ZZ plants are native to Africa’s tropical regions, which have rainy and dry seasons, resulting in wildly changing growing conditions. As a result, they are very forgiving houseplants! ZZ plants thrive in fluorescent lights in offices and commercial buildings since they need a lot of indirect light (direct sunshine can scorch the leaves). ZZ plants can be cultivated outside in zones 10 to 12 in regions with filtered sunshine and well-draining soil. (The sun is OK in the morning, but plants need shade from the intense afternoon sun.)
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliads are tropical plants that have brightly colored flowers. They’re a popular houseplant because of their distinct appearance and tropical atmosphere. Depending on the species, bromeliads look best on shelves, tabletops, or even the floor.
The majority of bromeliad species prefer bright indirect sunshine to direct sunlight. The sun does not directly strike the plant, thus it receives indirect light. If your plant were outside directly in the sun, or if you planted it next to an open window with the sun shining directly on it, that would be an example of direct light. The leaves of a bromeliad can be damaged by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. It’s preferable to keep it close to a window, but not right in front of it. If natural light is not available, bromeliads can flourish under fluorescent lights.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreen plants are one of the numerous indoor plants that do not require sunshine. Many people recommend it as a good plant to start with if you’re new to houseplant care. Flowers that resemble calla lilies are produced by older Chinese evergreens, and they look best on the floor adjacent to furniture and in open spaces in the home. Younger Chinese evergreens are small enough to decorate a desk, tabletop, or shelf. Chinese evergreen plants are also on NASA’s list of air-filtering houseplants, making them both easy to care for and healthful selections for your home!
The solar requirements of the Chinese evergreen are determined by the color of its leaves. Generally speaking, if you have a plant with darker leaves, it prefers low light. Medium light is preferred by varieties with lighter-colored leaves, such as pink or orange. To avoid burned foliage, Chinese evergreen, like many other plants on this list, should not be placed in direct sunlight.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Because of its hardiness, the cast iron plant is often referred to as the iron plant. It can withstand a broad range of conditions, making it an excellent choice for green thumbs and busy plant owners. Its deep green leaves are ideal for adding a natural touch to any part of the space.
Cast irons are low-light plants that can thrive in practically any environment. They take a long time to grow, yet they are extremely difficult to kill. The sole need is that they be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent scorching or browning of its leaves. If you want to give your cast iron plant some extra attention, wash down the leaves with a moist cloth once a week to keep the dust off. Clean leaves make it easier for it to absorb the light and all of its nutrients.
Dracaena (Dracaena)
The dracaena is a typical houseplant that requires little maintenance. This plant comes in a variety of colors and looks excellent on shelves, tables, and floors. The larger kinds, such as the dracaena massangeana, have a tree-like appearance and are ideal for use as floor decor.
Dracaenas thrive in bright, indirect light, although they can also thrive in low and medium light. Dracaenas are also one of the best air-purifying plants for removing toxins from your home. Take a look at our dracaena care guide for additional information on how to properly care for your dracaena.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dumb canes are attractive plants that can be found in both residential and commercial settings. Because all portions of the plant are poisonous, they are known as stupid canes. As a result, pets and children should be kept away from this plant. If eaten, it can cause swelling and other difficulties, and if its sap comes into contact with the skin, it can cause itching. This plant’s hazard is lessened when handled carefully with minimum touch.
Depending on the species, dumb canes can thrive in both low and high filtered light. Sunlight that passes through something else, such as a sheer curtain or a window, is referred to as filtered light. Most species can survive in low-filtered light, but depending on the variety, they may not be able to thrive. Check to see what species of dumb cane you have to see what kind of light it prefers.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a lovely climbing plant that can transform any plain wall into a work of art. Ivy looks beautiful on trellises, fences, and other structures where its vines can flourish. If you’re starting from seed, keep in mind that the vines will take a number of years to grow.
Although English ivy prefers strong indirect light, it may still thrive in dim light. The more light this ivy receives, the more vibrant the color of its leaves will become. Direct light, on the other hand, can kill it. Many additional ivy kinds, such as the pothos described below, thrive in shaded areas and indirect light.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Maidenhair ferns are beautiful plants that add elegance to any space, but they’re also quite simple to destroy! However, the lovely foliage and overall appearance of this plant are well worth the extra effort. Indirect sunlight is ideal for several fern types, including the Boston fern and the bird’s nest fern.
Direct sunlight is harmful to maidenhair ferns, which prefer indirect, bright light. They also need high humidity and dislike dry soil, so keep them damp but not soggy to prevent root rot. In addition, these plants prefer distilled water to hard water (a.k.a. water that usually comes from the sink).
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor palms are lush plants that work well in a dining room or living room setting. Having a parlor palm in the Victorian era was a sign of wealth for a family. The parlor palm, while no longer as exclusive in today’s world, nonetheless adds a classy touch to any area it inhabits.
