ZZ plant varieties: color, form and care
Start with the foliage and the space. Standard green, Raven, Chameleon and variegated ZZ forms differ in color and pattern, while their dry-down and low-light baseline stays shared.
Check the species, variety, group or trade name
Plant names and labels
- Taxonomy
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia is the species here. Raven ‘Dowon’, Chameleon and variegated ZZ are cultivated forms, not separate Zamioculcas species.
- Group
- Compare ordinary green, dark-leaved Raven, variegated forms and yellow-to-green Chameleon. Compact forms are a separate size choice where the named form identifies them.
Compare visible shape, pattern and size
How the varieties differ
Raven emerges green and matures almost black. Chameleon emerges yellow and matures darker green. Variegated forms show cream or white patterning, while the standard form has dark green leaves. Clemson describes Raven reaching about 2.5 feet.
Change care only for a named difference
Care differences
All named forms retain low-light tolerance and dry-down watering. Give variegated or strongly colored forms enough indirect light to maintain the pattern, and choose scale for the space rather than changing the watering calendar.
Treat an unverified identity as uncertain
Limits of plant labels
Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy; accepted name
- Clemson University Cooperative ExtensionZZ Plant Species and Popular Cultivars; light; water; size
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription; houseplant care; light; water; cultivar traits
- University of Connecticut Home and Garden Education CenterVarieties; indoor culture; light and moisture tolerance