Repotting a Monster Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)! - Vlog 017

(Launching this video earlier on July 2nd instead of July 4th since it's Independence Day here in the U.S.)
I inherited this monster Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant), (which is in flower!), from my neighbor Tara, who had recently moved out of her apartment. As you can see, this plant was WAY overdue for a division and repotting, so I was able to enlist the help of my friend and colleague, Allan Schwarz, from the Mezimbite Forest Centre in Mozambique, where this plant is (supposedly) native to.
As I shared in the film, the sustainable development operation in Mozambique had a direct hit this past March from Hurricane Idai, so if you are able to support in its rebuild, then you can do so in a couple different ways:
1.) Donate via the GoFundMe page here: bit.ly/MozGoFundMe
2.) Purchase one of our items here on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/adschwarz and all of the proceeds will go to Mezimbite Forest Centre.
Thanks in advance for your support! Allan, I, and the whole community appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts! (And thanks for watching the video too!)
__
Homestead Brooklyn’s "Plant One On Me" is a series on indoor and outdoor gardening, houseplant home tours, greenhouse and botanic garden field trips, interviews, travelogues, and more. Write your questions and suggestions in the comments below the videos, on Instagram @homesteadbrooklyn #PlantOneOnMe, or Facebook @summerrayneoakes and @homesteadbrooklyn.
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[@summerrayneoakes]

Releasing this video Tuesday (today) instead of July 4th since it's a holiday. Enjoy this one! Was a fun episode to film with my friend Allan. And if y'all want to help support the rebuild of Mezimbite Forest Centre, the link is here: bit.ly/MozGoFundMe - Thanks for helping. And thanks for watching!

[@aquafina6544]

Please send me a piece?

[@myshkanyt]

How can i buy some of his pieces?

[@myshkanyt]

lol nevermind! Found it!

[@elleranda6378]

Summer Rayne Oakei8s 0

[@beautyfullar2861]

Can you do an update video? This was great...

[@orlandomoreno7354]

Wow I love Allen he's he's a real interesting guy with lots of stories and facts. Should bring him back to your future videos.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Next stop will have to be Mozambique!

[@thedaystarsfall]

Yessss I love him

[@AbenaAnima]

This guy should have a KZbin channel. wtf. so much wisdom and knowledge. Please let him know. thanks.

[@HisameArtwork]

yeah, he has such fun stories.

[@PleasantPrickles]

Hearing his comment that there are more zz plants in pots in NY, than in its natural habitat made me sad...I do love to see old plants get a new home and fresh soil! Good job, guys! Those bowls are beautiful, and it’s so nice that the tree removal solution gives people jobs and inspires artisans! Alan does very important work. The discussion about the different types of woods was fascinating! 🌱🌱😀🌱

[@thevineyardplanter]

Wow your neighbour is too generous. I wish I had neighbours like that!!😍👏

[@rz1974]

Make some plant friends! People are always generous with cuttings, big plants when moving etc

[@squidgamer7195]

@Vidya Sam , unfortunately, generally speaking , desi's aren't the most generous . Sad but true. Give away something for free, even something like a plant that regrows....bah ,fuggedaboutit

[@snufkin103]

@@squidgamer7195 don't paint the whole community with a broad brush. I have moved countries twice and both times I have given away many house plants, gardening supplies and many other things to my friends. Oh, and when I moved back , I was welcomed with a new plant by those friends!

[@squidgamer7195]

@@snufkin103 , good on you ! Guess you missed the where I said "generally speaking" . That's *not* "painting the whole community bad"

[@ladyEnchantressGarden]

You can take my ZZ bigger than this if you are my neighbor.as long as one promises ro.take care of my 7years old ZZ

[@heidihudgins4793]

Please more of Allen!!! There is something really comforting and grandfatherly about him. Protective almost! But also a Jurassic Park sort if vibe!

[@GavinsMommy06]

Yessssss!

[@laurapearson3370]

Never mind grandfather, he is still a vital masculine specimen 😂😂

[@Appleton-WI]

As you were pulling them apart I could almost hear the ZZs crying out, with joy, "We're free! We're free!" Thank you for the information on the Forest Centre. I've got an order in mind for my daughter's upcoming marriage!

