Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’, commonly known as the Raven ZZ Plant, is a highly popular and architectural houseplant celebrated for its unique, dark colouration. This rare cultivar features new, fresh growth that emerges a bright, almost luminous lime green. Over several weeks, these leaves gradually mature into an incredibly deep, rich purple-black, creating a dramatic and stylish contrast against the younger foliage. Like the traditional ZZ Plant, ‘Raven’ is extremely hardy, drought-tolerant, and thrives on neglect, making it one of the easiest indoor plants to care for. It stores water in its thick rhizomes (underground stems), allowing it to survive long periods without watering.
Care Tips:
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Light: Prefers medium to bright, indirect light but is famously tolerant of low light conditions. Too much direct, harsh sun can scorch the leaves, especially the dark foliage.
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Watering: This is the most critical rule: Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely, all the way through the pot, before watering again. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot and failure. It can often go weeks between waterings, particularly in winter.
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Soil: Requires an exceptionally well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent mix, to prevent water from lingering around the sensitive rhizomes.
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Fertilising: Minimal feeding is required. Apply a half-strength, balanced liquid fertiliser only once or twice during the spring and summer growing season.
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Maintenance: Wipe the dark, glossy leaves occasionally to remove dust. As a slow-growing plant, it rarely requires pruning.
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Toxicity: Note that all parts of the ZZ Plant are poisonous if ingested, so keep it well out of reach of pets and children.
