The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, has earned a reputation as a highly resilient houseplant prized for its glossy, dark-green foliage. Beyond its traditional cultivation in soil, this species is uniquely suited to thrive long-term in a pure water environment, a method known as hydroculture. Growing a ZZ plant in water offers a clear view of the developing root structure and bypasses many common soil-related issues like fungus gnats or incorrect moisture levels. This technique is successful both for propagating new plants from cuttings and for sustaining a mature plant indefinitely without the need for potting mix.
Starting the Water Propagation Process
The process of initiating growth in water requires careful selection and preparation of the cutting to ensure success. When taking a cutting, use a sharp, sterilized blade to harvest either a full stem, which is technically a leaf stalk, or individual leaflets. The ZZ plant is highly susceptible to rot if its cut end is immediately submerged, so the most important preparatory step is allowing the wound to dry out. This callousing process, which takes a few hours or overnight, forms a protective seal that prevents moisture from wicking into the tissue.
Once the cut surface is dry, place the cutting into a vessel filled with non-chlorinated water, ensuring only the bottom inch or two is submerged. A clear glass container allows you to monitor root growth and water clarity, although an opaque vessel can help deter algae growth later on. Position the setup in a location that receives bright, indirect light, avoiding any direct, harsh sun exposure which can overheat the water. Patience is necessary, as root emergence is a slow process for ZZ plants, often taking several weeks to a few months before new growth appears.
Essential Ongoing Care in Water
Once the rhizome—the potato-like underground stem—and a healthy network of white roots have formed, the ZZ plant transitions from propagation to long-term hydroculture maintenance. Water quality is paramount, requiring a full replacement of the reservoir every one to two weeks to replenish oxygen and remove metabolic waste. The replacement water should be at room temperature to prevent shocking the roots, which can halt development.
Since plain water contains virtually no nutrients, a diluted liquid fertilizer is necessary to support long-term growth. Use a hydroponic-specific or a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to a quarter or half the strength recommended for soil-grown plants. This nutrient solution should be added monthly during the plant’s active growing season, which typically runs from spring through early fall.
Consistent, bright, indirect light is still the ideal condition, as brighter light generally encourages more robust growth in a water-based system. Keeping the vessel clean is also an important part of maintenance to ensure a healthy environment for the roots. Periodically, when changing the water, lightly scrub the inside of the container to remove any mineral deposits or biological film buildup. This cleaning prevents the accumulation of salts from the fertilizer and keeps the water clear, allowing for easy inspection of the roots. Healthy roots should appear firm and white or light tan, contrasting with the dark, mushy appearance of a rotting system.
Addressing Common Water Growing Issues
The most frequent challenge encountered when growing a ZZ plant in water is the risk of stem or rhizome rot, especially during the initial propagation phase. Early signs of rot include a soft, mushy texture at the submerged cut end or a foul, stagnant odor emanating from the water. If rot is detected, immediately remove the cutting, trim away all affected, discolored tissue, and allow the fresh cut to re-callous for a day before returning it to fresh water.
Another common issue is the development of green algae on the inside of the glass container and on the roots. Algae growth is fueled by light and the nutrients present in the water, essentially competing with the plant for resources. To manage this, increase the frequency of water changes and use an opaque vessel that blocks light from reaching the water entirely, which will significantly slow the algae’s proliferation.
If growth appears stalled after several months, confirm the plant is receiving adequate indirect light and ensure the nutrient solution is being consistently provided during the growing season. While water-grown plants are naturally protected from soil-borne pests like fungus gnats, a routine inspection of the foliage is still a good practice to catch common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs early.