizes.
How long does a ZZ plant live?
The leaves make up 91% of this plant, and each leaf may persist up to 6 months in terrible conditions, which is why the ZZ plant can survive for up to 4 months without water in low light.
Because this plant is still relatively new to home plant owners, it is commonly seen to live for 5-10 years, however it is suspected to live much longer.
Because these plants prefer to dry out between waterings, they only need to be watered once every 1-2 weeks.
It also requires little to no maintenance, but fertilizer may be beneficial from time to time.