Araceae
Raven ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven')
Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven'
Very low-maintenance. Let soil dry out completely between waterings, keep in bright indirect to medium light for the darkest color (it tolerates low light but grows leggy and less black), and avoid overwatering above all else.
Every 18 days
Partial shade
10° - 24°C
30% - 50%
Categories
What is Raven ZZ Plant?
Raven ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven') is a easy-care plant from the Araceae family. The Raven ZZ Plant is a striking cultivar of the classic ZZ plant, prized for its glossy, deep purple-black foliage. New shoots emerge bright lime green and gradually darken to near-black over 4-8 weeks, creating a dramatic two-tone effect on mature plants. Like its green parent, it stores water in...
Raven ZZ Plant grows up to 90cm, spread of 90cm, watering every 18 days, 10°C â 24°C, 30â50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Raven ZZ Plant tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 36 days.
How to Care for Raven ZZ Plant?
TLDR: Raven ZZ Plant needs Partial shade, watering every 18 days, and temperatures between 10-24°C with 30-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Raven ZZ Plant?
Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry, roughly every 2-3 weeks in summer and monthly in winter. The rhizomes store water, so err on the side of underwatering.
How Much Light Does Raven ZZ Plant Need?
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light for the deepest black color, but tolerates low light conditions. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Raven ZZ Plant?
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a standard potting soil blended with perlite or cactus/succulent mix, to prevent waterlogged roots.
What Pot Should You Use for Raven ZZ Plant?
Choose a pot with drainage holes only slightly larger than the root ball; ZZ plants prefer being slightly root-bound.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 56 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Raven ZZ Plant and Where Does It Come From?
The Raven ZZ Plant is a striking cultivar of the classic ZZ plant, prized for its glossy, deep purple-black foliage. New shoots emerge bright lime green and gradually darken to near-black over 4-8 weeks, creating a dramatic two-tone effect on mature plants. Like its green parent, it stores water in thick underground rhizomes, making it extremely drought-tolerant and nearly indestructible for beginners.
How to Propagate Raven ZZ Plant?
Rhizome Division
Division is the fastest and most reliable way to propagate Raven ZZ and preserve its dark coloring.
- 1 Remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil
- 2 Locate natural divisions between rhizome clumps
- 3 Use a clean, sharp knife to separate a section with roots and at least one stem
- 4 Pot the division in fresh well-draining soil and water lightly
Materials needed:
Leaf Cutting
Very slow process; be patient and avoid overwatering the cutting while it roots.
- 1 Cut a healthy leaflet cleanly from a stem
- 2 Let the cut end callous for 24 hours
- 3 Insert the base into moist well-draining soil or water
- 4 Wait for a small rhizome and roots to develop before new growth appears
Materials needed:
How Big Does Raven ZZ Plant Grow?
TLDR: Raven ZZ Plant can reach up to 90cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Raven ZZ Plant?
TLDR: Raven ZZ Plant is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Meaning & Symbolism
A modern symbol of elegance and mystery, its dark, almost-black foliage represents resilience and quiet strength, thriving in low light where other plants struggle.
Fun Facts
The Raven ZZ was discovered as a natural mutation in a South Korean nursery in 2006 and patented as 'Dowon' in 2018.
New leaves emerge bright lime green before darkening to near-black over several weeks.
It stores water in potato-like rhizomes, allowing it to survive weeks of neglect.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my Raven ZZ leaves turning green instead of black?
How often should I water my Raven ZZ plant?
Is the Raven ZZ plant toxic to pets?
Does the Raven ZZ plant need bright light to stay black?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | â |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Peruvian peppertree | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â ïļ |
