Although “bulbs” is a common word many plant hobbyists use to refer to any underground storage structure on a plant, the ZZ plant does not have a true bulb, nor does it have a true tuber. It actually propagates using rhizomes, which are fleshy plant structures made up of modified, swollen stems beneath the soil.
Should the rhizomes be exposed?
Keep rhizomes exposed. Unlike bulbs, which thrive deep underground, bearded iris rhizomes need a bit of sun and air to dry them out. If they’re covered with soil or crowded by other plants, they’ll rot.
What are the bulbs at the bottom of a ZZ plant?
ZZ plants don’t actually have bulbs. Many growers use the term bulb, but what they actually mean are the rhizomes. You can easily propagate the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia by division using its underground structure.
What can you do with ZZ rhizomes?
If you have a mature healthy ZZ plant with more than one bulbous rhizome you can divide the plant at the growth separations between the rhizomes and repot them. This is the quickest and easiest method of propagation for ZZ plant. Gently un-pot your mature ZZ plant.
Why is there a bulb in my ZZ plant? – Related Questions
Can I put a ZZ bulb in water?
Place the cut stem in water, and change out the water every 3-4 weeks. If you forget, it’s fine, as long as there’s no mold growing. Keep the cutting near a window where it can receive bright, indirect light. Sunlight is the best way to encourage your ZZ cutting to grow.
Should ZZ plant rhizome above soil?
These rhizomes are just below the soil surface, and occasionally can be exposed. What you see above ground are leaves and the stems are the rhizomes. What you might think are stems are actually petioles or leaf stalks. To survive extremely dry seasons, the ZZ plant can die back to the tubers and completely regrow.
Are ZZ plant rhizomes edible?
Symptoms: All parts of the plant are poisonous. If chewed or swallowed symptoms can cause immediate pain or a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat.
Can you grow ZZ from rhizome?
Beneath the soil, the ZZ plant produces round rhizomes that function to store water. The for- mation of these rhizomes makes it an interesting plant to propagate because they often develop during the rooting of vegetative cuttings. The ZZ plant can be propagated vegetatively either by division or cuttings.
Can you eat ZZ plant rhizomes?
Is a ZZ plant poisonous? Yes, ZZ plants are poisonous to both humans and pets. ZZ plants can cause skin and eye irritation with direct contact, and can cause stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.
Can you cut a ZZ plant rhizome?
Rhizomes are sturdy and can survive when cut into sections, which you may now have to do. Depending on if you plan to turn your parent plant into two or three other ZZs, look over the rhizome cluster carefully.
How deep should ZZ plant rhizomes be planted?
Plant divided rhizomes one inch below the soil line in a loose potting mix, and water thoroughly. Be sure to always choose containers with good drainage.
How long does it take for a ZZ plant to grow a rhizome?
Place your propagated plant in a warm location that receives bright indirect light and water it occasionally when the soil dries out. This is a slower propagation method than division, and it can take anywhere from four months to a full year for new rhizomes to develop.
What does a healthy ZZ plant rhizome look like?
Another thing to check is the condition of the rhizomes on your ZZ Plant. These ZZ rhizomes (which look similar to bulbs) act as a reservoir for your ZZ, holding the water and nutrition a ZZ needs. Rhizomes should be white and crisp like healthy roots. A brown or mushy rhizome is a casualty of root rot.
What is the lifespan of a ZZ plant?
ZZ plants seem to live practically forever. Their leaves survive about six months or longer—even if you don’t water your ZZ plant, it can go about four months. With care, though, they can live five to 10 years or longer.
How do I know if my ZZ plant is happy?
A healthy ZZ should have near-flawless, uniform leaves, so if you notice some of them look scalded or burned, something is up. Why is it Happening? TOO MUCH LIGHT: The most likely reason you might be seeing leaf burn is excessive sunlight. Like I mentioned above, ZZ Plants prefer indirect light.
Do ZZ plants have root balls?
ZZ Plants differ from many of our other favorite houseplants because of what’s going on underground: rhizomes. Not to be confused with bulbs or tubers, ZZ rhizomes are typically round, white, and grow just under the soil. They store the water and nutrients that ZZs need.
Do ZZ plants have babies?
There are a few methods you can use to propagate ZZ plants. Whether you have individual leaves, stem cuttings, or a mature plant ready for division, each can produce new babies for you to enjoy.
What should ZZ plant roots look like?
The ZZ plant has a rather unique-looking root system. Beneath the plants that you see above the soil are thick, potato-like roots known as rhizomes. These store water, which is why the plant can often be subject to over-watering, but does well during droughts and places where frequent watering is not always easy.
Do ZZ plants need pots with holes?
ZZ plants need drainage holes in their pots, as they do not want any excess water to build up in the bottom. It is also recommended that ZZ plants are not potted into containers that have openings smaller than the widest part of the pot.
Do ZZ plants like big pots?
Repotting ZZ plants
However, you should not give the plant too large a pot, otherwise it will put most of its strength into root growth. If your Zamioculcas is a bit older, repotting every two to three years will suffice. Whether the selected pot is bigger in width or depth is not so important.