ZZ Zamioculcas 'Black Queen'
Product details
| Management number | 250426181 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$12.25 | Model Number | 250426181 | ||
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- Description
- ZZ Zamioculcas 'Black Queen' Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
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ZZ Zamioculcas 'Black Queen' is a cultivar of Zamioculcas zamiifolia, a tropical perennial in the family Araceae native to eastern Africa, from Kenya down through Tanzania and into Zimbabwe. It grows naturally in dry, rocky woodland and grassland habitats, where seasonal drought and low light are the norm.
The leaves of 'Black Queen' emerge a deep forest green and gradually darken to near-black as they mature, giving established stems a two-toned appearance from base to tip. Each glossy leaflet sits along an arching stem, and the overall plant spreads outward in a wide, layered form. The rhizomes underground are thick and potato-like, storing water and anchoring the plant in place.
Zamioculcas produces small, spathe-type flowers at the base of the stems, though blooms are infrequent indoors and not the main draw. 'Black Queen' is sought after as a rare collector find, and its near-black foliage makes it one of the more visually distinct members of the zamioculcas family.
Rotate it every few weeks so each side receives even light and growth stays balanced. You can move it outside for summer in a sheltered spot, but it needs cover from rain to avoid waterlogged roots. Keep it on a high shelf or in a room away from pets and small children, as the sap causes skin and paw irritation and the plant is harmful if ingested. It survives up to ten days without water, and the deep rhizomes require a heavy pot to keep the plant stable as it fills out.
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ZZ Zamioculcas 'Black Queen' grows well under office LEDs and in medium to bright indirect light, but scorches in south-facing windows.
Water it every 10-14 days in the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out fully between waterings.
'Black Queen' does best in a well-draining mix of potting soil combined with perlite or coarse sand to prevent root rot.
It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F and is sensitive to cold drafts from air conditioning or heating vents.
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'Black Queen' is a slow grower indoors; feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer only.
It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, tolerating outdoor conditions down to around 25°F-30°F for brief periods. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, California, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Hawaii, and other warm-climate states in those zones.
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Q: How much light does ZZ Zamioculcas 'Black Queen' need?
A: Keep it a few feet from an east- or west-facing window. Direct sun through a south window will bleach and scorch the dark leaves.
Q: How do I know when it needs water?
A: ZZ Zamioculcas 'Black Queen' will wilt slightly and the stems may soften when the soil has been dry too long. Overwatering is a more common problem and shows up as yellowing leaves and mushy stems at the base.
Q: Is 'Black Queen' safe around pets?
A: Cats and dogs should not be left to nibble or eat it. The sap also causes skin and paw irritation on contact, so handle it with gloves and keep it out of reach.
Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?
A: 'Black Queen' most often yellows from overwatering or from sitting in soil that does not drain well. Rootbound conditions and irregular fertilizing during the growing season can also cause yellowing.
Q: How do you propagate 'Black Queen'?
A: Leaf-stem cuttings placed in water or moist perlite will root slowly over several weeks. Dividing the rhizomes at repotting time is faster and more reliable.
Q: How big does this plant get?
A: 'Black Queen' typically reaches 2-3 feet tall and can spread just as wide once the rhizomes are well established, so it benefits from a wide, heavy pot.
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