Can Zz Plant Be Divided
ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are widely popular houseplants that are easy to grow, reaching heights of over three feet tall with proper care.Even though they are slow growers, they can eventually outgrow their current planters, or start to crowd each other for space.We’ve written an entire article on the root structure of ZZ Plants that you can read here.In an adult ZZ Plant, these rhizomes tend to look like potatoes, and they work a bit more like organic storage units.Their fleshy structures absorb water, allowing the plant to stay hydrated in drought conditions.Also, consider dividing the plant outside and make sure you have your gloves, planters, potting mix, and a clean, sharp blade handy.The concern over ZZ plant safety is that they create calcium oxalate, a substance made of tiny crystals found in their sap.Pets can also experience these side effects if they eat the plant or play with broken stems or leaves.Because of the cuticle, most ZZ Plant owners never get a rash, and calcium oxalate only appears if leaves or stems are broken.However, If you have sensitive skin or are worried about getting a rash, try wearing gloves when you handle your plant.To make a long story short – wear gloves, and keep babies and curious pets away from your ZZ, and you shouldn’t have to worry about a rash.Some ZZ owners may have their plant in a very thin, plastic pot like you might find at a garden center.If your Zamioculcas zamiifolia is heavy, you may want to gently lay the planter on its side.Tipping the planter too hard could break a delicate or decorative pot, or could separate the rhizomes from the plant due to trauma.Once the plant is on its side, run your finger, or a small blade, around the inner rim of the pot.Your goal is to start separating the dirt from the edges of the planter, making it easier to gently slide the plant out.You may still need a sharp knife to accomplish this without risking damage to the plant, though you will have less to cut to make the separation.Depending on if you plan to turn your parent plant into two or three other ZZs, look over the rhizome cluster carefully.You are looking for a place to cut that will allow each new plant to have a portion of the cluster roughly the same size.Once you have decided where you will cut, take your clean, sharp knife and begin to make your incisions.But, as we discussed earlier, these plants have a rhizome structure that absorbs water, helping them grow even in drought conditions.Sitting in moist, cold soil will eventually rot the rhizomes, which will kill the plant.You can consider using a blend of regular potting soil and cactus mix, both of which should be easy to find at a local garden center.These additives give the soil a light texture that won’t trap too much water or turn into mud.Since ZZ plants grow tall, they need a bit of structure to help them stand.Since you know that too much water is bad for a Zamioculcas zamiifolia, finding a planter with excellent drainage is critical.Multiple drainage holes allow excess water to run out of the bottom of the pot.Also, porous planter materials like concrete and terra cotta can help draw excess water from the soil, though the effect is not dramatic.But beware: planters that are too large for small plants will retain too much moisture and dry out slowly after waterings.Thankfully, some simple tips can help you get the most out of your plants and keep them growing strong and beautiful.Remember that a newly divided ZZ has just been through a stressful situation and keep a close watch on it.Avoid areas with hot or cold drafts or direct light as these can further stress your plant.If you’ve got more to learn, grab a copy of our book today and get your Zamiifolia Zamioculcas back on track