ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) have earned a top spot among houseplant lovers thanks to their sleek, waxy leaves and near-indestructible nature. Known for their ability to thrive in low light and with little water, these tropical beauties are often slow growers — especially when it comes to sprouting new stems (also called rhizomes or shoots).
But what if there was a simple trick involving nothing more than a common pencil that could help your ZZ plant push out new growth faster? The good news is — there is! This article will explore what the “pencil trick” is, how it works, and how you can use it to encourage fresh, healthy stems from your ZZ plant.
Understanding How ZZ Plants Grow
Before we dive into the pencil trick, it’s important to understand how ZZ plants grow.
ZZ plants grow from thick underground rhizomes. These rhizomes store water and nutrients, allowing the plant to survive drought and low light conditions. From these rhizomes, upright stems emerge, each lined with glossy green leaves.
Because the plant prioritizes survival over rapid growth, it may take several months or even a year for a new shoot to emerge — especially if conditions are not ideal. This is why many people seek ways to encourage growth without resorting to heavy fertilization or transplanting.
What Is the Pencil Trick?
The “pencil trick” is a gentle soil-aeration technique that encourages a ZZ plant to produce new stems by stimulating the rhizomes below the soil surface. It involves using a pencil (or a similar object like a chopstick or skewer) to poke a few holes in the soil around the base of the plant.
Here’s what it does:
- Improves oxygen flow to the roots and rhizomes
- Loosens compacted soil, allowing roots to stretch and breathe
- Encourages new stem development by mimicking the natural shifts of soil in outdoor environments
This simple method tricks the plant into thinking it’s time to grow — much like how rain loosens and refreshes the soil in the wild.
How to Do the Pencil Trick — Step-by-Step
You Will Need:
- A wooden pencil (or chopstick/skewer)
- Clean hands
- Your ZZ plant in its current pot
Step 1: Choose the Right Time
Wait until the plant is actively growing — usually in the spring or summer. Avoid doing this in the dormant winter months.
Step 2: Water First (Optional)
If the soil is bone-dry, water the plant lightly the day before. This will soften the soil and make it easier to insert the pencil.
Step 3: Gently Poke Holes
Insert the pencil into the soil around the base of the plant, about 2 to 3 inches away from the main stems. Push down about 2 to 3 inches deep. Do this in 3–5 spots around the plant.
Be careful not to stab the rhizomes. You’ll usually feel resistance if you hit one — just move a little to the side and try again.
Step 4: Leave the Holes Open
Don’t fill the holes back in. These mini air pockets allow better oxygen flow to the roots and rhizomes.
Step 5: Resume Normal Care
Place the ZZ plant back in its spot and care for it as usual. Be patient — you may start to see new stems emerging in a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the plant’s health and growing conditions.
Why the Pencil Trick Works
Plants need air, just like humans. While they don’t breathe the same way we do, roots take in oxygen through the soil. In compacted or poorly draining soil, oxygen levels drop — which can slow growth dramatically.
The pencil trick helps by:
- Increasing air pockets in the soil without disturbing the roots
- Encouraging microbial activity, which supports root health
- Giving subtle stimulation to dormant rhizomes, prompting new growth
It’s a mild but effective form of plant stimulation — like a wake-up call for the plant’s underground growth system.
Extra Tips to Encourage Stem Growth
While the pencil trick is a great start, here are a few additional ways to help your ZZ plant thrive and produce new stems:
1. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
ZZ plants tolerate low light but grow faster in bright, indirect sunlight. Consider placing yours near a north or east-facing window.
2. Use a Well-Draining Soil Mix
Use a mix made for succulents or make your own with 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part sand or orchid bark.
3. Water Properly
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering leads to rhizome rot, which halts new stem development.
4. Fertilize Lightly in Growing Season
During spring and summer, feed the plant with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
5. Repot Only When Needed
ZZ plants prefer being slightly rootbound. Only repot every 2–3 years, or when roots start pushing out of the drainage holes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple trick like this can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Stabbing the rhizomes: This can damage the plant. Always insert the pencil slowly and gently.
- Over-aerating: Too many holes can dry out the soil too quickly.
- Doing the trick in winter: Growth is slow in winter, and the plant won’t respond much.
Keep things gentle and simple — that’s the ZZ plant way.
Final Thoughts
The pencil trick is a surprisingly effective, low-effort way to encourage new stem growth in your ZZ plant. It combines basic plant biology with a practical method of soil care that mimics nature. While it won’t produce instant results, it creates the right conditions for the plant to feel “safe” enough to invest energy in new stems.
FAQ’s
What is the pencil trick for ZZ plants?
The pencil trick involves poking small holes in the soil around your ZZ plant to improve oxygen flow and stimulate the rhizomes, encouraging new stem growth.
How often should I use the pencil trick on my ZZ plant?
This trick should only be done once every few months during the growing season (spring or summer), as overdoing it can dry out the soil too much.
Can the pencil trick harm my ZZ plant?
No, as long as you’re careful not to damage the rhizomes and avoid doing it during dormancy, the pencil trick is safe and beneficial for the plant.