9 Essential ZZ Plant Care Tips For Low Light Rooms

3. Position Your Plant in True Low Light, Not Zero Light

I once tried to hide an ugly internet router by shoving a gorgeous ZZ plant into a completely windowless downstairs hallway closet. I figured since everyone called it indestructible, it would be totally fine, but it just sat there looking depressed and completely stopped pushing out any new growth.

Defining the Line Between Shade and Darkness

There is a massive difference between a moody, low-light corner and a pitch-black room with absolutely no natural light at all. Even the toughest low light houseplants need at least a tiny bit of ambient light to survive over the long haul.

A great rule of thumb is that if you can easily read a physical book without turning on a lamp during the afternoon, your plant has enough light. If you have to flip a light switch just to see your hand, that is zero light, and your Zamioculcas zamiifolia will slowly starve.

Finding the Perfect Dim Spot

The absolute best spots for a ZZ plant in a dim home are near north-facing windows or tucked into the corner of a quiet bedroom. You can also place them safely on a bookshelf that sits entirely across the room from a bright, sunny window.

These placements shield the thick leaves from harsh, burning rays while still providing enough ambient energy for basic survival. Just keep them out of those windowless guest bathrooms unless you plan on running a strong grow light on a timer.

Finding that perfect cozy spot is only half the battle, because you also need to make sure the plant doesn’t start stretching weirdly toward the doorway, so hit that next button below to see how a simple spin keeps everything perfectly straight.