ZZ Zamioculcas Black Queen

Glossy, near-black leaves on upright arching stems, so dark they look lacquered. New growth emerges bright lime green and deepens over a few weeks, so an established plant carries both at once - it's the most dramatic ZZ there is. And it's still a ZZ, which means very nearly indestructible. Thick underground rhizomes store water and energy, so it shrugs off low light, dry air, and long stretches of neglect. Size: Grows 2 to 3 feet tall in an upright clump about 1 to 2 feet across. The 2 and 4 inch pots are young plants with a few stems; 6 inch is a fuller tabletop plant; 8 inch is a floor plant with real presence.

Light: Medium to bright indirect light keeps the black richest. It tolerates low light happily, though new growth stays greener.

Water: Every 2 to 3 weeks, and less in winter. Let the soil dry out well between drinks - the rhizomes hold plenty in reserve.

Humidity: Not a factor. It's content anywhere.

Soil and Food: A well-draining mix, ideally on the gritty side. Feed once or twice across the whole growing season.

Good to Know: Overwatering is the only genuine risk. Yellowing lower leaves and soft stems mean too much water, not too little. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep that lacquered shine.

Not pet safe. ZZ plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin.

The upright stems are less tempting than trailing vines, but worth placing thoughtfully - and worth rinsing your hands after any pruning.

Very dark foliage does something no other plant does: it reads as a deliberate design object rather than simply greenery, which suits a room where you want restraint rather than lushness.

This is also the plant for conditions where nothing else works - a windowless office, a dim hallway, a rental with one north window. Those rooms often need softening most and are the hardest to plant.

And there's real comfort in a plant that survives travel, forgetfulness, and a busy season. A living thing that never makes you feel behind is worth a great deal.

We offer free shipping on all orders. No minimum, no code, nothing to remember.

Your plant is packed by hand, with real care, to arrive safe and happy at your door. Orders ship within 1-4 days, and we currently deliver within the U.S. only. A tracking number will land in your inbox the moment your box heads your way.

When it arrives, unbox it right away, give it a good drink, and let it settle somewhere with gentle light for a week or so before you move it around. A little travel droop is completely normal, and it usually passes within a few days.

Every plant that leaves us has been hand-picked, looked after, and packed with love to keep it safe on the journey to you. If yours arrives unhappy, or has trouble settling in during its first 30 days, just send us a photo and we'll make it right with a replacement or store credit.

And after that first month, we aren't going anywhere. Yellowing leaves, a mystery bug, a plant that's sulking for reasons nobody can explain - reach out any time. We're here and so happy to help you along on your plant parent journey.

Good plants, good people.