How to Prune ZZ Plant

ZZ plant is one of the few plants that are very easy to grow, especially for newbie gardeners. If you are a newbie home gardener you must grow it and give a tropical look to your garden. As the plant grows and matures, pruning is required; for effective pruning, you need to know how to prune the ZZ plant properly. 

The process begins by removing the stems that are close to the base of the plant and later trimming the single stems. We have provided the complete details on how to prune the ZZ plant, the tools you require, how to care for your plant, and what to do with the leftover leaves. Let’s get started!

ZZ Plant Pruning Vs Trimming

Pruning and trimming are two different practices that are used to take good care of any plant. So, the Pruning of the ZZ plant is the removal of its dead or dried parts. You can also balance the shape of the plant with pruning. Whereas, Trimming removes excessive growth or stems from the ZZ plant to maintain a desired shape or size. 

When you prune a ZZ Plant, remove its dead or dying leaves, stems, and flowers to avoid further damage to the plant. Whereas, just try to make fine pruning cuts at an accurate angle. Pruning should be done in the spring and fall when the plant is dormant. Because during the growing season, pruning does not cause any harm to the plant. 

Trimming a ZZ Plant should be done when the plant is actively growing. When you trim the foliage, it will help maintain its size and shape. It is also essential to avoid over-trimming the plant as this can cause damage to the foliage.

Why Should You Prune Your ZZ Plant

There are many reasons for which you can prune your ZZ plant. All these reasons are of much benefit to the plant. Whereas, pruning of these plants also adds a touch of aesthetic vibes to them. As the ZZ plants are hardy or extremely tough, thus trim them slightly before pruning. 

Following are the main reasons why you should prune your ZZ plant: 

1. Pruning helps maintain the shape of the ZZ plant. The mature ZZ plant may have heavy leaves and stems that cause them to crumple.
2. You can also encourage the growth of new stems and leaves in your plant with pruning. A ZZ plant’s energy is shifted towards producing new foliage when old or dead parts are removed. It helps in reviving the overall health of the plant.
3. You can thin out the dense foliage of the ZZ plant through pruning. As a result, overcrowding is prevented, as there will be better air movement and fewer diseases and pests. Also, leaving enough room between stems and leaves guarantees sufficient sunlight for all plant parts.
4. Despite being slow-growing plants, you can still control the size of the ZZ plants by occasional trimming. If you have a small space, strategic trimming can help keep it in the desired size.
5. You can also use the healthy cuttings of the plant to propagate new plants. This allows you to increase the number of these species in your home.

When to Prune a ZZ Plant

Growing a ZZ plant at home does not require heavy maintenance, but occasional pruning is important. So, you must do it periodically to keep it looking its best. The frequency and timing of pruning the plant can depend on the requirements of the specific plant. 

For smaller plants, pruning should occur in the growing season of the plant i.e., spring and summer months. This will benefit the plants by removing old and dead leaves with sharp pruning shears and garden scissors. You can do pruning any time of the year to shape larger or overgrown plants. Start the process by removing dead or discolored leaves, then use pruning shears or sharp scissors to shape the plant as desired. 

However, be careful to cut just above a leaf node to encourage the new growth. It helps the plant focus its energy on healthy leaves and stems and prevents disease or pests from spreading.

What You Need for Pruning ZZ Plants

When pruning a ZZ plant, you must make sure that have all the necessary equipment to complete the process efficiently. The list of tools includes:

You can also label parts of the plant that will help you to remember where each stem goes when replanting. Thus, you can prune your ZZ plants safely with the mentioned tools and equipment.

How to Prune ZZ Plant

The steps to do the pruning of your ZZ plant include:

1. Gather the Tools

To start the pruning of the plant, first, gather the necessary equipment, such as gloves and sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors.

2. Analyze the Plant Areas

The next step is to search all stems or leaves that are dead, damaged, or excessively long. Pruning is required here.

3. Precise Cutting

Now, draw a clean cut directly under the node. The node is the location where the leaf joins the stem. Recutting and preventing water from dripping onto cuts are two common benefits of cutting at this slight angle.

4. Selective Trimming 

For maintenance purposes, ZZ plants do not need frequent, intensive pruning. Rather, they should need to be slightly trimmed to keep their shape and get rid of extra growths like damaged or yellowing leaves.

5. Pruning Time

Prune the plant in the spring or early summer while it is actively growing. This speeds up the plant’s recovery from the pruning procedure.

6. Pruning for Maintenance

Regularly check your ZZ plant for dead leaves, areas of excessive growth, or other indications of excessive growth. Pruning is necessary if such issues are found.

