Overview
Raven ZZ is Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Dowon', selected for leaves that open lime green and mature through burgundy to glossy purple-black. It delivers dramatic color with the species' sturdy, low-water character.
Mature Size and Habit
Plants slowly form an upright, vase-shaped clump about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Fleshy stalks rise from thick underground rhizomes, mixing bright new and nearly black mature foliage.
Best Landscape Uses
Feature it in a pale patio container, protected entry, or shaded tropical bed where the dark leaves remain visible. A container also simplifies winter protection.
Sunlight
Give bright indirect light, partial sun, or shade. Filtered light supports rich color; direct afternoon sun may scorch leaves, while deep shade slows new shoots.
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Use loose, well-drained organic or sandy soil. Water deeply and let the upper soil dry before watering again. The rhizomes store moisture, so saturation is the greater risk.
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Plant or repot in spring after cold weather. Keep permanent outdoor plantings to sheltered zone 10B settings; elsewhere, favor a container that can move during cold snaps.
Pruning and Maintenance
Cut yellow or damaged stalks at soil level, wipe dusty leaves, and fertilize lightly during active growth. Repot only when crowded, and inspect for scale and mealybugs.
Wildlife Value
Its inconspicuous aroid flowers offer limited wildlife value. Pair Raven ZZ with regional flowering plants if nectar, pollen, or bird habitat matters.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
Shade protects leaves from Tampa heat, but frost and cool weather cause damage. Bring containers under cover before prolonged temperatures below about 60°F.
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
All parts contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals. Do not ingest, keep away from children and pets, and wear gloves when pruning. Slow rhizomes are not structural roots but may split an undersized pot.
Invasive Concerns
Raven ZZ is nonnative and is not known to spread aggressively in Florida. Put divisions and discarded rhizomes in managed yard waste, not preserves or drains.
Helpful Resources
Consult the NC State Extension Raven ZZ profile for culture and safety and the 'Dowon' plant patent for verified identity and color development.
