For me plants are some of the most exciting living beings, even though they live in slow motion. They have fascinating abilities and just so much potential! Thats why I studied organic farming. However, since plants are rather thin on the ground in my city, I often spend time hiking in the nearby mountains at the weekend. In the future I would love to run a farm myself. Favourite fruit: strawberries and gooseberries Favourite vegetable: courgettes
In order for the ZZ plant to bring good luck, you should take good care of it. We show what to consider when watering, pruning and fertilising Zamioculcas – all about ZZ plant care.
Easy to care for, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is the optimal houseplant even where other plants do not quite want to thrive. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The ZZ plant thrives even if you do not have a green thumb. After all, it is one of the easiest houseplants to care for. It scores particularly well with its tolerance vis-à-vis lighting conditions. Although it is actually a sun-loving plant, it is also satisfied with little light. Although it grows more slowly in the absence of light, its leaves will take on a deep dark green shine. In a location with more light, the leaves of Zamioculcas are lighter in colour.
The ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a popular and easy to care for houseplant. Native to eastern Africa, the ZZ plant is loved for its glossy, emerald green leaves that can grow quite large. While ZZ plants are pretty low maintenance, pruning is an important part of keeping your plant healthy and looking its best.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover when, how, and why you should prune your ZZ plant. We’ll also provide tips on aftercare and how to use ZZ plant cuttings. Follow these simple pruning techniques and you’ll have a lush, vibrant ZZ plant that thrives indoors.
When to Prune a ZZ Plant
- Prune in spring or summer during active growth period
- Avoid pruning in fall and winter when plant is dormant
- Allow stems to fully mature and harden before pruning
- Look for signs of new growth emerging from base as indication plant is ready
ZZ plants grow slowly and you only need to prune them when necessary. The best time to prune is during the growing season in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Pruning in fall and winter when the plant is dormant can stress it out. It’s best to wait until the stems have hardened and fully matured, which can take a few years. If you see new leaves and growth emerging from the base, that means your ZZ is in an active growth phase and ready for pruning.
Why Prune Your ZZ Plant
Here are the main reasons why pruning is important for a healthy ZZ plant:
- Promotes new growth – Pruning stimulates new shoots and foliage.
- Removes dead leaves – Get rid of yellow, dying leaves which can attract pests.
- Controls size – Keeps plant tidy and prevents it from outgrowing pot.
- Encourages fullness – Pruning shapes plant and fills it out.
- Directs energy – Eliminating unhealthy parts allows more energy to flow to new growth.
While ZZ plants are pretty hardy, pruning helps keep them looking their best. It redirects energy to new healthy growth instead of dying leaves. Pruning also keeps your plant an appropriate size for its environment and encourages that signature full, bushy ZZ plant look.
How to Prune a ZZ Plant Step-By-Step
Now let’s get into the specifics of how to properly prune your ZZ plant
Gather Your Tools
- Sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors
- Cleaning supplies – rubbing alcohol, bleach, cloth
- Gloves (optional for protection)
- Container to collect debris
Having the right tools is critical for a smooth pruning. Make sure all tools are clean and sterile to prevent disease transmission. Disinfect tools with rubbing alcohol before and after. Gardening gloves can protect your hands from the mildly toxic sap. Have a container ready to collect all the cuttings and debris.
Examine Plant and Decide What to Prune
- Remove dead or yellow leaves
- Trim leggy, overgrown stems
- Cut away damaged or diseased parts
Thoroughly examine your ZZ plant and determine what needs to be pruned. Look for dead or dying yellow leaves, long spindly stems that have gotten leggy, and any damaged or diseased portions. Be ruthless and cut away any problem areas to improve plant health.
Make Proper Pruning Cuts
- Cut just above a leaf node
- Angle blade downwards away from node
- Vary stem height for natural look
When making your cuts, locate a leaf node where the leaf meets the stem and cut just above it. Angle the blade downwards away from the node. Avoid cutting all stems to the same height for a natural look. Step back periodically and check shape.
Remove Entire Stems If Needed
If a stem is badly damaged or you want to significantly alter the plant’s shape, removing the entire stem may be necessary. Cut unhealthy stems all the way back to the base of the plant.
Adjust Aftercare As Needed
- Water lightly after pruning
- Delay fertilizing for a few weeks
- Monitor light and water needs
After a pruning, water lightly and hold off on fertilizing until the plant recovers. You may need to adjust the light and watering schedule too. Pruning stimulates new growth so the plant will have new demands.