(Expert Tip: As the ZZ plant does not need heavy pruning so avoid excessive pruning. These are slow growers which is why occasional trimming is beneficial for them.) 

How Often Do I Need to Prune My ZZ Plant

ZZ plant pruning frequency is mostly determined by the unique needs and growth patterns of your plant. Some of the necessary guidelines include:

1. To Maintain the Shape of the Plant: ZZ plants often simply require pruning to preserve their size and form. Therefore, trim the plant anytime you see drooping or lanky stems and overgrowth.

2. Seasonally or Annually: Seasonal or annual pruning are two options for your ZZ plant. Pruning is frequently best done in the spring or early summer when the plant reaches an active growth period. The plant will be able to recuperate and generate new growth more rapidly as a result.

3. After Dormancy or Winters: ZZ plants, particularly those that are in the winter, may experience a period of dormancy or rest. If your plant has been developing slowly throughout this time and exhibits new growth in the spring, pruning may be necessary.

4. When Removing Yellow or Dead Leaves: Get rid of dead or yellow leaves as soon as they show up. By doing this, you can maintain the plant’s appearance and stop any diseases that might eventually develop from spreading.

5. Propagation Pruning: If you wish to propagate your ZZ, you may prune it. Whenever you perform routine pruning, take stem cuttings and use them to establish new plants.

Cuts should be done slightly below a node where the leaf joins the stem using clean, sharp pruning instruments. Keep your tools clean to prevent disease transmission; it is necessary to keep an eye on the general health and appearance of your ZZ plant.

What to Do With the Discarded ZZ Plant Leaves

The leaves of the ZZ plant can be used in two different ways. Propagating the healthy stems is one of the most popular uses. Place a stem cutting that has some leaves at the base in water until the roots start to grow. The plant is then taken and planted in a pot with dirt to continue growing.

Utilizing the plant pieces in a compost pile is an additional method. Use only the healthy portions, though, and stay away from the sick or contaminated ones. The soil may be improved by adding pieces of healthy plants to a compost pile.

However, you can just throw away the leaves and stems if you do not want to compost or propagate them. Place all of the trash in bags and dispose of them.

Post-Pruning Care of ZZ Plants

The ZZ plant, like many other plants, needs proper care and treatment. The recommended actions that will guarantee that the ZZ plants are taken care of after pruning include:

• Remove any leaves from the plant that are sick or dead. At the base of the stem, trim off any wilted, yellow, or brown leaves.  
• If any lengthy stems are emerging from the pot, trim them off. Moreover, you can use little cuttings to reduce the stems’ length. 
• If a stem has gotten too tall for the container, trim it. Slice the stems approximately one-third of the way down at the base of the plant.
• Cut back on how much fertilizer you give the plant. Fertilizer is not necessary for ZZ plants, and too much of it might burn the leaves.
• Very little sunshine is necessary for ZZ plants; too much can burn the foliage. So for proper care, put them in an area that receives both direct and indirect sunlight.
• Make sure the soil is damp but not soggy when you water the plant on a regular basis. But first, examine the soil’s top layer. In order to avoid overwatering, water the plant if it is dry.

Final Verdict, Can You Prune ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant does not necessarily require frequent pruning but when required, it is a simple process. You can trim the plant to balance its size and shape and remove excess foliage to promote growth. Along with this you can remove unwanted leaves, stems, or roots from your plant to prune it. After that, you can use a sharp pair of pruning shears to chop off or pinch off any new unwanted growth. The detailed process of pruning and its dos and don’ts are given in the article. With regular pruning and proper care, your ZZ Plant will have a thriving growth! 

FAQs

1. Should you Trim ZZ Plants? 

You can remove all the yellow, dry, diseased, and overly grown leaves of the ZZ plant during trimming with the help of sharp scissors or shears. This practice will not only boost the growth of the plant but also help in maintaining its shape.

2. Where Can I Cut a ZZ Plant?

If you want to use the cutting to propagate then remove one stalk of the plant with a clean knife. Place it in water so that its roots start to grow. After the development of roots, transfer the plant into the soil.

3. How Frequently Should I Prune my ZZ Plant?

You prune your ZZ plant depending on its specific needs and growth patterns. Therefore, maintain as necessary for aesthetics, seasonally or annually. Think about pruning after dormancy periods, when removing yellow or dead leaves, and for chances of propagation.

4. What to do with the Leftover Leaves from the ZZ Plant?

You can use the healthy plant leaves to propagate new plants. In addition, their addition to a compost pile is of much benefit and enriches the soil. Moreover, you can use them as mulch around the plants to help them retain moisture. But if the leaves or stems are diseased then dispose them off safely.