Summer Glow-Up! 10 Indoor Plants To Take Out

5. The Resilient ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

A healthy, resilient ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) with its characteristic glossy, dark green leaves, shown in a pot on a wooden porch, demonstrating it's one of the great indoor plants that can go outside in the summer in a shaded spot.

If there was an award for the most unkillable houseplant, the ZZ Plant would be a serious contender. They are just legendary for their ability to tolerate low light, infrequent watering, and general neglect. I have one named Zephyr, and honestly, for the longest time, Zephyr just… existed. He looked good, sure, but he was very much a static feature in my living room.

Why Even This Tough Guy Can Use a Summer Refresh

You might be thinking, “It’s a ZZ Plant, it’s basically a plastic plant that’s alive, right? Why bother moving it?” And I get that! They are super tolerant indoors, no doubt about it. But here’s a little something I’ve noticed: even for these incredibly hardy plants, a summer stint can refresh it in subtle but lovely ways. Zephyr, after his first “summer vacation” on my shaded porch, seemed to have shinier leaves, a deeper green color. It wasn’t a dramatic explosion of growth – ZZs are famously slow growers – but there was a definite perkiness, a vibrancy that wasn’t there before. It’s like even the toughest among us appreciate a bit of fresh air and a change of pace.

Outdoor Spot Secrets: Shade is Your Best Friend!

Okay, this is the golden rule for taking your Zamioculcas zamiifolia care routine outdoors: shade or indirect light is absolutely essential. Think deep shade, like under a well-established tree or a porch roof where the sun just doesn’t peek through. These plants are not fans of the sun’s direct rays at all.

And when I say direct sun is a no-go, I mean it. Those beautiful, waxy, glossy, dark green leaves will scorch and turn yellow or brown in a heartbeat. I remember a friend telling me how she put her beloved ZZ out for “just a little sun” one morning, got distracted, and came back to some very unhappy, sunburned leaves. It was a sad sight! So, learn from that – find the shadiest spot you’ve got, and that’s where your ZZ will be happiest. It’s one of the best drought-tolerant shade plants you can find.

Transition Tips: Forgiving, But Gentle Still Wins

The ZZ Plant is very forgiving, which is a relief. It’s not going to throw a massive fit if the conditions aren’t absolutely perfect during its transition. However, even with these tough guys, gradual is always best. A slow introduction to the different ambient light (even in shade, it’s different than indoors) and air movement will help it settle in without any stress. A few days of increasing its outdoor time should be fine.

Now, here’s the most critical part for outdoor ZZ care, just like with our friend the Snake Plant: you must ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot. ZZ plants grow from large, potato-like rhizomes that store water. If they sit in soggy soil, those rhizomes will rot, and that’s usually game over. So, a pot with excellent drainage holes is non-negotiable. If you’re expecting rain, you might even want to tilt the pot afterwards to help excess water escape, or move it to a drier spot temporarily. Good drainage is paramount for these low-light succulents.

Decor Vibes: Striking, Glossy, and Modern

One of the best things about ZZ Plants, besides their resilience, is their stunning appearance. Those glossy, dark green leaves arranged on upright stems have such a modern, architectural feel. They really do look striking against light-colored patio furniture or walls. The contrast can be incredibly effective and adds a touch of sophisticated, minimalist style to your outdoor plant styling.

I placed Zephyr in a sleek, dark planter against a light grey wall on my covered patio one summer, and it was chef’s kiss. It created this really cool, contemporary focal point in a shady corner that otherwise might have been a bit boring. They bring a sense of calm, sturdy elegance to patio decor ideas, especially if you’re going for a more minimalist garden aesthetic.

So, even if your ZZ Plant seems perfectly content being its low-key self indoors, consider giving it a gentle summer holiday in a shady spot. It might just reward you with an even more beautiful, refreshed version of its already awesome self!

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