How Often Should You Water a ZZ Plant? Detailed Guide to Watering and Propagation
Today, the editor is going to introduce the ZZ plant. The ZZ plant is not a tree covered in money from a fairy tale! The ZZ plant is a very beautiful, emerald-green plant, often used indoors as a decorative plant. Because its appearance and symbolic meaning are both very auspicious, it is deeply loved and sought after by everyone. So do you know how to water and fertilize a ZZ plant? Below, the editor will introduce some ZZ plant cultivation tips in detail!
How to water a ZZ plant (how often to water)
Generally speaking, the ZZ plant cannot tolerate overly wet soil conditions. So when growing this plant in a pot, choose a soil medium with strong water drainage and aeration. That way, if too much water is given, it can drain away in time. In addition, the indoor growing environment for the ZZ plant should have excellent ventilation, because wind can speed up the drying of the soil surface, so generally watering about once every five days is enough. During the peak growing season in summer and autumn, we can water a little more, while during the dormant period in winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced to prevent low temperatures and water accumulation from working together to cause root rot.
How to propagate a ZZ plant
1. Division propagation
In April, when the outdoor temperature reaches above 18°C, take the entire large ZZ plant out of its pot, shake off most of the old soil, pull it apart at the weak points where the tubers join, apply sulfur powder or plant ash to the wounds, and transplant it into another pot. When planting, do not bury the roots too deep; 1.5-2 cm below the soil surface is the standard.
2. Cutting propagation
Use fine sand, or a mix of peat moss, perlite and river sand in a 3:1:1 ratio as the growing medium. Insert the cuttings to a depth of 1/3-1/2 of the soil, leaving only the leaves above the medium. After spraying thoroughly with water, place in a shaded spot and maintain an ambient temperature of 25°C-27°C. Mist the leaf surface 1-2 times a day depending on how dry or moist the medium is, keeping the medium slightly moist.
When the cuttings have formed a certain amount of roots, the middle of the root will gradually swell to form a small round tuber. The tuber will gradually enlarge. Some of the more tender green cutting leaves will turn yellow and die after potting due to high temperatures or poor water management, but the tuber can survive, and old mature leaves and cuttings with leaf stalks can also remain green and vigorous. A small number of tubers can sprout and grow new leaves in the same year, but the growth is weak and slow. The following year, the tuber will grow sturdy new shoots and can grow normally.
How to repot a ZZ plant
When a ZZ plant has grown to a certain point, it needs to be repotted. When repotting, first take the plant out of the pot, remove the old soil, tidy up the root system, and then repot it.
When repotting, you can slowly take the ZZ plant out of the pot. Grasp the outermost branches of the plant, being careful not to damage the leaves, hold the pot steady, and slowly pull the ZZ plant out of the pot. Alternatively, gently tap the bottom of the pot a few times, then take the plant out and remove some of the potting soil.
Choose a new pot. Of course, if the old pot can still meet the ZZ plant's growing needs, you do not have to change it. Place some tile pieces at the bottom of the pot, then add soil; peat soil can be used. First put part of the peat soil into the pot, place the ZZ plant in, and continue adding soil until the pot is full. When placing the plant in, pay attention to the depth.
What to do after a ZZ plant blooms
Generally speaking, everyone is quite happy to see this kind of flower bloom, because it brings good luck. But we need to know that the blooming of this flower consumes an extreme amount of nutrients, so it is best to pick it off. However, if there are those who are unwilling to pick it off and want to keep this good luck, then it is also fine not to do so.
It is just that watering and fertilizing at ordinary times both require careful attention. We should water it often, but not excessively. In addition, remember to spray water on its leaves. The soil's drainage should be good, and since it rains very easily in summer, be sure not to let water accumulate. In addition, fertilizing is necessary; we should fertilize two or three times a month. And if the sunlight is too strong, we should also place it indoors or take certain measures to shade it. After it blooms, these are the things we need to do. Be sure to guarantee its nutrients, or otherwise just pick off the flower.
It is said that fairy tales are all lies, and in real life there are no trees covered in money. Although the ZZ plant has no money, its symbolic meaning is very auspicious. Many people like to place a ZZ plant at home, in a shop, or in an office, hoping it will bring them financial luck.