Table of Contents
The raven ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, is a very easy and low-maintenance plant that is suitable for any low-light place. It thrives when placed in bright indirect sunlight, watered occasionally especially when the plant is actively growing, exposed to a suitable temperature and humidity level and growing on the best soil mix.
All these mentioned contribute immensely to the healthy growth and care of the plant. For more insights on how each of them functions, then scroll downwards and continue the ride.
Best Care For A Raven ZZ Plant
Raven ZZ Plant is an easy-to-care plant native to Africa. It tends to thrive in a balanced environment where there is enough light, soil mix, fertilizer, humidity level and many others.
In this care guide, we will talk about every one of these factors and how much impact it has on the growth of your Raven ZZ Plant.
1. Light Requirements
This species of raven zz plants tend to thrive in low light conditions with bright indirect sunlight. Howil can survive in low-light conditions and meet, if any, growth, the growth that you do see will likely be leggy and unattractive.
However, avoid placing your zz plant in a location where it receives direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon sunlight, as it is susceptible to leaf burn.
2. Watering
The raven zz plant has thick, water-storing rhizomes which makes it a drought-tolerant. Drought-tolerant plants don’t require frequent watering.
However, the best way to water your plant is by allowing the plant to dry off thoroughly between waterings. This will help to prevent overwatering of plants which can cause the roots of your plant to rot.
Furthermore, the best time to water your plant is more frequently than in the fall or winter season when it is usually dormant.
To know the amount of water your raven zz plant will need, you can use your finger and drip it into 2 inches of the soil. if it is dry, then it is a clear indication that it needs to be
3. Soil Requirements
The best soil mix for the growing of your raven zz plant is an airy and well-draining soil with porous holes to allow the soil to absorb water and drain out excess water too.
You can also use a houseplant soil mix. All you have to do is to ensure that the mix contains amended perlite, pumice, or sand that can help to increase drainage.
Furthermore, it is recommended to put the soil mix in a pot which must have well-draining holes for water draining.
4. Temperature And Humidity
The raven zz plant which is a tropical plant tends to thrive in light and medium temperatures. The temperature level must be between 65°F to 85°F degrees (18 to 29 degrees Celsius).
If you reside in an area where there is winter. Then you should monitor and care for the plant to avoid any damage.
To maintain this plant, you should try and avoid placing your plant close to air conditions or exposing it to a much higher or lower temperature as it is not favourable to this plant.
However, there are no specific humidity requirements for the plant. Just make sure that you should place the raven in its much-preferred area.
5. Fertilization
The raven zz plant doesn’t necessarily need fertilizer to survive though, it can cause the plant to grow slower. However, it is advisable to use an NPK liquid fertilizer with a ratio of 1:1:1. It must be applied every two or three months for a reasonable amount.
Most importantly, the amount of fertilizer to be applied must be diluted with regular water that will be used to water the plant.
6. Pruning
Raven zz plant grows relatively slowly compared to other plants, so you won’t need to prune the plant very often. Though, it is still advisable to prune your plant once to keep the plant neat and attractive when behold.
However, if you want to keep the plant at a smaller size, then cut off the plant’s back and make it look a bit tidier.
7. Repotting
To repot your raven zz plant, you must ensure that you carry out this task once you notice that your plant has outgrown its previous container or pot. This will allow you to only repot your plant once every two or three years.
If you notice that the drainage potholes are struggling together against the edge of the pot, it is a clear indication that your plant needs repotting.
Furthermore, you must ensure that the size of the new container or pot to be used must be an upgraded size of the previously used pot. This is so to avoid the problem of overwatering the plant.
However, having a spacious pot will help your plant to have enough space to absorb the fresh nutrients from the new soil mix.
Read Also: How to Get Rid of White Fuzzy Mold on Plants [Powdery Mildew]
8. Propagation
To propagate your raven zz plant, you can use the division or the leaf propagation method. Though, the division method is the quickest and the most harmful to use.
To propagate by division, cut the large bulb into two equal parts and rid the two parts of your plant from each of them which will result in two plants.
After, you will have to wait for a long period to see the outcome and the bulbs grow back to their normal sizes.
To propagate by leaf, take a section of the stem which has at least two leaves from the zz plant and put it in water or soil. Then wait to see an ingrown of roots which will likely take a few weeks to manifest.
9. Common Pests & Diseases
There are some common problems which can affect your raven zz plants such as the infestations of pests such as Mealybugs, scale, spider mites and thrips.
To get rid of these pests, you just form the habit of checking your plants on a daily. If there is any infestation of any one of these pests on the plant, treat it immediately with an Insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also use other horticultural oils.
Afterwards, isolate the affected plants from the pest-free ones. This is done to prevent further spreading in the garden.
Furthermore, the most disease that affects the plant is root rot which is usually caused by the overwatering of the plant and the contamination of disease-causing plant bacteria. It causes the plant’s roots to rot.
To get rid of this disease, you should cut off the rotting parts immediately to avoid spreading further which is bad. Then repot the plant and afterwards avoid watering the plant for a few weeks to allow the soil to dry out. Also, do well to get a pot with drainage holes.
Another problem includes the yellowing of the leaves which is a result of underwatering of the plant. So do well to water your plant when due to avoid the recurrence of the same disease.
FAQs
1. How Often Do You Water A ZZ Raven Plant?
It is advisable to water your plant every 2-3 weeks and allow the water to dry out between waterings. During bright light, you will water lore while in a low light, you will water less.
2. What Is The Lifespan Of A Raven ZZ Plant?
A raven zz plant has a slow growth rate and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.
3. How Long Can A Raven ZZ Plant Go Without Water?
In case you forget to water your plant, it isn’t a problem as your plant can survive without a water supply for two or three weeks.
4. Is The Raven ZZ Plant Male Or Female?
The raven zz plant has flowers which are in two different portions where one is the top bear of small male flowers(known as male flowers) while the base carries many tiny female flowers.
Conclusion
The Raven zz plant is easy to care for when you know the appropriate care guide that you need to follow which includes keeping the plant in bright indirect sunlight, frequent watering of the plant, feeding the appropriate fertilizer, exposing the plant to suitable temperature and humidity level as well as many others.
However, you need to keep a close watch on your raven zz plants when you walk through them in the morning. This is to easily identify any infestations of pests or diseases and tackle them immediately.
Furthermore, when you carefully follow these instructions, you will have the most beautiful and healthy raven zz plants at the end of the season. For more tips, click on the like and subscribe buttons for notifications.
