Raven ZZ Plants do best in unglazed ceramic pots with drainage holes. Choose a pot just 1–2 inches wider than the rhizome cluster. These plants store water in thick underground rhizomes, so fast-draining soil and a breathable pot prevent the most common killer: overwatering.
What Size Pot Does a Raven ZZ Plant Need?
Raven ZZ Plants grow from thick, potato-like rhizomes that sit just below the soil surface. These rhizomes store water and expand slowly over time, so the pot only needs to be slightly larger than the rhizome cluster.
Pick a pot that's 1–2 inches wider than the combined rhizomes. A pot that looks proportional to the upright stems is usually about right. ZZ Plants are slow growers (reaching about 3 feet tall over several years), so you won't need to size up often.
An oversized pot is the most common mistake with ZZ Plants. Too much soil holds moisture that the rhizomes can't absorb, creating conditions for rot.
Young plant (under 1 ft)4–6" pot
Established plant (1–2 ft)6–8" pot
Mature plant (2–3 ft)8–10" pot
What Material Pot Is Best for Raven ZZ Plant?
The Raven ZZ Plant's thick rhizomes work like built-in water tanks, making this one of the most drought-tolerant houseplants you can own. The roots and rhizomes are far more likely to rot from excess moisture than to suffer from drought. A pot material that allows airflow and helps soil dry quickly between waterings is the safest bet.
Since ZZ Plants are almost always kept indoors in low to moderate light, sun exposure on the pot isn't a concern. Focus on breathability and drainage.
Dries fastest → Slowest
Best for Raven ZZ Plant
Fabric
Excellent airflow keeps rhizomes dry and healthy. Great for preventing the overwatering that kills most ZZ Plants.
Unglazed Ceramic
The best overall choice. Breathable walls wick moisture from the soil, and the weight keeps the plant stable.
Wood
Good drainage and aeration. Less common for indoor ZZ Plants but works well on porches or patios.
Glazed Ceramic
Works fine if you water carefully and use a fast-draining soil mix. Just don't water on a schedule.
PlasticTOO SLOW
Holds moisture too long for ZZ Plant rhizomes, especially in low-light spots where soil dries slowly.
Best for Raven ZZ Plant
Metal
Fine for an indoor ZZ Plant. Metal helps soil dry faster, which suits the plant's drought-adapted roots.
Raven ZZ Plants store water in thick underground rhizomes, making them very drought-tolerant. The biggest danger is overwatering, so a breathable pot helps protect those rhizomes. Unglazed ceramic is the best overall pick, wicking moisture from the soil and adding stability.
Avoid plastic, especially if your ZZ Plant sits in a low-light spot where soil already dries slowly. Plastic holds moisture too long for these drought-adapted roots. Metal is actually a decent option indoors because it helps soil dry faster.
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Yes. ZZ Plants are one of the most overwatered houseplants because their thick stems look like they can handle anything. But those plump rhizomes rot quickly in standing water.
Drainage holes let excess water escape immediately after watering. Pair them with a fast-draining soil mix (cactus or succulent mix works well) so water doesn't linger around the rhizomes.
When Should I Repot My Raven ZZ Plant?
Raven ZZ Plants are slow growers and don't need frequent repotting. Every 2–3 years is typical, and only when the rhizomes are visibly crowding the pot or starting to warp the container.
Repot in spring or early summer when the plant is in its growing season. Go up just 1–2 inches in diameter. Shake off old soil and inspect the rhizomes for any soft or mushy spots, trimming them away if found.
ZZ Plants actually perform well when slightly rootbound. There's no rush to repot, and keeping the pot snug reduces the risk of overwatering.
Signs It's Time to Repot
Rhizomes are pressing against or bulging over the pot rim
Pot is warping or cracking from rhizome pressure
New stems are noticeably smaller than older ones
Soil has broken down and no longer drains well
When Can I Plant My Raven ZZ Plant in the Ground?
Raven ZZ Plants can only grow in the ground year-round in zones 9b through 11b. They're tropical plants with no frost tolerance, and cold soil quickly rots the rhizomes.
In warm enough zones, plant in a shaded or partially shaded spot with very well-drained soil. In most climates, the Raven ZZ is best kept as an indoor plant in a pot. It thrives in low light and requires minimal attention, making it one of the easiest houseplants to grow.
Got More Questions?
Can I use a pot without drainage holes for my Raven ZZ Plant?
It's risky. ZZ Plant rhizomes are extremely rot-prone in wet soil. If you must use a decorative pot without holes, keep the plant in a draining nursery pot inside it and empty any collected water promptly.
How do I know if my ZZ Plant's pot is too big?
If the soil stays damp for more than two weeks after watering, the pot is too large. The excess soil holds moisture the rhizomes can't use, leading to soft, mushy roots.
Can I divide my Raven ZZ Plant when repotting?
Yes. Gently separate the rhizome clusters by hand or with a clean knife. Each division should have at least one stem and a healthy rhizome. Pot each piece in its own small container.
Why are my ZZ Plant's rhizomes mushy?
Mushy rhizomes almost always mean overwatering or poor drainage. Remove the plant from its pot, trim away any soft rhizomes with a clean blade, let the cuts dry for a day, then repot in fresh, fast-draining soil.
Does my Raven ZZ Plant need a heavy pot?
It helps. Mature ZZ Plants can become top-heavy as their thick stems grow tall. An unglazed ceramic pot provides both the breathability the roots need and the weight to keep the plant upright.
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Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.
See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.
Editorial Process
Container guidance verified against Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Black Raven' growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
