Yes, the ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, grows directly from a rhizome, which serves as the plant’s underground engine for survival and propagation. This thick, bulbous structure is why the ZZ plant is resilient and low-maintenance, storing the resources needed for new growth. Propagation by rhizome division is the quickest and most reliable method for expanding a collection since the new plant is already fully formed.
Understanding the ZZ Plant Rhizome
The rhizome of a ZZ plant is not a true root but a modified, horizontally growing underground stem that is thick and tuberous, often described as potato-like in appearance. This structure is biologically adapted to function as a reservoir for water and stored energy. Because the plant is native to the dry grasslands of East Africa, this water storage capacity allows the ZZ plant to endure extended periods of drought.
Unlike fine, fibrous roots, the rhizome’s main purpose is succulence, storing the resources that fuel new leaf shoots. The rhizome is situated just beneath the soil line, and the plant’s upright, glossy green leaves emerge directly from its nodes. This specialization enables the ZZ plant to shed its above-ground foliage during severe dry spells and survive underground until favorable conditions return.
Propagating via Rhizome Division
Propagating a ZZ plant through division is the most straightforward method because it bypasses the lengthy process of rooting cuttings. Start by carefully removing the mature plant from its container, which is often easiest when the soil is slightly dry. Once the root ball is exposed, gently shake away the excess potting medium to clearly reveal the network of rhizomes and their connecting roots.
The plant naturally grows in clumps, and the goal is to separate these groupings at their most natural division points. You can often gently pull apart the rhizome clusters by hand, especially if the plant is well-established and dense. If the clumps are tightly bound, use a clean, sharp, sterilized knife or pair of shears to make a precise cut through the rhizome mass. Ensure that each new section retains a portion of the original root system and at least one healthy leaf stalk.
Use a sterilized cutting tool to prevent the introduction of pathogens to the fresh wounds. After division, each separated section is an independent, viable plant ready for repotting.
Essential Care for New Rhizome Divisions
Following the division, the newly separated rhizomes require specific care to prevent rot and encourage rapid establishment. After the division cuts have been made, allow the exposed, cut surfaces to dry out and form a protective, scab-like layer called a callus. This callousing process should take place over a few hours or overnight in a dry, shaded location. This step is important because planting a fresh wound into moist soil creates an easy entry point for fungal infection.
Once calloused, plant each division into a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend intended for succulents or cacti. The pot should not be excessively large, as too much soil holds unnecessary moisture that can lead to root rot. Place the rhizome at the same depth it was previously growing, ensuring it is lightly covered but not buried too deeply.
For the first week, hold off on watering to allow the division to settle and the roots to acclimate. Afterward, water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between applications, and place the new plants in a location that receives bright, indirect light.