Effect of light quality and method of leaf cutting preparation on rooting and rhizome generation of Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Graduated MSc of Dept. of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Assoc. Prof. of Dept. of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

3 Ph.D, Student of Dept. of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Foliage palnts as a member of indoor plants are popular for their beautiful leaves. Zamioculcas zamiifolia is an important ornamental species with significant economic value which belongs to this group. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing rooting and the production of rapidly growing rhizomes, which are essential for the quick establishment of the plant. Additionally, the role of artificial light in enhancing growth underscores the need for relevant experiments.Application of light quality in propagating leaf cuttings might be helpful in solving this problem.
 
Materials & Methods: The experiment was conducted factorially in a completely randomized design, evaluating two factors: cutting type (1. complete leaflet cuttings, 2. leaflet cuttings with a 2 cm petiole, 3. half leaflet cuttings) and light quality (red, blue, and purple). Leaflets were taken from middle part of a matured leaf grown on a mother plant. Light intensity in all treatments was set to provide 200 µmol (photos) m-2 s-1. Measurements included rhizome length and width, number of rhizomes and roots, average root length, and chlorophyll index at 80, 110, and 140 days post-planting.
 
Results: The leaflet sample with the petiole showed the greatest rhizome length, increasing from 27.16 mm at 80 days to 42.4 mm at 140 days. Purple light produced the widest rhizome, while the complete leaflet sample yielded the highest number of roots across all light conditions. Half leaflet cuttings resulted in the lowest number of roots and the shortest roots as well. Purple light was found to be the most effective for enhancing propagation efficiency. Followng purple light, the role of red light in propagation was more efficient than the both white and blue light. Chlorophyll index was the highest under white light in the last two measurement periods. However, the lowest chlorophyll indext was observed in the half leaflet cuttings grown under puple light.
 
Conclusions: This study highlights the significant impact of cutting type and light quality on the growth of Zamioculcas zamiifolia. Purple light is recommended to enhance rhizome and root production in this ornamental plant. Half leaflet cuttings showed higher potential in increasing the number of rhizomes and consequently the number of plantlets progagated using this type of cuttings despite of poor rooting quality observed in intial stages of development. 
 

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References

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production
Volume 36, Issue 2
2026
Pages 155-169

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