ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven')
Discover Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven', a low-maintenance ZZ plant selection featuring striking near-black foliage. Ideal for shaded spots.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The striking Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ is a highly sought-after cultivar of the popular ZZ plant, prized specifically for its dramatic, very dark green to near-black foliage. This herbaceous perennial stands out in any garden or interior space, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements contemporary design. It is revered both as an outdoor specimen in warm climates and a reliable houseplant far north of its tropical origins.
The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’, thrives in shaded conditions, requiring only part shade to full shade to maintain its rich, deep coloration. Its naturally low maintenance requirements make it exceptionally forgiving for gardeners who prefer less intensive care routines. This plant’s unique structure, featuring glossy, thick leaflets, adds valuable, resilient texture to landscapes or container arrangements.
For those seeking evergreen structure and architectural appeal, the Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ is an outstanding choice. It reliably forms a dense clump, rarely succumbs to pests, and adapts well to inconsistent watering schedules, solidifying its reputation as one of the toughest plants available.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-3 ft
- Spread: 1.5-3 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: White spadix with green spathe
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
When establishing Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ outdoors in Zones 9 or 10, plant in well-drained soils during warm periods to facilitate rooting. The soil must be medium in moisture retention but allow excess water to drain freely, as wet soils are detrimental to rhizome health. While this selection performs well in varied shaded areas, bright indirect light or morning sun followed by afternoon shade is ideal for optimal dark leaf development. Indoors or out, practice deep but infrequent watering; allow the soil to dry out notably between applications.
Seasonal care involves monitoring temperatures closely if growing near the hardiness zone margins. Since the ZZ plant is only winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-10, gardeners must bring plants indoors when autumn temperatures consistently dip below 60 degrees F. This move protects the succulent rhizomes from cold damage.
Propagation of Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ is successfully achieved through leaf cuttings or by dividing the established rhizomes. Minimal pruning is typically required; focus only on removing any aged or damaged foliage near the base of the plant to maintain excellent air circulation and appearance. Its low maintenance level means fertilizing should be infrequent or unnecessary for established specimens.
Landscape Uses
As a robust specimen, the ZZ plant excels as an architectural anchor in shaded borders or rock gardens within its hardiness range. Its near-black foliage creates incredible contrast against lighter-colored stone, silver-leaved companions, or bright chartreuse groundcovers. The uniformity of the Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ also makes it perfect for mass plantings where predictable structure is desired.
For gardeners located north of USDA Zone 9, this plant shines as a premier house plant. It tolerates the lower light levels common indoors, making it excellent for dimly lit hallways, offices, or rooms lacking direct sunlight. When used in containers, ensure planters have adequate drainage holes to support the ZZ plant’s medium water requirements without suffocating the roots.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
Fruit Qualities
Noteworthy Characteristics
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly called ZZ plant or aroid palm, is an aroid family member that is native to dry grassland and forest in Eastern Africa. It is a stemless evergreen plant that typically grows to 3’ tall with attractive, pinnately compound leaves rising up from its rhizomes. Each leaf has 6-8 pairs of elliptic, glossy green leaflets (to 6” long). Flowers appear on mature plants. Flower structure consists of a spadix (erect spike of numerous tiny creamy white flowers) encased by a sheath-like green spathe.Genus name comes from the unrelated genus Zamia and calcas the Arabic name for an elephant’s ear (Colocasia sp.).Specific epithet means with leaves like Zamia.‘Raven’ is a dark-leaved selection of ZZ plant that features very dark green to almost black colored foliage. The new leaves emerge bright green before maturing to near black. Mature plants will reach up to 3’ tall with an equal spread
Tolerances
- No serious insect or disease problems
Potential Problems
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ is renowned for its resilience, facing few significant difficulties regarding pests or diseases. Serious insect infestations are rare, and the plant exhibits strong overall resistance. The primary challenge for most growers concerns environmental management, specifically related to overwatering. Avoid wet soils consistently, as this is the most common pathway to root rot in the ZZ plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is ZZ plant suitable for?
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ is winter hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 9 through 10.
How large does ZZ plant grow?
Mature plants typically reach a height between 1.5 and 3 feet, with a similar spread of 1.5 to 3 feet.
What sun exposure does Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ need?
This variety performs best in part shade to full shade conditions, handling various shaded environments well.
When does ZZ plant bloom?
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ is noted as a seasonal bloomer, producing a white spadix encased by a green spathe.
Conclusion
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ offers exceptional visual impact with minimal horticultural demand, making it a cornerstone for low-light landscapes and indoor collections. This unique cultivar of the tough ZZ plant allows any gardener to introduce rich, near-black color into their planting scheme effortlessly. Evaluate your local USDA zone compatibility today to ensure successful, long-term placement of this resilient beauty.
Propagation Tips
Propagating Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ allows you to multiply your collection of this striking dark foliage plant. The most common and reliable method involves division of the subterranean rhizomes during repotting or early spring when active growth begins. Carefully separate sections, ensuring each division has at least one leafless stem or developing eye attached to ensure success.
Alternatively, leaf cuttings can be utilized to create new individual Zamioculcas zamiifolia plants, although this process is significantly slower. Insert healthy, whole leaflets base-first directly into a moist, well-draining potting medium, much like you would for a standard ZZ plant. Be patient, as the formation of new rhizomes and subsequent shoots can take many months, but this method is satisfying for producing numerous new plants.
Companion Planting
When designing shaded garden beds in Zones 9-10, consider pairing the structural upright habit of Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ with plants that offer contrasting textures and lighter colors. Hostas with variegated or chartreuse leaves provide an excellent counterpoint to the dark, glossy foliage of the ZZ plant. Ferns, such as the Japanese Painted Fern or various native varieties, thrive in similar low-light, medium-moisture conditions.
For containers intended for bright indirect light areas, use trailing plants like creeping fig or silver falls dichondra to soften the edges around the base of the Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’. This pairing capitalizes on the unique visual depth the near-black foliage provides while maintaining a consistent care regimen focusing on shade tolerance and consistent, regulated moisture levels.