Low light is okay for parlor palms, but medium light is ideal. They also prefer shadier areas over brighter areas, so don’t put them too close to a window. If artificial light is required, parlor palms can thrive.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
A peace lily, contrary to popular perception, is not a genuine lily at all. The white “petal” that sprouts around the yellow bloom is actually a leaf bract. Next time you see one, take a closer look! Peace lilies are mainly utilized as floor décor because they can grow to be 24 to 40 inches tall.
Low to medium light is ideal for peace lilies, although they can also flourish under fluorescent light. The more light the peace lilies receive, the more white blossoms they will produce. They can survive in low-light environments, although they are far less likely to blossom. The peace lily is also one of the most effective plants for air purification. Check out our peace lily care guide for more information on how to properly care for your peace lily.
Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)
Cathedral windows, rattlesnake plant, and zebra plant are all names for the peacock plant. These names come from its lovely foliage, which some claim is reminiscent of peacock feathers. Peacock plants are known for being flashy and fussy when it comes to their upkeep. Humidity, distilled or rainwater, and moist (but not damp) soil are all favorites.
Peacock plants require low to medium light and will develop sad leaves if exposed to too much direct light. The pale streaks on the leaves indicate that this plant has received too much sunlight. When looking for a peacock plant, choose for a healthy variety and stay away from tiny plants with brown foliage. If you start with a healthy peacock plant, you’ll have a better chance of raising a healthy one.
Peperomia is a term used to describe a condition in which (Peperomia)
Peperomia are little plants that add a pop of color to your desk or table. Peperomias come in over 1000 different types, most of which are found in South and Central America. These plants enjoy dry soil and, thanks to their thick leaves, can go a few days without watering. The leaves are gray, crimson, cream, and green in color.
These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, but they can also thrive in fluorescent lighting. If necessary, Peperomias can thrive in slightly shady regions. To avoid scorched leaves, stay away from direct sunlight.
Philodendron (Philodendron)
Philodendrons are noted for their vibrant foliage and distinctive appearance. The heartleaf philodendron, in particular, is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of situations with little attention, including low light. Philodendrons exist in climbing and non-climbing forms, and with proper care, they may reach heights of three feet and widths of six feet.
Philodendrons love bright, indirect light, although they can also grow in moderate shade. If your philodendron has long, narrow stems with large gaps between the leaves, be cautious. This indicates that your philodendron is receiving insufficient light and should be relocated to a brighter location. Take a look at our philodendron care guide for additional information on how to properly care for your plant.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos plants are excellent starter plants for anyone who is just getting started with plant care. These plants may produce long, gorgeous vines that can be used to accent walls and give any room a tropical vibe. As a result, they’re best suited to being cultivated as hanging plants or potted on a desk.
Pothos plants thrive in medium to low light inside, although they may also survive in low light. Their leaves can turn yellow if exposed to too much direct light, while their gorgeous leaves will turn pale if exposed to little light. Take a look at our pothos care guide for additional information on how to properly care for your pothos.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
When night falls, the leaves of the prayer plant fold up like hands ready to pray. The pink veins and oval leaves of this plant are well-known. Because of their distinctive leaves, prayer plants look lovely in hanging baskets.
Prayer plants love bright, indirect light, although they can also thrive in low-light environments. However, if the leaves do not receive enough light during the day, they will close and not reopen in the evening. If this plant does not receive enough light, its leaves will begin to fade. It prefers damp soil and high humidity.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Mother-in-tongue law’s is another name for snake plants. The sharp point of the leaf is said to be the source of this term. It was given the name “snake” plant because of its striped hue, which resembles the skin of a snake. They are towering plants that can resist even the most neglectful of plant parents. Even after a few weeks of neglect, snake plants can maintain their strong appearance.
Snake plants may grow in a variety of light settings, but they prefer indirect light. Because they rot easily, it’s critical to allow their soil dry between waterings. Check out our snake plant care guide for more information on how to properly care for your snake plant.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants have long, slender leaves that arch outward from their roots. It has spider-like legs on its leaves. Spider ivy and ribbon plant are two other names for spider plants. When properly cared for, these plants can produce small white flowers and sprout spiderettes, or baby spider plants that can be repotted to produce more spider plants.
Spider plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can survive in low-light conditions. These plants can flourish in a mix of fluorescent and natural light environments. Browning leaves are a common occurrence in spider plants. This is a result of water fluoride exposure. Watering your plant with distilled or rain water will help prevent browning and keep it looking healthy.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
Staghorn ferns are showy plants that are a little finicky about their living circumstances. Antelope ears and elkhorn fern are two more names for the staghorn fern. If you want a low-light plant with a distinctive appearance, the staghorn fern is ideal.
