The Raven ZZ Plant takes everything awesome about the ZZ Plant and makes it better. Enjoy the same low-maintenance care requirements and stylish good looks, but take time to admire the dark purple foliage, which is such a deep hue that it almost appears black. This plant is committed to its look, and the stems color-match the leaves. The Raven ZZ is incredibly easy to maintain and adds unexpected but stunning color to a space.
Quoth the ZZ, Nevermore
ZZ Plants hail from Africa and are members of the Araceae family, which makes them related to Monstera, Pothos, and Philodendrons. The Raven is a naturally occurring mutation of the Zamioculcas zamiifolia that was first discovered in 2015. The Raven ZZ Plant didn’t hit store shelves until 2019, and has been popular ever since. In stores, you may see this plant labeled as a Raven ZZ Zamioculcas ‘Dowon.’ This plant is somewhat rare, although it is becoming less so, and it’s much easier to track one down now than ever before.
Raven ZZ Plants are slow-growing, although, with proper care, they can reach four feet tall. New growth is a bold lime green that transitions into a purplish-black with age.
Raven ZZ Plant Care Needs
The Raven ZZ Plant needs the same care as the regular ZZ. A big part of what makes the Raven ZZ so easy to grow is that it thrives on neglect. Use well-drained soil. Most general potting mixes work well and amend the soil with perlite to improve drainage.
Wait until the soil is dry throughout the container before watering the plant. Plan to water maybe every two weeks during the spring and summer and monthly during the fall and winter. These timelines are rough estimates, and factors like sunlight, temperature, and humidity influence how quickly the soil dries out and how often the plant needs water.
ZZ Plants are known for being adaptable and can handle any amount of sunlight. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, so avoid a spot directly in a south-facing window. This easy-care houseplant is a great pick for a low-light area, but plants grown in limited light will grow very slowly and may become leggy. Raven ZZ Plants are naturally slow growers but encourage the most growth possible in bright, indirect sunlight. Increased light levels also showcase the deep, dark foliage.
Temperature for ZZ Plant Raven
All varieties of ZZ Plants have limited tolerance for chilly temperatures. Anything below 60° F is trouble, so if you move your plant to a porch or covered outdoor area for the summer, wait until the low is higher than 60° F.
Raven ZZ Plant Repotting Timeline
In a move entirely on brand, the slow-growing Raven ZZ Plant is completely content being slightly rootbound, so don’t rush to repot. Plan to repot the Raven ZZ every two to three years, based on when it shows signs that it’s ready for a bigger container. Upgrade to a larger container when repotting, or divide a large pot into smaller pots.
Monitor the Plant
The hardest thing about owning a Raven ZZ is sometimes remembering to check in on it. Make it a point to routinely inspect the plant. Rotate the pot so each side receives even sunlight, and monitor the foliage for signs of too much or not enough sunlight. Dust the leaves and look for signs of pests. ZZ Plants are susceptible to common pests like mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and thrips. Proper ZZ Plant care and being careful about introducing new plants into your home reduce the risk of pests, but taking the time to inspect the plant identifies issues early. Treating a small problem is much easier than addressing a big one, so early detection is key.
Is Raven ZZ Plant Pet Safe?
All ZZ Plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, so they are not pet-safe. Chewing on the stems or foliage can cause a dog or cat to become ill. Be aware of the risks before bringing this plant into your home.
Raven ZZ Plant Styling Tips
Small plants are an excellent tabletop size, while large, mature plants look stunning in a plant stand or as floor plants. Go full goth and pair your Raven ZZ Plant with a dark purple or black container. Create a whimsical vibe using a pastel planter, or go neutral with a subdued container that lets the foliage stand out.