[@drdeath8040]

Can you do a video on soil health and about micro organisms in the soil

[@summerrayneoakes]

Sure thing. Get ready for the next upcoming videos! ;)

[@kulutz9565]

Summer Rayne Oakes i agree

[@ellek8703]

@@summerrayneoakes That would be wonderful. I'm a beginner plant owner. I've been on gardening forums for advice and it is frustrating. Many different strong opinions. Most pro growers on these sites would recommend planting in a gritty mix of turface, maybe chicken grit and pine bark fines of equal 3mm size. I like that you used soil from the bag, mixed with the old soil and the activator. I was expecting you to add pumice or perlite and make it more complicated. Great video.

[@petercardona1559]

This video has taken its place among my all time favorites that you've made! A true testament to the toughness of Mr. ZZ. The plant nerd highlight for me the preservation of biodiversity with the old soil. I actually stood up and cheered because it's such an overlooked aspect of plant care! 🌱👍

[@LeeDfined]

Absolutely. This was neat as a person who has to re pot a huge corn plant. I was like "how do I do this.?"

[@petercardona1559]

@@LeeDfined When you have to repot a giant is when you find out who your true plant friends are!

[@sashasplants1600]

I honestly didn’t know what was a thing. I was just being cheap trying to conserve and reuse the same soil when i have to repot a plant. A lot of people say when you repot use fresh soil in cause of pest and or fungus.

[@patricialisowski1080]

I had no idea that we should use some old soil when repotting. I will definitely try this. I can see the reason for it.

[@petercardona1559]

@@patricialisowski1080 yes, it's the same reason you never replace all the water out of an established aquarium. The microorganisms play a vital role in the lifecycle of the tank/plant.

[@coleman318]

I did not know ZZ plants could grow so large so quickly. I thought it was a boring plant but after watching this I am kind of interested in picking one up!

[@summerrayneoakes]

So glad we turned a new leaf :)

[@EllaPress]

I've had mine for a couple of months and she's already growing four new stems, I'm so excited! So yeah, they grow a lot! Very low maintenance plant, too.

[@TicklishWombat]

I started mine via leaf propagations (I took the leaves from a friend's plant, with her consent) 2 years ago. Each leaf made 1 sprout with 2 leaves each after about a year, and another sprout several months later with 4-6 leaves. It's still a really tiny plant, but a precious one, and I can't wait until it grows into a monster 🥰 (I think they grow faster when they're more established, they're quite slow when propagating from leaves, but what a cool trait for the plant to have, to be able to grow from leaves!)

[@angelmartin7310]

I got mine in a 5 inch pot about a year ago in the middle of Indiana winter and it has definitely doubled in height to be about 2 feet tall. I keep mine in front of a southern window most of time time. It doesn't need that much light but I want it to get huge ASAP and it certainly doesn't hurt.

[@vilasackrattanavong3409]

I probably have over 10 large zz plants potted I was never into plants until I had my 1st pirarcha 💰 tree over 10yrs plus that has grown and hit the ceiling of my home a few times that I had to prune and propagate' I also 3 tall. Money trees , but none of my ZZ plants are tall like these guys yet. We myself some luck !!!

[@jcmendezify]

You should sell the ZZ plant offspring to raise funds for this organization. After all, who wouldn’t love to bring a new plant home and help a good cause? :)

[@corinna_maybe]

yessss what a lovely idea!

[@christinaeilers3562]

Wonderful idea!😊

[@its_just_seb]

Oh, that is a brilliant idea!

[@evangelineisacsson1049]

Yes , not just zz plant but the other plants as well , watching your chanel you had been in a green house in Sweden.

[@CyberspaceShy-bz3vx]

Oh tons of stuff comes back from there to be sold

[@cupcakekitten1888]

I love how much time and patients he takes in wanting to try to ease it out of the pot and split them apart. He just seems so kind in teething the roots apart and so happy.

[@ephinyus]

If you break a clay pot, you can always use the pieces as an orchid mount, or smash it into small pieces and mix it into orchid bark. 😊

[@summerrayneoakes]

I was secretly hoping he'd like to break it with me because I wanted to do a project with a broken pot! haha

[@RadioImmunoAssay2]

🎉Yay to keeping old soil!🎊 I thought I was being cheap😅 Unless the plant was diseased/infested, I reuse the soil & mix it with new soil😁 Definitely going to look at instruments differently from now on!🤯

[@eyesclosed3709]

Putting a plant in completely new soil can actually make it go into shock and could even kill it, I'm always so stressed when I have no other option but do that because I definitely killed a peace lily this way 🙈

[@espem88]

That coconut woodwork is absolutely stunning. I’m mind blown.

