Hi all. I got my Raven ZZ a few years and it's been doing good besides recently when it got forgotten about for a monthish. I've since given it a good amount of water and it's looking good again. So I'm just curious how can I keep it healthy and happy? Does it need a bigger pot? Fertilizer?

ZZ plants prefer to be root bound. Each stalk is an entire leaf. The water is stored in subterranean rhizomes. They can go a month without watering. They are aroids, but behave like succulents. They can live in fairly low light...not in the dark, but in bright diffused shade. I water mine every 2 weeks. Feed once a month.

I think the yellowing new leaves has more to do with light than watering.

I have many decades of Zz growing experience, but have only been growing 'Raven' for about 5 years. It seems to needs more light than the regular forms, if you want strong black leaves.
Additionally, I don't water my Zz's at all in the winter as it would just result in soft floppy growths. A well-established plant has no problem with a six month drought.
If repotting is needed (and I wait until they practically break the pot), do it in summer.

Iochroma said: I have many decades of Zz growing experience, but have only been growing 'Raven' for about 5 years. It seems to needs more light than the regular forms, if you want strong black leaves.
Additionally, I don't water my Zz's at all in the winter as it would just result in soft floppy growths. A well-established plant has no problem with a six month drought.
If repotting is needed (and I wait until they practically break the pot), do it in summer.

It sits on my counter that gets some direct sunlight near sunrise and set, it seems to be pretty happy there. I recently gave it some water so I'll be sure to hold off for a bit.
Do they need any type of fertilizer? Also have you had any that got big? I'm not sure how big these plants get so that's why I'm asking haha.

These can get 3-4 ft tall. My sister in law has a green one that is fully 4 ft

There are pics and info in the plant database on this site.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia Raven™)
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)