How to Care for Your ZZ Plant + Black Raven ZZ
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Also known as the Zanzibar Gem, this easy-to-care-for plant has gained a reputation as the perfect plant for those who are beginners or who don’t exactly have a green thumb. Its versatility makes it a great choice for anyone!
The newest variation of the ZZ Plant is the Black Raven ZZ, with dramatic black-toned leaves! Quite the stunner, this plant requires the same care as the more common varieties. While an easy plant to grow, we do have a few tips that will help your ZZ Plant look its best:
LIGHTING
The ZZ Plant can living almost any lighting condition, except direct sunlight which will scorch its leaves. Grow your ZZ in low light, like your bathroom, medium light, such as an office, or bright indirect light, for example 1′ to 2′ from a bright window.
WATERING
This plant comes from a semi-arid area in South Africa, so it is drought tolerant and likes to have the soil dry out in-between waterings. Check the soil 2″ to 3″ down inside the pot or use a moisture metre for a more accurate reading.
CARE TIPS
The glossy leaves of the ZZ Plant can get dusty very easily, so be sure to wipe them off with a damp, soft cloth or give your plant a shower in the sink or tub every few weeks. Turning your plant, so that all the sides get equal light, can also help your ZZ Plant grow straight and tall rather than leaning.
You can fertilize your ZZ Plant once a month with a 20-20-20 indoor plant variety of fertilizer.
If you notice that the bottom leaves are turning yellow and falling off, that’s a sign that you are overwatering and you need to take a break. If the tips of your ZZ leaves are turning brown and dry, then you probably need to water it more often.