[@ceebeeeebee]

Allan's accent is gorgeous! I could have listened to him all day. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@chickpearoyale8010]

Wow what an interesting guy, i could listen to him all day!

[@devinbiggs1308]

That bowl made with the coconut wood is so beautiful.

[@priyamvadaverma2491]

Loved this video, because of course I am a plant nerd and find nothing more fascinating than multiplying and propagation of plants. But also becos of Allen . He brought such profound insight in matter of minutes, different kind of woods, mahogany specially. Loved him.

[@dotsyjmaher]

Love his "not wasting" the pot....repotting is always exciting

[@Sebmar24]

honestly, you are so much in your element in this episode (as apposed to the nyc apartment plant shopping). please do more of this, it's heartwarming and pleasing to watch.

[@GeeksofGreen]

Absolutely loved this! Alan his background, personality and the fact he is from the land that this plant is from made it all the more interesting!

[@summerrayneoakes]

Very pleased all the connections worked out - and yes, his work is just truly amazing.

[@larax.alvz18]

Wow! Allan is a man of knowledge. I loves listening to him 👏🏼👏🏼

[@blueside9147]

I watched this before getting my zz plant, and now I'm watching while repotting it.

[@laurapearson3370]

What a great man, learned so much. I imagine he must be great company on a night out

[@jeanneeguizabal471]

You and Allan make a great team! Loved this video and thank you as always for sharing 💚

[@yeseniarios3304]

What an awesome video and beautiful man. I could hear him talk all day. Love all the new info. Thank you! 💚

[@summerrayneoakes]

me too! And I share more of his stories in my new book, How to Make a Plant Love You, so you'll be seeing more of him there!

[@jpallen719]

I want to live in this woman’s circle.... so blown away by her knowledge, energy and plant friends:) You can see summer in a state of horror every time he shook the plant!

[@shiningstar1869]

Wonderful video! Thank you so much to your guest. He knows all about ZZ🌱Looking forward to updates on these plants Summer🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

[@erincostello7792]

Alan has such a lovely spirit this was a wonderful video. What a wonderful friend to have.

[@prettyprudent5779]

Can’t wait ‘til my ‘ZZ’ plant gets this big!

[@anandaviator08]

Im watching after 2 years of upload. Still so fresh and im in love.

[@laurapearson3370]

Me too, with Allan 😂

[@vickie6228]

I so appreciate this video with personality vs. those with music and a few words of text now and then. Very informative and helpful. Thanks!

[@eosii]

Summer, you bring so much to the KZbin platform. I came to this channel months ago to learn practical tips for my houseplants but have come away learning so much about ecology and the environment and just...the world in general. Not since I was a kid watching NatGeo specials have I learned so much. Thank you for bringing us such a variety of content, and for introducing us to wonderful individuals like Allan and his work.

[@kendall5513]

Really loved this episode, thank you! Allan's input and your rapport together added a lot of value. I could watch you both all day! Keeping fingers crossed Allan's organisation receives lots of support. Thanks!

[@vondahe]

Thank you, Allan. You make a difference!

[@plantmepaul]

This was amazing to watch the repotting of this beautiful ZZ and hear about the work that he’s doing! Glad you’re able to use your platform to bring attention to his work! The pieces are beautiful! Thank you for this!

[@glendacox6540]

Wow that poor plant...good job guys! And Allan is an angel!

[@sunshiny_botany]

What a fantastic human being! Thank you for bringing your friends onto your shows, Summer. We love you 😊

[@angelofgod7386]

When repot it my ZZ plant I cut off the roots and the plant grow up faster. Love love this lucky plant.

[@GarmentofPraiseSewing]

I really enjoy when you have guest. This is one of my favorite videos, thanks for sharing!

[@summerrayneoakes]

Very pleased. I love being able to highlight awesome people with incredible knowledge. Allan and I have worked together for 15 years so I am SO pleased I was able to get him on the channel :)

[@wakanavkirachel8068]

This was ULTIMATE- treasure trove of info and visual. I shared this along. Thanks!

