How To Fix ZZ Plant's Broken Stem

What do you do with the broken stem on the ZZ plant?

Do you just discard the plant entirely?

Well, not really!

There are a few things you can do to revive the plant if it's broken.

In today's guide, you will learn some useful insights on how to fix as well as propagate the broken ZZ plant stem.

So, let's dive right in!

Jump To:

• How To Fix ZZ Plant Broken Stem
• Things To Remember While Propagating Broken ZZ Plant Stem
• FAQs

How To Fix ZZ Plant Broken Stem

Here's how you can fix the broken stem on your ZZ plant - 

1. Inspect The Broken Stem Thoroughly

I know you might be keen to address this issue immediately, but don't rush into it.

In the beginning, you should perform a thorough check on the plant.

Try to find out if there is any other issue with the plant.  

If there are damaged leaves on the plant, you should just remove them completely.

There is no point in keeping those leaves on the plant, as they won't grow back to their normal shape.

Apart from that, you should also try the leaf propagation method.

You can use some of these leaves to propagate them in the soil.

2. Cover The Damaged Part

Once you know the damage, you can move ahead with the next step in this process.

To fix the broken stem, you will have to cover it with garden tape.

If you can't find this step, you can also use regular tape or a plastic cover to protect the damaged part on the stem.

Note: If the stem is completely broken into two pieces, you should think of the propagation method instead of trying to join the pieces with tape.

This way, you will have a better chance to revive the plant. 

3. Support The Broken Part Using Some Stakes Or Strings

When you are done covering the broken stem, you can support the plant with some stakes or strings.

The stakes are probably better in this case because they will provide much-needed support to the plant.

With strings, the plant may not get the sufficient support that it needs at this stage.

So, go for the stakes and place them inside the pot.

4. Let The Plant Grow In This State For A Few Weeks

Now, you don't have to do anything else.

Just observe the plant and its condition carefully every day.

If it's looking alright after a few days of observation, it could be a sign of revival for the broken stem.

But don't be complacent here.

You should continue to take care of the plant for a couple of weeks at least.

You may remove the tapes from the plant after a few months, though it's not something you need to do.

It's completely optional.

If the plant is doing well, you don't have to worry about the tape.

On the other hand, if it's not doing great, you should opt for propagation.

5. Propagate The Stem If Needed

This should be the last plan of action for you!

When you feel the stem is not going to make it on the plant, you should remove it completely and try to propagate it.

Now, there are a couple of ways through which you can perform this task.

You can either use leaf propagation or stem propagation to get a new plant.

Both these methods are effective, so you can choose whichever you want.

Similarly, both these parts of the plant can be propagated through water or soil propagation methods.

You choose either of them.

In the following section, I have shared some tips on how you should go about this process.

Do take a look at them below.

Things To Remember While Propagating Broken ZZ Plant Stem

Here's the list of things to remember - 

1. Cut The Fresh Stems Only

Yes, the fresh stems will give you a better probability of rooting them.

If you just have a single stem on the plant, you can use the same and remove the damaged part from it.

Later, you may cut this stem into 2-3 pieces at around 2 inches apart each.

This is the ideal length for growing roots from the stem.

However, the more, the better!

So, you should try to root as many cuttings as possible instead of depending on just one stem.

2. Do Not Place The Cuttings Immediately Into The Soil Or Water

This is one of the common mistakes you get to see in the gardening world.

When you cut the stem from the plant, you should let it dry and form a callus over a couple of days.

If you are in a hurry, you should at least wait for a few hours before putting them in the soil or water.

But do not place them immediately!

That's the last thing you want to do while rooting the plant.

3. Choose Your Propagation Method 

Since there are a couple of ways that allow us to propagate this plant, you choose any of them.

I generally prefer the water propagation method because it helps you see the progress in the root formation.

But if you like the soil propagation method, you can choose that as well.

Apart from that, you can also remove some fresh leaves from the stem and try to propagate them too.

4. Put The Cuttings In The Soil Or Water 

Once you take the decision on the propagation method, you can go ahead with the process accordingly.

For soil propagation, you need to make sure that the soil is not contaminated with harmful fungi or bacteria.

As for the water propagation, you will have to dip the cuttings not too much inside the water.

You need to have a substantial part of the stem outside the water, which will help form a few leaves from its nodes in the future.

5. Wait For A Couple Of Weeks For The Root Formation

Now that you are done with most of the tasks, you can just sit back and wait for these cuttings to form roots.

It takes about 2-3 weeks to see any growth at the bottom of the cuttings.

So, just be patient and see how nature does its magic on them.

Meanwhile, if you have kept them in the water, you should remove the water every 3-4 days.

Don't forget to change the water at any cost!

6. Do Not Remove The Cuttings From The Soil

This is another rookie mistake from the people who've never performed the rooting before in their life.

When you've planted the cuttings successfully, you don't have to disturb them at all.

If most of the stem appears fresh or green, you shouldn't be too worried about it.

You don't have to remove the cuttings from the soil to see whether they've rooted or not.

The only thing you got to do here is just wait.

If you have followed all the steps correctly, you should see the cuttings growing new leaves and roots in the coming weeks.

7. Divide The Plant If There Are Many Shoots In The Pot

Well, you don't have to depend on the cuttings entirely.

If the plant has many shoots around it, you can simply remove it from the pot and divide the plants as per your need.

Do not harm your plant while performing this task.

Once they are divided, put them back in their respective pots with some fresh soil.

Now, follow these suggestions and try to revive the broken stem of your ZZ plant.

Below, you will find some FAQs related to this guide.

Do check them out if you have any further queries.

FAQs