Black Raven ZZ Plant - Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The Black Raven ZZ plant, scientifically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven', is a striking cultivar in the Araceae family. Native to eastern Africa, particularly Tanzania and Zanzibar, this plant has adapted to dry, rocky conditions where it stores water in its thick rhizomes underground. The Black Raven variety is a modern selection prized for its dramatic dark foliage that emerges bright green before maturing to a deep purple-black colour. This is a beginner-friendly plant that tolerates neglect remarkably well, making it ideal for busy households or those new to plant care. 🌿 Fun fact: the ZZ plant can survive months without water by relying on its underground rhizomes, which act like natural water reservoirs during drought periods.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This plant grows in an upright, architectural form with thick stems that emerge directly from the soil. The leaves are pinnately compound, meaning multiple glossy leaflets line each stem in a feather-like arrangement. New growth starts as bright lime green before slowly darkening over several weeks to a rich purple-black shade that looks almost charcoal in certain light. The leaflets are oval-shaped with a waxy coating that gives them a leathery texture and high shine, creating an elegant contrast against the dark colouring.
FLOWER DETAILS
The Black Raven ZZ occasionally produces small, inconspicuous flowers that grow low near the soil line. These blooms are pale cream to light brown in colour and take the form of a spadix, a fleshy spike surrounded by a small spathe, similar to a peace lily but much smaller. The flowers have no noticeable fragrance and are not the main ornamental feature of this plant. Flowering is rare indoors and typically occurs only on mature plants in ideal conditions. To encourage flowering, maintain consistent care with adequate light and avoid overwatering, though most growers appreciate this plant purely for its dramatic foliage rather than any blooms.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS

🌞 Light: Thrives in bright indirect light but tolerates low light remarkably well. Aim for 4-6 hours of filtered light daily. Can adapt to office fluorescent lighting or dimmer corners, though growth will slow and new leaves may stay greener longer in lower light.
💧 Water: Water every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. In fall and winter, reduce to once monthly or less. Overwatering is the main cause of problems. Water at the base, avoiding the rhizomes, and ensure excess drains away completely.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in average home humidity of 30-50%. No special humidity requirements needed, making it perfect for Canadian homes during dry winter months.
🪴 Soil: Requires well-draining mix. Use cactus or succulent soil, or create a blend of regular potting mix with perlite or coarse sand. Good drainage prevents root rot.
🏺 Potting: Plant in a pot with drainage holes, slightly snug rather than oversized. Terracotta or ceramic pots work well. Repot every 2-3 years in spring when rhizomes fill the pot, going up just one pot size.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate grower. Expect 2-4 new stems over 6 months in good conditions. In one year, a small plant may add 4-8 inches in height. Mature plants can reach 2-3 feet tall and wide indoors.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. Ingestion can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach of curious pets.

WHERE TO PUT IT
The Black Raven ZZ works beautifully as a floor plant in living rooms, bedrooms, or office spaces where its upright form creates architectural interest. Its dark foliage stands out against light-coloured walls and pairs well with modern or minimalist decor. This plant handles lower light areas like hallways, bathrooms with windows, or corners away from direct sun exposure. It's an excellent choice for offices with only fluorescent lighting. Avoid placing it in rooms with very cold drafts, near heating vents that cause extreme temperature swings, or in spots with intense direct afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves and fade the dark colouring.