Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven' (Black ZZ Plant)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven'
- Common names: Black ZZ Plant

Background & Origin
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’, commonly known as the Black ZZ Plant, is a dramatic cultivar of the ZZ Plant, a species native to eastern Africa. New growth emerges bright green before gradually darkening to a deep purple-black, creating a striking contrast against older foliage. Like the standard ZZ Plant, ‘Raven’ stores water in its thick rhizomes and glossy leaves, making it exceptionally drought tolerant and one of the easiest houseplants to care for. Its bold colouring and architectural form make it a standout addition to any indoor plant collection.

Care Level
- Care level: Easy
- Suitable for beginners: Yes!

What It Loves
- Semi shady spot - can tolerate a dark corner of a room
- Letting the compost dry out

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Direct sun

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Office
- Conservatory

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: 90 cm in height eventually
- Typical spread: Up to 90 cm wide
- Growth rate: Slow growing
- Pruning required: Occasional, to remove dead or damaged leaves

Is This Plant Right for You?
This plant is a great choice if you:
- Want an easy-care, low-maintenance houseplant
- Love dark, dramatic foliage
- Have a low to bright indirect light space

Light
- Best light: Semi shady spot - can tolerate a dark corner
- Avoid: Direct sun

Watering
- Frequency: Water when soil is completely dry - drought tolerant
- Seasonal note: Reduce watering in winter when growth slows to almost none.

Humidity
- Prefers: Can do well in average household conditions
- Extra humidity helpful?: Yes, group together with other plants or use a humidifier.

Feeding
- Feed with: A balanced houseplant fertiliser
- Frequency: Once or twice during growing season during spring and summer. No feeding is needed during autumn and winter.

Toxicity
- Pet safe: No
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children to avoid damage.

Repotting
- How often: Every few years - like to be rootbound - only repot when almost breaking out the pot!
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.