Learn easy tips on how to make a ZZ Plant Multiply in the Same Pot, no cutting, tools, or repotting needed!
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a favorite among indoor gardeners. It’s known for its shiny green leaves, low maintenance, and ability to survive in low light. One fun thing about the ZZ plant is that you can make it grow more stems—right in the same pot!
If you want a fuller, bushier ZZ plant without moving it to a new pot, here’s how to help it multiply in the same container.
How to Make a ZZ Plant Multiply in the Same Pot
1. Understand How ZZ Plants Multiply
ZZ plants naturally grow new stems (called shoots) from thick roots under the soil. These roots are known as rhizomes – they store water and energy for the plant. When the plant is happy, the rhizomes grow and send up new shoots.
So, to multiply your ZZ plant in the same pot, your job is simple: keep the plant happy and give the rhizomes a reason to grow.
2. Choose the Right Pot Size
Even though you won’t repot the plant, the size of the pot still matters. Your ZZ plant should have a little bit of room in the pot to allow the rhizomes to expand. If the pot is already packed tightly, consider repotting into a slightly larger pot. Once that is done, you can let the plant multiply on its own.
If your pot has at least 1–2 inches of space around the plant, that’s enough to get started.
3. Give It Indirect Light
ZZ plants can survive in low light, but if you want them to grow faster and produce more shoots, place the pot in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. A few hours of gentle light every day encourages the rhizomes to grow and push up new stems.
Tip: Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
4. Let the Soil Dry Between Waterings
Overwatering is the number one mistake with ZZ plants. These plants like to dry out between waterings. Only water when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel dry. This mimics the natural dry conditions they’re used to.
Healthy watering encourages strong rhizomes that will produce new stems over time.
4. Let the Soil Dry Between Waterings
Overwatering is the number one mistake with ZZ plants. These plants like to dry out between waterings. Only water when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel dry. This mimics the natural dry conditions they’re used to.
Healthy watering encourages strong rhizomes that will produce new stems over time.
5. Don’t Disturb the Roots
Since you’re not using any tools, it’s important to let the plant grow naturally. Don’t poke at the soil, and don’t move the plant around too much. The roots and rhizomes will quietly do their job under the surface, as long as you leave them alone.
6. Feed It Gently (Optional)
You don’t need fertilizer, but if you want to give your ZZ plant a gentle boost, you can add a little diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. This helps the rhizomes store more energy, which leads to new growth.
Avoid over-fertilizing—it can harm the plant and slow down growth.
7. Rotate the Pot Occasionally
ZZ plants tend to grow toward the light. If you rotate the pot 90 degrees every few weeks, it encourages even growth on all sides. This balance can trigger more uniform rhizome activity and more shoots popping up around the whole pot.
8. Create a Mini Greenhouse Effect
If your home is dry, try placing a clear plastic bag loosely over the pot for a few hours a day (especially after misting). It keeps humidity up and mimics a tropical environment, encouraging new growth — just make sure it doesn’t overheat or stay wet inside.
9. Be Patient and Watch It Multiply
ZZ plants are slow growers, so this method takes time. But with the right care, you’ll start to see tiny new shoots popping out of the soil next to the old ones. These shoots will slowly grow taller and form a fuller, more beautiful plant—all in the same pot, and all without using a single tool!
