The Raven ZZ plant, formally known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’, is a distinctive houseplant known for its deep, almost black, purple-green foliage. This cultivar shares the robust, drought-tolerant characteristics of the standard ZZ plant, making it a popular choice for indoor environments. The plant naturally grows slowly, but its ability to thrive in low-light conditions contributes to its reputation as a resilient specimen. Creating new plants from an existing specimen allows gardeners to expand their collection of this unique dark-leafed variety.
Preparing for Propagation
Before attempting propagation, gathering the correct materials ensures a smooth and successful process. A sharp cutting tool, such as a sterile knife or shears, is necessary to make clean cuts that minimize damage to the plant tissue. Sterilization is paramount, achieved by wiping the blade with rubbing alcohol to prevent the transfer of pathogens or fungal spores.
The planting medium should be a well-draining substrate, such as a specialized cactus or succulent potting mix, since the Raven ZZ plant is a semi-succulent. Timing propagation to coincide with the plant’s active growth period, typically late spring or early summer, also increases the likelihood of rooting success.
The Fastest Method: Rhizome Division
The quickest way to produce a fully formed new Raven ZZ plant is by physically separating the underground storage structures, known as rhizomes. This method immediately creates a plant with established root mass, bypassing the months-long process of developing roots and the initial bulbil from a cutting. Starting the process involves carefully sliding the mother plant out of its container and gently brushing away the excess soil to expose the network of thick, potato-like rhizomes.
Once the root ball is visible, the gardener can identify natural separation points where the clump of rhizomes can be gently pulled apart. If the rhizomes are tightly bound, a sterilized knife can be used to make a clean division between sections. It is important to ensure that each resulting division possesses at least one healthy rhizome and a few attached leaf stalks, or petioles, to support the new plant’s growth.
These newly separated divisions should be immediately replanted into prepared, well-draining soil in individual pots. Replanting at the original soil depth helps the plant adjust quickly to its new home and minimizes transplant shock. This method requires disturbing the entire root system of the original specimen.
Techniques for Stem and Leaf Cuttings
Propagating the Raven ZZ plant through cuttings allows for multiplication without disturbing the main root system, though it requires significantly more patience. Two distinct types of cuttings are commonly used: the entire leaf stalk, often mistakenly called a stem, and individual leaflets. When taking a stem cutting, a full petiole is removed close to the soil line using the sterilized tool, providing a larger surface area for potential root development.
For leaf cuttings, individual leaflets are carefully twisted or cut from the main stalk, ensuring the small base of the petiolule remains intact. This small piece of tissue is where the new rhizome will eventually form. Regardless of the cutting type, the most important subsequent step is the callousing process.
The cut end of the plant material must be left exposed to dry air for one to three days, depending on environmental humidity. This drying time allows a protective layer of scar tissue to form over the wound, defending against rot-causing pathogens once the cutting is placed into a moist medium. Skipping this step often results in the immediate decay of the plant material.
Once calloused, the cuttings can be inserted directly into a porous, well-aerated medium like a mix of perlite and potting soil, or even pure perlite. Some gardeners attempt water propagation, but planting directly into soil is considered a safer method for this semi-succulent to prevent premature decay. The leaflet should be inserted just deep enough so the cut end is covered, keeping the majority of the leaf vertical and exposed to light.
Long-Term Care and the Waiting Game
After the propagation methods are complete, the focus shifts to providing the proper environment for the new plants to establish themselves. The Raven ZZ plant thrives in bright, indirect light, but it tolerates lower light conditions well, which is generally suitable for the initial rooting phase. Placing the pots in a spot that receives gentle, filtered light will support photosynthetic activity without risking leaf burn.
Watering is the most frequent area where new propagators encounter difficulty, particularly with cuttings. The newly planted material, especially calloused cuttings, requires very infrequent watering; the soil should be allowed to dry out completely between applications. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure, leading to the rapid decomposition of the cutting before roots have a chance to form.
The true test of patience comes with the waiting period, as the Raven ZZ plant is one of the slowest-growing houseplants. Cuttings will first focus energy on forming a small, pea-sized storage structure, known as a bulbil or rhizome, at the base of the cut. This process can take anywhere from three to six months before any visible sign of success is apparent beneath the soil line.
New foliage will only emerge from the soil after the rhizome has established itself and accumulated sufficient stored energy, a milestone that may take nine to twelve months or even longer. Signs of success include the cutting remaining firm and green, followed eventually by a tiny, new shoot emerging from the soil beside the original leaf or stem piece. Troubleshooting issues like mushy, yellowing material usually points back to excessive moisture and the resulting root rot.