The Raven ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’, is a popular and easy to care for houseplant. With its dark leaves and unique texture, the Raven ZZ adds visual interest to any indoor space. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to grow and care for the Raven ZZ plant.

An Overview of the Raven ZZ Plant

The Raven ZZ plant is a cultivar of the common ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) and gets its name from its dark blackish-purple leaves. Native to eastern Africa, the Raven ZZ plant has risen in popularity as an indoor plant due to its adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions and its air purifying abilities.

Some key facts about the Raven ZZ plant:

Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’
Common Names: Raven ZZ plant, Black ZZ plant
Plant Family: Araceae
Mature Size: Grows 12-36 inches tall
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Watering Needs: Allow soil to dry between waterings
Native To: Eastern Africa
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested

With its hardy nature, unique foliage, and sculptural form, the Raven ZZ plant makes an excellent addition to any indoor plant collection.

How to Select a Healthy Raven ZZ Plant

When shopping for a Raven ZZ plant, choose one with:

Dark blackish-purple leaves – Avoid plants with yellowing or pale leaves.
Firm, upright stems – Stems should not be limp or bending over.
Established root system – Select plants that are well-rooted in pots, not newly propagated cuttings.
No visible pests or diseases – Check undersides of leaves for bugs, webbing, spots, etc.
Proper soil moisture – Soil should not be overly wet or bone dry.

The plant’s foliage and stems will be your best indicators of good health. Pick a plant with vibrant leaves and sturdy upright growth. Also inspect the roots if possible to ensure they are established and white, not brown and rotting. With a healthy start, your Raven ZZ is more likely to thrive under your care.

Raven ZZ Plant Care

Caring for a Raven ZZ plant mainly involves providing adequate sunlight, water, humidity, and proper potting mix. Here are some tips for keeping your ZZ healthy indoors:

Light Requirements

The Raven ZZ plant prefers bright indirect light, which can be provided by placing it near an east, west, or south facing window. Some direct morning sun is ok, but avoid intense afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.

Insufficient light will cause the dark foliage to fade. If the leaves start to lose their deep purple-black color, move the plant to a brighter location.

Watering

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water only when the top few inches of soil become dry to the touch. Use your finger to test moisture levels. The worst mistake is overwatering, which causes root rot.

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom drainage holes, then discard excess water in the saucer. ZZ plants are sensitive to getting their leaves wet, so water directly into the soil.

Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows. The Raven ZZ prefers to be kept on the drier side in winter.

Humidity

The Raven ZZ appreciates average indoor humidity levels of 40-50%. Use a humidifier nearby if humidity is lower. Keep humidity levels above 30% to prevent leaf tip browning.

Temperature

Ideal temperatures for a ZZ plant are 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and around 60°F (15°C) at night. Keep away from hot and cold drafts from heating/cooling vents.

Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix for ZZ plants, such as a mix containing peat moss, perlite, pine bark. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.

Re-pot every 2-3 years in spring, moving up one pot size at a time. Add fresh potting mix to refresh the nutrients.

Fertilizer

Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Discontinue fertilizing over winter.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are some common problems you may encounter while growing the Raven ZZ plant and how to fix them:

Leaf browning – Caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity, water more regularly.

Leaf yellowing – Due to insufficient light. Place in a brighter location.

Sparse foliage – Needs more sunlight to grow densely. Move closer to light source.

Fading leaf color – More light needed to maintain dark foliage. Provide brighter indirect light.

Root rot – Overwatering issue. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

Pests – Mealybugs, spider mites. Wipe away with cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Use neem oil spray.

Leggy growth – Needs more sunlight. Prune leggy stems back to reshape.

With the right growing conditions and proper care, the Raven ZZ is relatively pest and disease resistant. Quick diagnosis and treatment of any issues will keep your plant thriving.

How to Propagate Raven ZZ Plants

You can easily propagate new Raven ZZ plants from stem cuttings or by dividing the rootball of mature plants. Here are simple propagation techniques:

Stem cuttings – Cut a 3-4 inch stem just below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves and place cutting in water or moist potting mix. New roots will sprout in a few weeks.

Division – Carefully divide mature ZZ plant at the rootball into smaller sections, each with some roots attached. Replant each division in its own container.

Leaf cuttings – Rarely done. Cut off a healthy leaf and place it in moist soil or water with the bottom end inserted. A new plant may eventually sprout from the cut end.

Propagated ZZ plants will exhibit the same dark foliage as the mother plant. Growing new Raven Zzs from cuttings or divisions is inexpensive, sustainable, and rewarding.

How to Re-Pot a Raven ZZ Plant

Re-potting ZZ plants every 2-3 years in spring will provide fresh soil and room for growth. Follow these tips for re-potting success:

Select new pot 1-2 inches wider than current container. Zz’s dislike being pot-bound.
Gently remove from current pot and loosen tangled roots. Divide if necessary.
Partially fill new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Place ZZ in pot and surround with more mix, keeping it at the same level as before.
Water well to settle soil. Discard excess water in saucer.
Place in a warm spot out of direct sun until re-established.

Avoid disturbing the roots of ZZ plants too often. Re-pot only when necessary, using care to minimize transplant shock. With a roomier container of fresh growing medium, your Raven ZZ will flourish.

Common Questions about Raven ZZ Plants

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about growing the Raven ZZ plant:

Is the Raven ZZ plant toxic?

Yes, the Raven ZZ plant is mildly toxic if ingested, due to calcium oxalate crystals in the plant cells. Keep away from pets and small children. Seek medical advice if leaves are eaten.

How big do Raven ZZ plants get?

The Raven ZZ grows to a mature height of 12-36 inches tall and wide. It has a shrubby, mounding growth habit. Provide enough pot space for growth or prune as needed to contain size.

Why are my Raven ZZ’s leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves are usually caused by too little sunlight. Move the ZZ plant to a brighter location with more indirect light to restore dark foliage. North facing rooms are often too dim.

How often should I water my Raven ZZ plant?

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly. In warm conditions, this may mean watering every 1-2 weeks. In winter, water every 3-4 weeks. Do not overwater.

What type of soil does a Raven ZZ plant need?

The Raven ZZ grows best in a well-draining peat-based potting mix. Add perlite to improve drainage. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.

Can I grow a Raven ZZ plant outside?

No, the Raven ZZ is an indoor plant. It cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures below 50°F (10°C). In warm climates, it may grow as an outdoor plant if temperatures stay above 60°F (15°C).

With the proper care, the striking Raven ZZ plant will reward you with its deep purple foliage and sculptural form for many years to come. Its resilient nature makes it an excellent choice for both beginning and experienced indoor gardeners alike.

Conclusion

The Raven ZZ plant provides a dramatic accent in any indoor space with its stunning dark leaves and lush, yet manageable size. While tolerant of some neglect, following the care guidelines provided will keep your Raven ZZ healthy and looking its best.

Key growing tips include:

Provide bright indirect sunlight to maintain deep foliage color.
Allow soil to dry between thorough waterings. Don’t overwater.
Maintain average room humidity. Mist leaves if air is very dry.
Repot every few years in fresh well-draining soil.
Fertilize monthly during active growth periods.
Watch for pests like spider mites and treat promptly.
Propagate easily by stem cuttings or division.

Growing the Raven ZZ plant is rewarding and enjoyable. With a basic understanding of its needs and proper care, you can have many years of pleasure from this striking plant. The Raven ZZ’s versatility and hardy nature make it an excellent houseplant choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

How to Grow and Care for Raven ZZ Plant