PlantRhizome.
A modified, usually horizontal stem that grows at or below the soil surface, stores water and carbohydrates, and produces shoots from its nodes and roots from its underside.
What it means for your plants
Rhizomes are stems, not roots: they carry buds, so they can be divided with a sharp knife, each piece keeping at least one growing point. Keep them near the surface and never let them sit in wet mix.
IN PRACTICE
A ZZ plant’s potato-like rhizomes let it go 3–6 weeks between waterings in winter.
Put it into practice
ZZ plant care: how its potato-like rhizomes store water, when to water (mix 75–100% dry), a 10 °C floor, light from 500 to 15,000 lux, and slow leaflet propagation.
ZZ plant care: rhizomes, flexible light, and very little water
