He’s ultra relaxed about watering. Let him dry out between drinks. The only thing he dislikes is overwatering.
He’s just as relaxed about light. He’ll be fine in almost any light level, except for total darkness or harsh sun.
He’s a slow grower. A liquid feed once in spring and again in summer will give him a boost.
Botanical name
Zamioculcas zamiifolia raven
Nickname
Black ZZ plant; Black fern arum
Plant type
Evergreen, indoor
Air purifying
Yes
Plant height (including pot)
60-70cm
Pet/baby safe
Mildly toxic if ingested
Nursery pot size
17cm
Little black plants, like little black dresses, go with everything. A relative of Cassie, our ZZ plant, this dramatic black variety was only created in 2017. It’s notoriously hard to breed black plants, but this one comes close to true black. New leaves are a fresh green, which deepens to an inky, green-tinged black.
While this is a new breed, the ZZ plant has existed for countless years. Its full name is zamioculcas zamiifolia, so it’s clear why it was shortened. Native to Central Africa, the ZZ plant is adapted to extremes of weather, surviving long periods of drought and storing water in occasional intense downpours. That’s why it’s such an excellent houseplant. It won’t panic if you forget to water it for a while. It’s a good option for anyone relatively new to plant care.
To encourage it to grow healthily, give it a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.
Did you know?
ZZ plants are used across Africa to treat everything from earache to ulcers.
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Fits pots 22-27cm
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