Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’

New leaves onZamioculcas zamiifolia‘Raven’ emerge a vivid lime green, then darken over weeks into a deep, glossy, near-black purple. At any given time the plant carries both shades at once, creating a tonal contrast that evolves as each stem matures. It shares all the virtues of the standard ZZ plant, drought tolerance, low-light tolerance, and a near-total indifference to neglect, but with a dramatically different appearance. If you want a genuinely low-maintenance plant that still makes a visual impact, this is a strong choice.

Origins
Zamioculcas zamiifoliais native to the dry grasslands and forests of eastern Africa, from Kenya south to South Africa. ‘Raven’ is a patented cultivar discovered as a naturally occurring mutation in a South Korean nursery in 2006. Its black colouring is stable and does not revert.

Soil and Substrate
ZZ plants store water in their thick, potato-like rhizomes and are highly susceptible to root rot in wet conditions. OurDesert Mixis a peat-free cacti and succulent substrate that provides the sharp drainage this species needs.