ZZ Plant vs Pothos : Which Survives Better in Low Light Homes?

Many homes don't get enough sunlight for plants, especially flats with small windows or rooms facing north. I faced this problem too, and initially, many of my plants died. This gradually taught me that not every plant needs bright light. For low-light homes, two plant names always come up — the ZZ plant and the Pothos. Both are very popular, hardy, and easy for beginners. But they are not the same. In this article, I'll share my personal experience to help you choose the right plant for your home.

Understanding Low Light in Your Home

Low light doesn't mean complete darkness. It means the plants shouldn't receive direct sunlight, but rather indirect daylight or reflected light from windows. Most flats, bedrooms, corners of living rooms, and offices fall into this category. Choosing the wrong plant here can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and root rot.

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Low-light plants always grow slowly, so they require less water and less care. Both the ZZ plant and the Pothos are known to survive in such conditions, but their behavior and needs are quite different. Let's understand these two plants properly.

ZZ Plant Overview : Hardy and Slow-Growing

The ZZ plant is known for its thick, glossy leaves and sturdy stems. It looks clean and modern in any room. This plant stores water in its roots, so it can easily survive long periods between waterings. This makes it perfect for busy people.

The ZZ plant grows very slowly in low light. You might not see new leaves for months, but your plant will remain healthy. This makes it ideal for corners, offices, and bedrooms where light is limited and there's less disturbance.

Pothos Overview : Fast-Growing and Flexible Plant

Pothos is one of the most common houseplants in any home. It has heart-shaped leaves and long, trailing vines. It adapts easily to varying light levels and thrives even in low light.

Unlike the ZZ plant, pothos grows quickly. It shows rapid visual changes, which many people appreciate. You can place it on a shelf, hang it, or let it trail down from pots. It's also easy to grow in water.

Light Tolerance : Which One Thrives in the Dark?

The ZZ plant can survive in very low light conditions where other plants would fail. Rooms with small windows are perfectly fine. This plant doesn't complain easily, but its growth will slow down considerably.

Pothos needs slightly more light than the ZZ plant. In very dark rooms, its leaves may become smaller and lose their variegation. It will survive, but it won't look its best without some indirect light.

Watering Needs and Common Mistakes

The ZZ plant requires very little water. Overwatering is the biggest mistake people often make. Water it only when the soil is completely dry. Prolonged exposure to wet soil can lead to root rot.

Pothos, on the other hand, requires moderate watering. The soil should always be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. If its leaves are drooping, it usually means it's thirsty. Overwatering can also cause yellowing leaves and fungal problems.

Care Comparison Table : ZZ Plant vs. Pothos

Feature	ZZ Plant	Pothos
Light Need	Very low to low light	Low to medium indirect light
Watering	Very less	Moderate
Growth Speed	Very slow	Fast
Beginner Friendly	Yes	Yes
Visual Change	Slow	Quick
Overwatering Risk	Very high	Medium

Which Plant is Better for Small Apartments?

For small apartments with limited sunlight and little time for plant care, the ZZ plant is considered a safe choice. This is because it stays compact, doesn't spread much, and requires minimal attention.

If you want greenery that fills the space and grows quickly, then Pothos is a better option. It's perfect for living rooms and balconies that receive some indirect light. It also enhances the beauty of bare walls and shelves.

Air and Health Considerations

Both plants help improve the indoor environment slightly, but they are not magical air purifiers. They primarily contribute to a better mood and a sense of calm in the home.

The ZZ plant is toxic if ingested, so keep it away from pets and small children. While pothos is also mildly toxic, adverse effects from typical use are rare.

Final Tips and Honest Conclusion

If your home has very little light and you often forget to water your plants, choose the ZZ plant. If your home receives some indirect light and you enjoy watching things grow quickly, choose the pothos. Both are hardy plants, but they have different needs. In my experience, choosing the right plant based on light conditions and lifestyle always yields better results than simply following trends.

Also Read

• Top 10 Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants for Busy People
• Best Indoor Plants for Beginners (No Gardening Experience Needed)

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Deepak Kumar

Deepak Kumar is an indoor gardening content contributor who focuses on practical plant solutions for small homes and apartments. He has spent years observing common plant problems faced by indoor plant owners and enjoys breaking down complex plant care topics into simple, easy-to-follow guidance. At IndoorPlantify, Deepak contributes articles based on everyday experiences with houseplants, helping readers understand what works, what doesn’t, and why consistency matters in indoor plant care.

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