ZZ Plant

With its glossy, almost artificial-looking leaves, the ZZ plant is the closest thing to a houseplant you can genuinely ignore. Underground rhizomes — fat, potato-like storage organs — bank water and nutrients, so it cruises through neglect that would flatten most plants.

Light

ZZ plants are famous for tolerating low light, which makes them a go-to for offices and interior rooms with no window nearby. They'll grow a little faster and fuller in medium-to-bright indirect light, but they won't complain in the gloom. Keep them out of direct sun, which can scorch the glossy foliage.

Watering

Less is genuinely more. Water only when the soil has dried out completely — typically every two to three weeks, and you can stretch it longer in winter. Because the rhizomes hoard water, underwatering is hard to do; overwatering is the classic mistake. If you're unsure, wait another week.

Common problems

Yellowing leaves are the overwatering warning sign — ease off and let it dry. Brown leaf tips can come from underwatering or sensitivity to fluoride in tap water. Stems stretching and flopping outward mean the spot is too dark; move it somewhere a bit brighter.