Raven ZZ

Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Dowon'

Other known names: Raven Plant · Black ZZ

A confirmed dark-leaved ZZ cultivar whose new growth opens green before maturing nearly black.

Published source-backed guide. This guide meets Lorekeeper's published source, care-completeness, safety, and identity checks. It is source-backed, not an expert-review claim.

LightLow to bright indirect light.WaterAllow most of the root zone to dry, then water thoroughly and drain.DifficultyBeginnerSafetyToxic

Toxic. Contains irritating compounds; keep out of chewing reach.

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Care

Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Allow most of the root zone to dry, then water thoroughly and drain.
Growing medium: A fast-draining indoor mix.
Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth.
Temperature: 60–85°F
Humidity: Average household humidity.
When to consider watering: Use pot weight, root-zone dryness, leaf firmness, and recent conditions together. A calendar is only a reminder to observe.
Watering method: When most of the root zone is dry, water thoroughly and allow all excess water to drain.
Repotting: Repot only when drainage, root condition, or stability shows a need; keep the rhizomes firm and shallow.
Pruning: Remove only damaged or fully spent growth with clean tools.
Beginner note: New leaves begin green and naturally darken as they mature.

Observe the plant and growing medium before acting. A reminder is a prompt to check, not an automatic instruction to water.

Characteristics

A confirmed dark-leaved ZZ cultivar whose new growth opens green before maturing nearly black.

Names & botanical identity

Accepted name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Dowon'
Plant family: Araceae
Plant group: Aroid
Cultivar: Dowon
Other known names: Raven Plant · Black ZZ
Safety: Toxic
Contains irritating compounds; keep out of chewing reach.

Growth

Growth habit: Upright rhizomatous foliage plant.
Mature size: 2-4 ft tall and wide indoors
Native range: Cultivated form of Zamioculcas zamiifolia.
Temperature: 60–85°F
Humidity: Average household humidity.
Difficulty: Beginner

Propagation

Divide rooted rhizomes or root leaf cuttings slowly.

When you add a propagation to Lorekeeper, connect it to the mother plant so its history and lineage remain intact.

Problems to recognize

These links describe possible or look-alike relationships, not a diagnosis. Start with visible evidence and rule out alternatives.

Excess moisture / root stress: Soft rhizomes, yellowing, or collapse require a root-zone and drainage check.
Scale insects: Inspect stems and leaflets for fixed bumps or sticky residue.

Check this plant in Plant Problems →