Black Raven ZZ Plant: Overview

The Black Raven ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Black Raven’) is a variety of the popular ZZ plant, boasting dramatically black leaves. Bright lime green when they unfurl, the leaves turn purplish black as they mature, giving the Raven ZZ plant its rare and striking appearance. ZZ plants are native to eastern Africa and can grow outdoors in hardiness zones 9-10, as long as the night temperatures don’t drop below 50°F. The black ZZ plant belongs to the Araceae family, including Philodendron plants, Dieffenbachia, and other popular indoor plants.

The Black Raven ZZ plant is an easy-going plant that thrives in medium light and adapts easily to low-light conditions. It’s very undemanding, requiring infrequent watering and repotting, making it an extremely low-maintenance plant. Unfortunately, like other plants from the Araceae family, the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia ‘Black Raven’ is toxic to pets if ingested.

Like its namesake, the raven, the Black ZZ plant is associated with wisdom, stability, and endurance. ZZ plants are also popular Feng Shui plants for promoting good luck and prosperity, which is why they’re often given as gifts.

Raven ZZ plant: Benefits

• Excellent air-purifying properties
• Good luck plant in Feng Shui
• Striking and enigmatic dark foliage  
• Reduces stress levels and boosts mood
• The ultimate easy-care plant 

Black Raven ZZ plant: Alternative Names

• Black ZZ plant
• Black Zanzibar Gem
• ZZ Raven
• Black Zuzu Plant
• Jet-Black Raven
• Zanzibar Raven

Raven ZZ Plant: Care Guide

Like the regular ZZ plant, the ZZ Plant ‘Raven’ is easy to care for, even for beginners. Here are some top Raven ZZ plant care tips to keep your plant looking its striking best:

Watering and Humidity

Water your ZZ Black Raven plant moderately, as its roots are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Let the soil dry thoroughly between the waterings. This plant only requires average humidity.

Light and Temperature

The Raven ZZ plant thrives in indirect light, but t can adapt perfectly to low-light conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for dimly lit offices, as it can also tolerate artificial light. Being a tropical plant, your Black Raven plant prefers moderately warm temperatures ranging from 65℉ to 75℉. Keep your plant away from cold drafts.

Soil, Feeding, and Repotting

For the best Black ZZ plant care, use well-draining potting soil mixed with some perlite. It will enhance the drainage, helping prevent root rot. ZZ plants grow slowly, so feed your plant once during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer diluted at half strength. Repot your ZZ plant into a pot about 2 inches larger than the previous one. The best time for repotting is in the spring.

Propagation

Raven ZZ plant propagation is easy. Divide the rhizomes during repotting to create new plants. Use rich indoor potting mix and pots with sufficient drainage. Palace them in medium to bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist to help roots establish. 

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

Large ZZ plants may require pruning as the stems become too heavy and arched when the plant matures. Remove any yellowing leaves and use a shower or a damp cloth to remove dust from the plant’s glossy leaves.

Yellowing leaves and soft, drooping stems are usually a sign of overwatering. Crisp brown edges on leaves indicate a lack of water. Additionally, ZZ plants are generally very resistant to pests and other issues.

Black ZZ Plant: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

The gorgeous Zamioculcas zamiifolia Raven looks excellent in all spaces and settings and becomes more magnificent as it matures and spreads its elegant stems.

Best Locations & Uses

• Great plant for bedrooms because it cleanses the air and promotes relaxation
• Perfect for busy people, as it’s easy to care for
• Best for plant lovers with no pets
• It is ideal for spaces with low humidity
• Excellent and undemanding porch plant for warmer climates

Companion Plants

You can combine your Raven ZZ plant with other plants, available at Lively Root, either by color, like in our stylish Goth Garden Bundle, or group them by light and growing conditions preferences:

• Peace Lily Plant (Spathiphyllum): Adaptable to various light and growing conditions, the Peace Lily is an easy-care flowering plant that produces beautiful, delicately scented white flowers.
• Golden Pothos Plant (Epipremnum aureum): The Golden Pothos is a very popular vining houseplant that has a reputation for being nearly indestructible and an excellent air purifier!
• Sansevieria Samurai (Sansevieria ehrenbergii 'Samurai'): Compact and low-maintenance, the dwarf Sansevieria Samurai has thick, pointed, dark green leaves and amazing air-purifying properties.

Alternative Plants

Pet owners may want to consider getting pet-friendly plants as the Black Raven ZZ plant is toxic to cats and dogs.

• Black Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis): An alluring bushy plant, the low-maintenance Black Rabbit Foot Fern has dark green, airy fronds and furry rhizomes that resemble a rabbit’s paws.
• Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica): The air-cleansing and easy-care Money Tree is a popular Feng Shui good luck plant with an unusual braided trunk, crowned with light green leaves with leaflets of five.   
• Calathea Rattlesnake (Calathea lancifolia): A gorgeous prayer plant, the spectacular Calathea Rattlesnake stands out with its bold, bright leaf pattern of lime and dark green; it’s a sought-after and rare houseplant that transforms any space.

Get the Dramatic Raven ZZ Plant for Sale From LivelyRoot Today

Add the stunning Black Raven ZZ plant for sale to your greenery, or get one as a coveted gift for a fellow plant lover!