
The Black Raven ZZ Plant is a low-maintenance gem, thriving in low-light conditions and forgiving neglect. It's perfect for busy people or those new to plant parenthood.
To keep your Black Raven ZZ Plant happy, water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This will prevent root rot and keep your plant healthy.
This plant is a great air purifier, removing toxins and pollutants from the air, making it a great addition to any home or office.
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Care Basics
The Black Raven ZZ Plant is a low-maintenance beauty that thrives in most environments.
It's best to place your Black Raven ZZ Plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, which allows it to photosynthesize and maintain its stunning appearance.
To keep your plant happy and healthy, make sure the soil isn't too wet or dry - allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rot.
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Plant Care
The Black ZZ Plant is a low-maintenance gem that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.
It prefers to be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, which is a great trait for busy plant parents.
The ZZ Plant is known for its ability to purify the air and remove toxins, making it a great addition to any indoor space.
By placing it in a spot with bright, indirect light, you can help it grow and flourish over time.
The Black ZZ Plant is a versatile plant that can complement a wide range of companion plants, adding depth and visual interest to any room.
As it matures, its elegant stems will spread out, creating a beautiful and unique display.
In fact, the ZZ Plant can become more magnificent as it matures and spreads its stems, making it a great investment for any plant enthusiast.
Cleaning the Foliage
Cleaning the Foliage is a breeze. You can simply put your Raven ZZ plant outdoors a few times a year to get cleaned by the rain.
If needed, a shower is a great way to give the leaves and stems a good cleaning. A handheld shower head makes it easy to target the foliage.
A soft cloth dampened with water is another option for cleaning the plant. Just be sure to avoid commercial leaf shine products, as they can clog the pores and prevent the plant from breathing properly.
It's easy to keep your Raven ZZ plant looking its best with a little regular maintenance.
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Size
When choosing a pot for your ZZ Plant, keep in mind that the 4″ and 6″ sizes are perfect for tabletops.
The 10″ pot size and larger are ideal for low, wide floor plants.
To make the most of your space, consider the size of your pot and where you'll be placing your ZZ Plant.
For more insights, see: Zz Plant Pot
Info
Plants grow towards their light source, and this can be especially noticeable in plants grown in low amounts of light.
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To keep your plant growing upright, give the pot a quarter turn every few months. This simple trick can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your plant.
All houseplants are susceptible to pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and more. It's essential to keep an eye out for these unwanted visitors.
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Pruning and Maintenance
Large Black Raven ZZ plants may require pruning as the stems become too heavy and arched when the plant matures.
To prune your Black Raven ZZ plant, remove any yellowing leaves to maintain its appearance and prevent the spread of disease. Remove dust from the plant's glossy leaves using a shower or a damp cloth.
Yellowing leaves and soft, drooping stems are usually a sign of overwatering, so make sure to check the soil moisture before watering your plant.
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Lighting and Environment
The black Raven ZZ plant is a low-maintenance beauty that can thrive in low light conditions.
It's perfect for rooms with limited natural sunlight, such as offices, bathrooms, and hallways. You can even place it on a nightstand.
However, it's worth noting that while the plant can survive in lower light, it won't necessarily put out new growth there. It prefers bright indirect light, so avoid direct sunlight.
To keep your plant happy, make sure it's in a well-draining pot and soil, and be careful not to overwater. This will help prevent root rot and other issues.
The Raven ZZ plant doesn't have special humidity needs, so you don't need to worry about getting a humidifier. It'll do just fine in the relatively low humidity found in many indoor spaces.
In the winter season, you may need to move your plant to a spot with more light to keep it thriving. And if you do decide to put it outdoors for the summer, be sure to protect it from direct sunlight and harsh rains.
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Watering and Feeding
Watering the Raven ZZ Plant is a breeze. Just remember that it gets by with little water in terms of frequency, so don't overdo it. I let mine go dry before watering again.
In the summer, it's once every 14 days, and in winter, every 21 days, give or take. Yours might need watering less or more often, depending on factors like pot size, soil type, growing location, and your home's environment. The more light and warmth, the more often yours will need watering.
This plant grows by underground stems called rhizomes, which store water along with the thick stems. Overwatering will lead to a quick demise, so make sure the pot has at least one drainage hole to prevent root rot.
For more insights, see: Zz Plant Pot Size
Watering
Watering your ZZ Black Raven plant is a delicate balance. Water it moderately, letting the soil dry thoroughly between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
The plant only requires average humidity, making it a great choice for indoor spaces with normal humidity levels. You can even leave it in a desert climate, as it handles low humidity well.
Watering frequency depends on the plant's environment. In a sunny spot in the summer, you may need to water every 2-4 weeks, while in a darker spot in winter, you might go 1-2 months without watering.
Keep an eye on the soil moisture, and water when it's almost completely dry. The plant will store water in its stems and rhizomes, making it more resistant to drought.
In general, it's best to water your ZZ Black Raven plant every 14 days in the summer and every 21 days in the winter. However, this can vary depending on your home's environment and the plant's specific needs.
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Fertilizing/Feeding
Fertilizing your tropical plants is a must, especially during the long growing season in Tucson, which lasts from mid-February through October. I fertilize seven times during this period.
Use a combination of granular and liquid fertilizers like Maxsea or Sea Grow, Grow Big, and Liquid Kelp to feed your plants. I alternate between these to avoid overloading the soil.
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Don't over-fertilize your ZZ plant, as salts can build up and burn its roots, causing brown spots on the leaves. It's a good idea to space out your fertilization schedule.
Avoid fertilizing stressed houseplants, such as those with dry or waterlogged soil. I don't fertilize my houseplants in late fall or winter because it's not their active growing season.