[@sakuraayurveda5559]

Summer, I absolutely LOVE that you're involved in this. So inspiring. Sending best wishes from Brussels, Vanessa

[@erikagunn2044]

Wow! I really enjoyed Allan Schwarz! That's so cool you got to work with him. It was great listening to you both share so much knowledge.

[@briannamccullough5423]

I am so sorry about all of your hard work Allan. This is where it all starts to take off. When you've given absolutely everything. Best of luck!

[@ladybugninenine]

I love listening to this man speak....such a soothing voice. Great information about the ZZ plant.

[@Maggabklyn]

This video makes me so happy! Thanking God for you and your friend! So glad the world has folks like you who love the earth and all it's beautiful foliage!

[@TheAlbaGarden]

This episode is so much fun!! Have a ZZ that could do with that treatment! Adore the beautiful wooden platter as well.

[@applefreak1954]

Being a clarinet player I was so excited to hear about the same wood being used in those pieces! That plate is so lovely!

[@kathygilbreath6073]

Oh I thoroughly enjoyed watching you and the gentleman split the beautiful ZZ plant. Wow those roots. I have 2 of these plants and watching this makes me appreciate mine because mine can look like yours one day!! Thanks for sharing 💚

[@delindagoldsberry9644]

Learn something new every day I have my moms zz plant now after her passing its 15 yrs old and I never new they got flowers wow! 😲 thanks for sharing ! 🌿♥️

[@msjinabina]

Great guest, very informative and enjoyable to watch!

[@ej3016]

think I am “green with envy” esp for your philodendron - have loved my ZZ for 2 1/2 yrs and am searching for a new pot - thnx for showing us your repotting efforts as well as Allan’s situation

[@Addi59]

Oof, that Southern African accent ❤️ Love hearing accents from close to home.

[@bathos22]

Wow, so informative. Thanks for educating me. So enjoyed the video.

[@summerrayneoakes]

glad you enjoyed!

[@TealCheetah]

This guy is fantastic. Im amused that the neighbor basically ditched the plant and its needed care off on you.

[@sillybeeful]

It’s quite emotional actually 🥲

[@lisaadkisson3599]

Wow! What a project! Congrats on successful repotting!

[@barbll000]

Fascinating information about the ZZ plant and the work being done in Mozambique. I can't imagine the heartbreak of losing 25 years of dedicated work. I donated through the GoFundMe link. Every bit that people can give will add up to a lot of help.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Thank you so much for helping Allan out Barbara. You have a heart of gold. The hurricane has been devastating-far worse than Hurricane Katrina, so it's slowly picking up the pieces and making it work again....

[@mcw7892]

I’m glad you got to keep that great terra-cotta pot in tact! 🙌🏻

[@lauratonkin1069]

Great and fun video. I hope Allan and the community are doing well.

[@greggiepooh]

I literally raised my hand when you said everyone’s raising their hands on KZbin lol. Love your channel. My plants are so much more happy now that I watch your channel. Thank you!!!

[@toddbigeasy]

I'm just now seeing this video! Extremely interesting from start to finish! thanks.... again for enlightening me.

[@celiawoo9902]

Love what Allan shared about the mahogany!

[@lena.8035]

Loved the video, loved the bits about wood! So very interesting.

[@k700i]

I’m from queens!!! Lol I can definitely pick up extra plants 😂 I love the extended nerd talk 🥰💖

[@alivingpeace]

Thank you SO much for sharing this! I am about to do exactly what you just did! A 20 year old plant...bursting out of the pot. You are the ONLY video/web site I found that was helpful. Again, thank you. N in Vancouver, WA

[@myshanamakisi6063]

I love how rough, yet caring, he was with it...tough love for plants. LOL! OMG, the woodwork is gorgeous. Definitely will check out the Esty page.

[@djsalyers7822]

Nah he was beating the shit out of the plant dude. Lmfao.

[@lauriebrown9714]

Allen really persevere with that project. No cutting it in half and calling it a day. Love it.

[@peachybaby33]

I absolutely loved this video. Not just for the zz repotting but for the cause that's going on, and those beautiful items being made. What a story. ❤️ Incredible!

