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Raven™ ZZ Zamioculcas zamiifolia Raven™ 'Dowon'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
zam-ee-oh-KUL-kass zam-ee-FOH-lee-uh
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Raven™ ZZ plant is a tropical succulent houseplant in the Araceae (ariod) family. The species name means with leaves like Zamia, which is an unrelated genus. This plant has a slow growth rate, starting at 6 inches and eventually reaching 3 feet in height and width.

In the landscape Raven ZZ needs partial to deep shade and soil with good drainage. Plant less than 12 inches to 3 feet apart. However, it is best grown as a houseplant potted in well-drained 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; water 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. This plant can be propagated by division, leaf, or stem cutting. This plant has a medium toxicity for humans and animals. Wear clothes when handling.

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. 

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. 

Quick ID Hints:

  • Leaves are showy lime green; with age they turn purple to black
  • Stem colors can be green, black, purple, or lavender

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant 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.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#easy to grow#purple leaves#slow growing#showy leaves#low light#low maintenance#spadix#glossy leaves#black leaves#glossy#lime green leaves#problem for cats#problem for dogs#tropical#container plant#easy to grow houseplant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#easy to grow#purple leaves#slow growing#showy leaves#low light#low maintenance#spadix#glossy leaves#black leaves#glossy#lime green leaves#problem for cats#problem for dogs#tropical#container plant#easy to grow houseplant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Zamioculcas
    Species:
    zamiifolia
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Leaf Cutting
    Stem Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Succulent
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Flower Description:
    Rarely flowers. Spathe is green and spadix is brown to grey. It does not often bloom, if it does indoors the plant could be unhappy with its conditions.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Black
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Pinnately compound, shiny lime green new growth turns purple/black with age. Leaflet shape is ovate with thick petioles.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Black
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Description:
    Thick, fleshy stems from a rhizome. They start out broad and taper towards the top.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    Diarrhea
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Calcium Oxalate Crystals
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Leaves