Grow a Raven ZZ Plant for a Dark and Dramatic Take on a Low-Maintenance Classic
Raven ZZ plants are stunning with their dark and glossy leaves that glint in the light. Learn how to grow and care for a Raven ZZ plant.
Kathleen Walters
The Raven ZZ plant hooks you fast with mature foliage in deep purple-black, offset by fresh lime-green leaflets that shift color gradually. Those waxy surfaces feel firm under fingers, lined up on stiff upright stems for a sharp, no-fuss outline.
This black Raven ZZ handles missed waterings easily, thanks to fat rhizomes that stash moisture underground and shiny leaves that slow drying. Everyday low-key routines suit it best. Essential ZZ plant care transfers straight over, keeping growth steady without extra work.
A random mutation turned up in a South Korean nursery around 2006, stabilized into patented Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Dowon’ and released broadly after 2018. Native to dry regions of eastern Africa, the original ZZ plant evolved to handle low light and infrequent water—tough traits the Raven variety carries forward beautifully. Other unique and unusual ZZ plant varieties show similar inventive twists worth exploring.
Raven ZZ Plant Care
Raven ZZ plant care focuses on smart light placement, restrained watering, stable warmth, airy soil, and occasional feeding while staying alert to pests or stress signs. These basics unlock the deepest black foliage and sturdy new shoots.
Light
Bright, indirect light pulls the darkest hues from leaflets and keeps stems short and strong. East windows or pulled-back south spots hit the sweet spot safely. Filtered morning rays encourage compact form without risk. Consistent exposure prevents uneven coloring across the plant.
It hangs on in dimmer rooms indefinitely, just stretching a little with softer shades. Harsh direct sun will burn leaves. Toss in a grow light like these Barrina two-pack puck grow lights from Amazon for low-light fixes. Artificial setups keep colors rich through short winter days and cloudy stretches.
Water
Hold off until the top few inches feel bone dry, then soak well—often 3–4 weeks between rounds. Rhizomes store water like pros, leaning toward drought triumphantly. Test deeper with a finger or chopstick to confirm dryness before adding more. You can use filtered water or let tap water rest overnight to off-gas chlorine to further ensure your Raven ZZ plant is happy.
Too much water turns ZZ plant leaves yellow or stems mushy fast—drain fully every time. Wrinkled stems bounce back quickly once rehydrated.
Temperature & Humidity
Keep your Raven ZZ plant at 65-85 degrees F (18.3-29.4C) for peppy growth and thick leaves. Down to 60F (15.6C) works short-term, but colder stalls everything and risks leaf drop. Sudden chills from drafty windows hit hardest. Steady conditions promote even darkening of new growth.
Normal room humidity does the trick alone. Winter furnaces can dry things out and crisp edges. Run a humidifier like the Levoit cool mist humidifier from Amazon if tips start looking rough. Grouping plants raises local moisture naturally. Avoid placing near vents or radiators that fluctuate wildly.
Soil
A quick-draining soil allows rhizomes to dry between drinks properly. Mix perlite or pumice generously—aim for one-third amendments. Coarse sand adds weight without holding water. Orchid bark chunks boost aeration further in custom blends.
Dense stuff holds water too long and courts rot. Cactus mixes like this from Amazon come ready with the right grit. Terracotta pots pair well, wicking excess moisture away faster than plastic and stabilizing temperatures.
Fertilizer
Drop diluted balanced feed monthly only in warm months to nudge new shoots along. Rest completely through cooler downtime. Half-strength fertilizer prevents buildup. Organic options release gently over time.
Overdoing salts up and scorches tips badly. Slow-release fertilizer pellets meter it out neatly. Flush thoroughly once a year by running water through until clear. Rhizomes store extras efficiently for lean periods.
Problems, Pests & Diseases
Overwatering tops the list of problems. It yellows leaves and makes stems mushy. Dim light drags vigor down further, paling dark tones. Stress opens doors to opportunistic issues.
Pests are rare but grab hold on weak plants via mealybugs or scale. Wipe or hit with neem oil repeatedly until gone. Spider mites show as fine webbing in dry conditions. Increase humidity and rinse leaves to deter them. Quarantine new additions always. You can find neem oil spray from Amazon or your local hardware store.
Pruning
Clip off yellowed or hurt stems right at soil with sharp snips. Sterilize tools between cuts to avoid spreading issues. Remove spent petioles completely for a tidy appearance.
Wide leaves catch dust. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe dust off leaves; avoid leaf shine products that clog pores. Occasional thinning keeps airflow strong inside dense clumps and prevents hidden moisture buildup.
Repotting Raven ZZ Plant
Step up the container size just a bit every 2-4 years as the Raven ZZ plant's rhizomes grow. New shoots and leaves are lime green before they darken. Choose heavy containers for top-heavy mature plants.
Raven ZZ plants are best repotted in the spring. Swap the mix for fresh, easing hefty rhizomes in carefully. Tease any old soil away gently—bruised tubers recover slowly. Water sparingly until the new roots take hold and fresh shoots start to appear.
Raven ZZ Plant Care Essentials
The black leaves on your Raven ZZ plant will pop against the soft white color of this chic, modern pot and saucer set.
This Ikea watering can features a thin spout that allows you to control the water and avoid wetting your Raven ZZ plant's leaves.
These cute little pruners will help you take care of your Raven ZZ and they are made to last with carbon steel blades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it illegal to propagate ZZ plants?
It is not illegal to propagate all ZZ plants. However, 'Raven' is listed as "Propagation Prohibited" because the breeder has intellectual property rights to it.
Is the Black Raven ZZ Plant Rare?
'Raven' ZZ plants are a newer cultivar so they can be a bit more expensive than a traditional ZZ plant. Many new or unusual plants are more expensive when they are first developed or become popular.
