Description
- Common names:
- ZZ Plant Black Queen, Black ZZ Plant, Raven ZZ Plant, Dowon, Zamioculca Negra, Planta ZZ Negra
- Botanical name:
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Black Queen', Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven'
- Description:
- A stunning cultivar with glossy leaves that mature from bright green to dramatic jet black. Exceptionally tolerant of low light and neglect, making it perfect for offices and dim spaces.
Features
- Rarity:
- Uncommon Find
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Mildly Toxic if Ingested (use caution)
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Architectural, Variegated Leaves (Color-Changing)
- Origin:
- East Africa
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Modern Living Room, Minimalist Office, Bathroom with Low Light, Scandinavian Design, Bookshelf Accent
Care Guide
Care level:
Beginner Friendly+
This plant is exceptionally forgiving and thrives on neglect, tolerating irregular watering, low light, and minimal care. It's ideal for first-time plant owners or busy individuals who want a dramatic statement plant without the fuss.
Light:
Low Light Tolerant+
Survives in very low light conditions, making it perfect for offices and bathrooms, but grows best in bright indirect light near an east or north-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves; if growth slows dramatically, it may need more light.
Water:
Water Sparingly+
Water thoroughly only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel completely dry, typically every 2-3 weeks. The thick rhizomes store water, making this plant highly drought-tolerant; overwatering is the most common cause of problems and can lead to root rot.
Humidity:
Low / Average Humidity+
Thrives in average household humidity levels of 30-50% and does not require any special humidity adjustments. This makes it exceptionally easy to care for in dry indoor environments and air-conditioned spaces.
Temperature:
Standard Room Temp+
Thrives in standard room temperatures of 18-26°C / 65-80°F and tolerates slightly cooler conditions down to 15°C / 60°F. Keep away from cold drafts, heating vents, and temperatures below 15°C which can cause leaf damage.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 9-11+
Hardy outdoors year-round only in USDA Zones 9-11 where temperatures remain consistently warm. In cooler zones, it can be moved outdoors during summer months but must be brought inside before temperatures drop below 15°C / 60°F.
Fertilizing:
Light Feeder+
Feed only once every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring through summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. This slow-growing plant requires minimal feeding, and over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup and damage the rhizomes.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot only every 2-3 years or when roots begin growing out of drainage holes, as this slow-growing plant prefers being slightly root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot only 1-2 inches larger than the current one.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe the glossy leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and enhance their dramatic shine. Clean leaves also help the plant photosynthesize more efficiently, especially important in lower light conditions.
Propagation:
Division+
Best propagated by dividing the rhizomes during repotting, separating healthy sections with roots attached. Leaf cuttings can also root in soil but take several months to develop new rhizomes and are slower to establish.