Humidity and Repotting
Humidity is not a concern for ZZ plant owners living in dry climates, as these plants can thrive in low humidity environments.
ZZ plants can tolerate low humidity, but misting the leaves from time to time can help maintain moisture levels.
If you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidity meter to monitor the humidity levels in your home, and run a humidifier when the levels drop.
Repotting your ZZ plant is an essential part of its care, but it's not a frequent task. Repot your ZZ plant every four to six years, or as needed, depending on its growth.
When repotting, choose a pot that is only one to two sizes larger than the previous one to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.
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Repotting
Repotting is a crucial part of ZZ plant care, and it's best done in the spring.
The general rule is to repot every four to six years, but it depends on how your plant is growing.
Use a pot that's only one to two sizes larger than the previous one, as ZZ plants have thick roots that take up more room as they grow.
If you're repotting a ZZ plant that's been growing in straight peat moss, be aware that it can be hard to regulate moisture, and you might lose some of the plant.
Repotting in the spring is a good time, but you can also do it in summer and early fall.
As your ZZ plant grows, you'll need to give it more space, so keep an eye on the root ball and be prepared to move it to a bigger pot.
One pot size up might be enough, but if you go up two or three sizes like I did, be mindful of watering too much, as the greater soil mass can lead to root rot.
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Humidity
ZZ plants are surprisingly adaptable to low humidity environments, as seen in a desert climate where three ZZ plants are thriving with occasional misting and exposure to rain.
To ensure your ZZ plant stays healthy, it's essential to water it moderately, allowing the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings.
Misting the leaves now and then can provide extra moisture, and running humidifiers when the humidity reads low can also help maintain a comfortable environment for your plant.
In arid climates, humidity meters can be a useful tool to monitor the humidity levels and adjust your humidifier accordingly.
Plant Health and Issues
Large ZZ plants like the Black Raven can be prone to yellowing leaves, which is usually a sign of overwatering. Remove any yellowing leaves to prevent the spread of disease and encourage healthy growth.
Crisp brown edges on leaves indicate a lack of water, so be sure to check the soil moisture before watering your Black Raven ZZ plant.
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Virtual Appointments
If you're struggling with a plant's health, don't worry, there's help available. You can schedule a virtual appointment with a knowledgeable houseplant expert from The Sill team.
These experts are available to chat directly via video, making it easy to get advice on plant-specific care, repotting tips and tricks, pest identification, and more.
Plant Leaning to the Side
Plants grow towards their light source, and this can be especially noticeable in plants grown in low amounts of light.
If your ZZ Raven plant is leaning to the side, it's likely because it's trying to reach the light. To correct this, give the pot a quarter turn every few months to keep your plant growing upright.
Plants that are not getting enough light may start to stretch towards any available light source, including a window or a nearby lamp. This can cause them to lean or become lopsided.
By rotating your plant's pot, you can encourage it to grow more evenly and prevent leaning. It's a simple trick that can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your plant.
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Plant Details
The Black Raven ZZ plant is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in medium light and adapts easily to low-light conditions.
This plant is 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 Raven ZZ plant is easy-going and undemanding, requiring infrequent watering and repotting.
Here are some common names for the Black Raven ZZ plant: Black ZZ plantBlack Zanzibar GemZZ RavenBlack Zuzu PlantJet-Black RavenZanzibar Raven
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Traits
The Black Raven ZZ plant is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in medium light and adapts easily to low-light conditions.
It's a great choice for busy people or those new to plant parenthood, as it requires infrequent watering and repotting.
The Black Raven ZZ plant is 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.
However, it's essential to note that the Black Raven ZZ plant is toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach of curious furry friends.
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Unfortunately, the Black Raven ZZ plant is also associated with some negative traits, such as being toxic to pets.
Here are some common names for the Black Raven ZZ plant:
- Black ZZ plant
- Black Zanzibar Gem
- ZZ Raven
- Black Zuzu Plant
- Jet-Black Raven
- Zanzibar Raven
The Black Raven ZZ plant is a popular Feng Shui plant for promoting good luck and prosperity, which is why it's often given as a gift.
Growth Habit
The ZZ Raven plant has a unique growth habit that's worth noting. It will naturally spread and the stems will arch outwards over time.
Plants will droop if the light levels are too low or the watering is off, which can affect their growth habit.
You can try giving the pot a quarter turn every few months to keep your plant growing upright, but some ZZ plants may just prefer to lean.
The stems of the ZZ plant can arch outwards as the plant grows, taking up more space in your home.
I like the look of my three ZZs, but they do take up some real estate!
Zamioculcas 'Dowon'
The Zamioculcas 'Dowon' is a naturally occurring mutation of a regular ZZ plant, featuring striking foliage.
It's a slow-growing beauty, which can make it a bit of a challenge to propagate, but our team has been working on it since 2015.
This plant was first found in Asia and patented by its discoverer, who has granted us exclusive rights to propagate it in North America.
The species is native to areas of Africa, and it's related to trendy plants like monstera, pothos, and philodendron, which are all part of the aroid family (Araceae).
The Zamioculcas 'Dowon' may have some natural degree of toxicity, so be sure to keep it out of reach of pets and children.
Exposure to the sap of this plant may cause discomfort to individuals with a sensitivity to it upon contact, so handle it with care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep a black ZZ plant black?
To maintain the intense dark color of a ZZ plant's leaves, provide it with brighter indirect light. This will help preserve the plant's signature black color.
Are black raven zz plants rare?
Yes, the Raven ZZ Plant is a rare find due to its unique deep purple-black color, making it a highly sought-after variety. Its rarity adds to its allure, making it a fascinating addition to any plant collection.
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