These plants do not enjoy direct sunlight and prefer bright, indirect, or filtered light. Because this plant cannot survive in artificial light, it is advisable to arrange it where it will receive the most natural sunshine without blocking the sun’s beams. It prefers moist, but not extremely damp soil, just like numerous other high-maintenance plants on this list.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcasi)
The ZZ plant is one of the most hardy plants on the planet, and it is practically impossible to destroy. It is one of the best plants for anyone in desperate need of some green because of its luxuriant foliage and robust nature. It also has waxy leaves that give it a lustrous sheen. It’s an excellent plant to have if you need to fill in a blank space in your home or if you want to expand your houseplant collection.
The ZZ plant prefers bright, indirect light, but it can also survive in low light. It can also survive in settings with little natural light and only a few fluorescent bulbs. It dislikes direct sunlight and will develop yellow, curled leaves if exposed to too much.
How do you care for a ZZ Plant indoors?
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, sometimes known as the ZZ Plant, is a tropical perennial native to Eastern Africa that has gained widespread popularity in recent years due to its adaptability to a variety of environments. The smooth, naturally lustrous leaves of the ZZ range in color from bright lime in childhood to emerald green in maturity. Individual leaflets range in length from one to three inches. They emerge from thick, bulbous stalks that emerge from huge, water-storing rhizomes buried beneath the soil. Because it can survive low light and requires little water, the ZZ is a trustworthy houseplant.
In medium to bright indirect light, it thrives. Lower indirect light is tolerable. Intense, direct sunlight is not recommended.
Allow 2-3 weeks between waterings to allow the soil to dry out. Watering should be done more frequently in better light and less frequently in lower light.
Can ZZ plants live in dark?
The ZZ plant, often known as the Zanzibar gem, can never go wrong. Zamioculcas zamiifolia is its scientific name.
Even with only fluorescent light, this incredibly low-maintenance and hardy indoor plant can survive and grow in the worst lighting conditions. Dry spells aren’t a problem for this resilient plant.
Despite being neglected and deprived of sunlight on times, the ZZ plant will grow to a height of 3 feet, with meaty stalks and thick, glossy leaves. This houseplant is far too lovely; it almost appears artificial. It also has such a long lifespan that it is frequently referred to as the “eternity plant.”
So, what exactly are you waiting for? Save yourself the heartache by purchasing a pot or two of the ZZ plant.
What is indirect sunlight?
When your plant is in a gloomy location within an area that receives direct sunlight, it is called indirect sunlight. It could be hidden under a plant or a piece of furniture. When the light is direct only during specific times of the day, such as in the morning or late afternoon, it is referred to as partial sunshine.
Can ZZ Plant live in bright light?
Your ZZ Plant enjoys indirect light that is mild to bright, but it is very adaptable. In a windowless area, it will endure low light and fluorescent lights. During the spring and summer, use a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants once a month.
Where should I place my ZZ plant at home?
Indirect light from a north-, east-, or west-facing window can range from dim to bright. Direct sunshine, which can scorch the foliage, should be avoided. There aren’t any windows? It’s no problem. Under fluorescent lights, the ZZ plant thrives.
Temperature:
Grow at room temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit indoors. If you leave your plant outside during the summer, make sure to bring it inside when the temperature drops below 50 degrees F.
Humidity:
Humidity levels in the home should be OK, but keep your plant away from air conditioning and heating vents, which can dry out the air and cause browning of the leaves.
Watering:
Overwatering is one of the few methods to destroy a ZZ plant. Only water once every two weeks or when the top inch or two of soil feels dry during the busy growing season (spring through early fall). If you’re growing your plant in low-light situations or throughout the winter, water less frequently.
Fertilizing:
Because ZZ plants can store nutrients in their roots, they don’t require fertilizing as frequently as other plants. During the spring and summer, feed every month or so with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended dose. In the winter, don’t fertilize.
How can I make my ZZ plant grow faster?
Provide bright indirect light to ZZ plants. ZZ plants are excellent indoor plants since they tolerate low light levels yet grow more quickly in bright indirect light. They also do well under fluorescent lighting, making them a popular choice for office plants.
What happens if you touch a ZZ plant?
What Causes the Poisonous ZZ Plant? Calcium Oxalate, the same chemical found in human kidney stones, is produced by the plant. This substance takes the shape of a crystal with sharp edges. This is what causes irritation of the skin when it comes into touch with the sap, and it can also cause irritation of the interior tissues if eaten.
Can I put ZZ plant in window?
With its upright stalks lined with thick, dark green leaves, the ZZ plant makes a dramatic impression in any environment. It tolerates inconsistent watering, cool temperatures, dry air, and low light because it thrives on benign neglect. Bright light, such as that from a west- or east-facing window, is ideal.