[@summerrayneoakes]

So pleased that you enjoyed and I'm grateful to show Allan's 25 years of work here. I've known and worked with him now for 15 years and he is so special.

[@peachybaby33]

It would be for me, too! He is incredibly knowledgeable from what I can see!

[@1HARMONICLIFE]

Would love to see more of Allen! The two of you together make a great team!!!

[@siewmei4237]

Love your video, both of you in it & your work! Great job in helping others. Lots of love from Malaysia.

[@UltimateTrackMom]

He was so patient. Fun to watch.

[@thisistheendpt2]

This was one of the most educational videos I've viewed on this channel. Thank you.

[@baileypitt7806]

Brilliant video! Very well made and great videography.

[@extraordinarydesign3928]

Loved this episode ❤️ would love to hear more from him

[@forumaura43]

This was so much fun to watch! Repotted a big ZZ for my friend and she gifted me with some cuttings in return :) Can't wait for the cuttings to grow.

[@gabiknott7445]

Just discovered your page and absolutely love this episode! Am South African and work in Moz often so am going to try track Mezimbite Forest Centre down! Thank you Summer.

[@teresapacheco63]

Wonderful man and wonderful project!

[@KiwikimNZ]

What an amazing man! Doing something so extremely important!

[@Reflection_Wave]

Very nice video, felt sorry for zz plant, it been long years stuck in one pot, you two saved them easy to breath. God bless both of you.

[@virtuallycyndee]

Omg....I learned a lot!!! But that huge painting in the background is Awesome❤

[@Blurggg]

I just bought a zz, its only about a foot tall at this point, but I had no idea they could get this massive! Woohoo!

[@Dixiwonderlandyoutube]

I really enjoyed this video. Fun to see how you replanted that monster but also so interesting to listen to everything Allan had to say 🥰

[@summerrayneoakes]

Allan is so incredibly insightful. So pleased he visited and I can share his story. Next stop will have to be back to Mozambique!

[@kathymacomber4502]

What a wonderful helper.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Allan's the best!

[@colorcrayola]

I absolutely adore the cylindrical terra cotta, so pretty!

[@shefo3916]

This was exactly the video I was looking for. I have a giant Zee Zee plant that is unfortunately also in a giant pot…definitely an outdoor project when it comes to it. But now I know what to do and am a lot less intimidated. And bonus(!!) what a wonderfully fascinating guest!! Just can’t say enough on that …. Thank you both so much 🌳 🌍 🪴 🧡 🙏

[@romeezydabreeze]

@8:40 I almost lost it saying “SEND IT TO ME!!!!” I love the ZZ plant 😂

[@donnamari4259]

You have a good collection of interesting friends!

[@donnastovall8340]

Very interesting video. Love the plants. Love his work.😊

[@mikouf9691]

This is probably my favorite video of yours. Loved the conversation with Allan (about the ZZ plant and his other activities). Plus this helped me diagnosis a problem I was having with my (small) ZZ plant. The main clue that something was wrong was that it developed 2 yellow leaflets at which point I realized the plastic pot felt "lumpy." It turns out that it had less than 1 cup of soil in a 6 inch pt which was *packed* with thick roots.

[@Dwynfal]

Brilliant! Just what I need, my ZZ plant is in the same condition (minus the flower) and I was scratching my head on how I would repot it since it's so big. Now I know, and I am also going to get a few of those amazing pots to show my support for Allan's work! What an interesting guy!

[@ritubasetia]

I lOOOVVEE this video!!!. It's so calming. Thanks for rescuing that zz

[@minnied.5946]

Great team work!

[@jpalmer1967]

You know you're a plant freak when the floor takes a backseat to re-potting! Great video as always, thanks.

[@christinek8239]

I love the mix of tackling a big plant project and #SROconversation.

[@mathijskoopman6883]

Love love love this video! Thank you sooo much❤️❤️

[@aquafina6544]

Omgosh he is so interesting and what he is doing is fascinating.

[@superbhiel]

You are my inspiration. I will vlog like this soon 🌻

[@johnjhill3]

I got a ZZ in an 8 inch pot long ago. It got to the height and density of the subject plant in about six years in a fifteen inch pot. It had also been split to make two pots of that size. After the third year it flowered every Spring, about a half-dozen inflorescences at a time.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Fantastic!!! Thanks for the reference points!