Is your Zanzibar Gem just surviving and not thriving? Check out how to make the ZZ plant grow more stems without repotting!
If you ’re a new plant parent , chances are you ’ve pick the undemanding and almost unacceptable - to - vote down ZZ flora as one of your first green companions . But if it ’s looking more sparse than lush , do n’t worry — there are easy ways to advance your ZZ works to get more stem without repotting . Let ’s jump in !
How to Make a ZZ Plant Grow More Stems Without Repotting?
1. Lots of Bright, Indirect Sunlight
ZZ plant , specially the‘Raven ’ variety , are hardy enough to survive quite well in low - lighting conditions . This is because of their dreary leaves , which do n’t need much sunlight . But can you really make your ZZ works grow more stems with a lack of sun ? The result is a resounding no !
What you need to do is place your plant near a south - face windowpane where there can be a passel of bright , indirect sun . In case the afternoon are too harsh , you could add a sheer curtain .
An eastward - face window might keep your plant looking healthy enough , but mind you , it wo n’t make it raise faster . East - facing windows broadly speaking only permit the gentle break of the day light and no rough afternoon sun .
Pro tip : If you miss window in these areas , choose full - spectrum grow light source , and do n’t forget to rotate your plant for the best growth possible on your ZZ plants .
2. Cut Back on Watering
One large reason your ZZ plant is n’t sprouting new stems might be — you reckon it — overwatering . You may be giving your ZZ plant the same charge as your other houseplant , but that ’s like giving a camel a raincoat .
Most houseplants enjoy a hebdomadal lachrymation routine , but ZZ plants ? Not so much ! They ’ve got loggerheaded stems , waxy allow for , and most importantly , chunky rhizomesunderground that stock water like a sponge .
So if you water too often , thinking you ’re doing it a favor , you ’re in reality doing the opponent .
taste using a grunge moisture metre and water only when it clearly reads “ dry . ” It ’s a small investiture that can carry through your plant — and your sanity !
Note : Always water your ZZ plant life from the bottom . This ensures wet reaches all areas evenly , unlike top - tearing , which can result dry smirch .
3. Keep It Rootbound
If you have seen a ZZ plant out of the soil , you must have enquire “ How do all the roots AND rhizomes all live comfortably in the same smoke ? ” . The true statement is ZZ plant actually prefer having their roots all snug in the soil . In fact , keep your plant rootbound will allow it to produce more stems rather than open more roots . The latter is surely not what we were going for !
The good part is ZZ plant do not need frequent repotting like houseplants . So , you could keep enjoy them in the same heap for a couple of years at least , without having to interest about repotting .
Here is a quick tip — if your plant is rootbound but show no sign of growth , try gently relax the top in of soil and refreshing it with a clean mix . This can give your plant a nutrient boost without the accent of repotting .
4. Grow ZZ plants from the Leaves
This method acting is incredibly wanton , but the secure part is that you’re able to have a bunch of lilliputian industrial plant that rise up together and depend full without having to disturb the female parent plant a passel . With a sharp , clean dyad of pruning shears , make clean cut to secure leaves , preferably from the bottom of the plant .
In a soil mix containing one part each of peat , coir , and perlite , make trenches with a small wooden dowel pin and localize the ZZ leave inside each oceanic abyss . pack together the stain around each leaf so they do n’t wobble around and develop into beautiful bushy ZZ plant !
ensure all of your leaves are evenly spaced , and water the soil equally . You must only irrigate again when the soil has completely dried out .
Note : This method acting may take a lot of time , but it ’s worth it if your goal is to have a fuller plant !
5. Careful Fertilizing Can be a Game-Changer
plant postulate their occasional food to arise swelled and strong ( and uprise more stems ! ) and the ZZ plant is no different . To keep it happy and wave , you need to run it with a balanced fluid fertilizer double during saltation and summer .
You wo n’t have to fecundate more than this . The rhizomes underneath the soil we let the cat out of the bag about in the first place do n’t just store water but food as well , for the works to be used by and by !
Go easy on the feeding as too much plant food can burn the antecedent or cause leggy , weak ontogeny . When in doubtfulness , thin out the fertilizer to half - strength . Less is morewhen it comes to ZZs !