Clean Tools and Clean Up Debris
Disinfect your tools again after use. Make sure to discard any cuttings or fallen leaves. Leaving debris in the potting mix can promote disease. A quick tidy up keeps your plant and workspace in top shape.
ZZ Plant Aftercare Following Pruning
Proper aftercare is crucial to keep your ZZ plant thriving after pruning. Here are some tips:
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight to encourage new growth
- Adjust watering schedule, allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Hold off on fertilizing for a few weeks after pruning
- Inspect regularly for pests like spider mites or mealybugs
- Consider repotting annually in spring if the plant is rootbound
Monitor your ZZ plant closely in the weeks after pruning. Adjustments to light, water, and fertilizer may be needed to optimize conditions for new growth. Repotting in fresh soil also gives the plant a boost after pruning. With the proper aftercare, your ZZ will flourish.
How to Propagate ZZ Plants from Cuttings
Don’t throw away those ZZ plant trimmings! The cut stems can be propagated into brand new plants. Here’s how:
- Select healthy stem cuttings a few inches long.
- Allow cut ends to callus over for a few days.
- Root cuttings in water or potting mix.
- Wait for roots to develop, then transplant.
This is an easy way to get more ZZ plants for free. The key is having a node on the cutting where new growth can emerge. Change the water frequently and keep soil moist but not soaked for rooted cuttings. In a few weeks, you’ll have new baby ZZ plants ready for their own pots!
Pruning is an essential technique for keeping your ZZ plant healthy, whether it’s removing dead leaves, controlling the size, or shaping it. Follow the simple tips in this guide for when to prune, how to make proper cuts, and aftercare. With the right pruning, your ZZ plant will continue to shine for years to come! Be sure to take advantage of those cuttings too to propagate new ZZ plants. Happy growing!
You want to know who’s behind Plantura?
For me plants are some of the most exciting living beings, even though they live in slow motion. They have fascinating abilities and just so much potential! Thats why I studied organic farming. However, since plants are rather thin on the ground in my city, I often spend time hiking in the nearby mountains at the weekend. In the future I would love to run a farm myself. Favourite fruit: strawberries and gooseberries Favourite vegetable: courgettes
In order for the ZZ plant to bring good luck, you should take good care of it. We show what to consider when watering, pruning and fertilising Zamioculcas – all about ZZ plant care.
Easy to care for, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is the optimal houseplant even where other plants do not quite want to thrive. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The ZZ plant thrives even if you do not have a green thumb. After all, it is one of the easiest houseplants to care for. It scores particularly well with its tolerance vis-à-vis lighting conditions. Although it is actually a sun-loving plant, it is also satisfied with little light. Although it grows more slowly in the absence of light, its leaves will take on a deep dark green shine. In a location with more light, the leaves of Zamioculcas are lighter in colour.
DO THIS FOR A QUICK BUSHY ZZ PLANT
FAQ
Can I cut back my ZZ plant?
Yes, ZZ plants can be pruned, and it’s sometimes beneficial for managing size, shape, and removing damaged or yellowing leaves.
Will ZZ plant grow back after cutting?
Yes, a ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) can grow back from a cutting, but not from the cut stem itself. The new growth will emerge from rhizomes, which are underground stems.
Do ZZ plants like big or small pots?
It is also recommended that ZZ plants are not potted into containers that have openings smaller than the widest part of the pot. ZZ plants are extremely difficult to remove from pots that have small openings, as their rhizomes will typically fill the wider parts of the pot.
Do ZZS need to be pruned?
ZZs grow slowly and do not usually require much, if any, pruning. They do well to shape themselves naturally as they grow. Pruning is generally only done to remove dead or dying leaves and stems or to keep a plant from growing too tall. Unlike other plants in my collection, ZZs are extremely low maintenance.
When should you prune a ZZ plant?
However, if you notice that your ZZ plant is getting too large or has damaged or yellowing leaves, it may be time to prune. Pruning is best done during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing, but it’s important to avoid pruning during the fall and winter months when the plant is in a dormant state.
How do you prune a ZZ plant?
We don’t prune our ZZ plants often, apart from clipping portions that are getting too long or leggy. When pruning a ZZ, use clean sharp scissors to make a 45-degree cut right above a node (where a leaf meets the stem). If removing a whole stem, cut the petiole close to the soil line. This can help control the size and shape of your plant.