The Zamioculcas zamiifolia is an evergreen plant with thick, light green stems and shiny and dark green leaves. The ZZ plant can usually take wear and tear very well, but what happens if you end up with a damaged stem? Specifically, what are the remedies for a zz plant broken stem?
How to Repair Broken ZZ Plant Stem
The good news is that your zz plant broken stem can grow back. Whenever this happens you’ll have two options- you can either propagate the broken stem and turn it into a whole new ZZ plant, or do a ‘repair’ and tie the damaged stem using a splint.
The ZZ stem repair option will not be viable if the stem has completely broken off the parent plant. If this is the case then you’ll be better off propagating the stem and treating it as a cutting.
In instances where the stem of a ZZ plant has bent or broken, you can apply a splint or support using a popsicle stick, chopsticks, or wooden skewers. Tie the stem and material using tape, zip tie, or twine to support the weight, and leave it on for around a month or so. Afterward, you can remove the splint and the broken ZZ stem should be able to support its own weight.
Will ZZ Plant Stem Grow Back?
ZZ plants are hardy enough that stems are likely to grow back if they’re bent, damaged, or completely broken off the parent plant.
For a broken stem ZZ plant, you can treat it as a cutting and propagate it in water or soil. First, take a look at where the break is made. If the cut is rough, use scissors or small garden shears to make it neater so roots can grow out of it. Then, remove the lowest pair of leaves and either dip the stem into a soil medium or a glass of water.
Prepare a small pot filled with soil that’s loose and well-draining, then stick the ZZ cutting in until the removed leaves are covered. Keep the medium slightly moist to encourage roots to form, and leave the pot in a warm place that gets bright indirect sunlight. In about 2-4 weeks the ZZ plant stem will have formed roots, and from there you can transplant it outdoors or into a bigger container.
Alternatively, you can propagate your damaged ZZ plant in a glass of clean water. Remove the lower leaf set, then submerge the cutting and leave it in a warm and bright location. The plant will have formed roots in about 2-4 weeks, and when it’s about two inches you can transplant your ZZ outdoors or to a bigger pot or container.
Three Ways to Prevent ZZ Plant Broken Stem
Observe Proper Watering for ZZ Plant
ZZ plant stems can weaken if the plant itself is taking on too much water. Excess moisture can make the stem soft and droop, and over time it can break with the slightest pressure.
The Zanzibar gem doesn’t need that much water- if you have a snake plant then you should treat the ZZ the same way. A once-a-week watering should suffice if grown as a houseplant, and more if it’s outside on your patio or deck. You should also check the top soil if it’s dry before you reach for the watering can.
Keep Your ZZ Away From Heavy Traffic and Objects
Your ZZ plant can suffer a broken stem if a heavy enough object drops on it. Alternatively, heavy traffic, pets, and children can lead to a damaged houseplant, which hopefully won’t be too severe.
Although considered a tougher plant than most, you should keep your ZZ plant away from danger. If possible, try and relocate to a safer location where it won’t get disturbed by people or pets.
Transplant in a Wide and Heavy Pot
In the same vein, too light and narrow a container can make your ZZ plant tip over and fall. When this happens, the hard and thick stems can get bent or broken.
Consider transplanting your eternity plant onto a bigger pot that has a wider base and is heavier. Doing this makes it more difficult for the ZZ plant to fall over even when there’s accidental contact.