Jet-Black Raven Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Dowon'

'Raven™ ZZ' is a tropical succulent houseplant easy to grow succulent houseplant in the Araceae (ariod) family .  The species name means with leaves like Zamia which is an unrelated genus.

This cultivar has lime green new growth that turns a dramatic purple-black color as it ages.  It stores water in its thick petioles and a tuber-like rhizome making it an easy to grow houseplant that withstands even dark conditions.   This low-maintanence plant will slowly reach a mature height and spread of 3 feet.  

Plant in well-drained potting soil that is watered routinely but allowed to dry out between waterings as wet feet are not tolerated. Water it only once a month in winter months when it goes dormant upping watering to twice monthly in the summer but only if the soil has dried out completely.  Use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.  This plant can be treated in much the same way as cactus and other succulent plants.  While they will grow in very low levels of light, even in areas with only fluorescent light,  they do best with bright indirect sunlight.  Scalding and browning of leaves can occur if the plant is placed in direct sunlight.

In some areas, it may be possible to grow this plant in a container outdoors if it is brought in once the temperature falls below 60 degrees F.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Zamioculcas zamiifolia.