What it is: This listing is a large plant sold as Black Raven ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia, sold under the Raven name). NC State Extension describes Raven™ ('Dowon') as having lime-green new growth that turns a dramatic purple-black as it ages. This large plant suits a floor spot.

Light: ZZ plants are famous for coping with low light, and NC State Extension lists them from deep shade to a few hours of direct sun. Our growers find an east or west window ideal; they grow faster and fuller in bright, indirect light. Keep hot midday sun off the leaves. A grow bulb in a lamp works well in darker rooms.

Watering & care: Our earlier listings call ZZ an excellent semi-succulent houseplant: its rhizome stores water, so let the mix dry out well between waterings and never leave it sitting in water, since soggy mix rots the rhizome. Use a well-drained mix. Our growers like a leaf shine to make the glossy leaves stand out.

Humidity: Average household humidity is fine, and dry winter air in Alberta homes doesn't bother it.

Temperature: Keep it in ordinary room temperatures, away from cold drafts, frosty windows and heat vents.

Winter indoors: Growth nearly stops in winter: water only occasionally, keep it off cold glass, and give it your brightest window or a grow light.

Expected indoor size: NC State Extension notes ZZ grows slowly, reaching about 0.6–1.2 m (2–4 ft) tall and wide at maturity. Indoors in northern Alberta it usually takes several years to fill out, depending on light, pot size and care.

Feeding: Feed lightly with Schultz Cactus Plus or our Schultz All Purpose Plant Food a few times from spring to late summer; stop in winter.

Pets & pests: Toxic if eaten: NC State Extension lists ZZ plant as poisonous (medium severity), containing calcium oxalate, with vomiting and diarrhea if leaves are eaten in quantity, and tags it as a problem for dogs and cats. Keep it out of reach of pets and children. Watch for scale insects (NC State Extension).

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness, leaf count and variegation or colouring vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular height, stem count, fullness or leaf colour. The size option (10") refers to the pot diameter or listed container. It does not guarantee an exact plant height or number of stems. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other ZZ Plants as inspiration. Options marked NO SHIP can't be shipped, but are available for pickup or local delivery.