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Houseplants

Interiorscaping can be a fun way to beat the summer heat or lift those drab winter blues by gardening indoors. You can transform any home or office space with a few key plants. Whether you are trying to create a focal piece to a room, a unique conversation starter, or to add a soft touch to your space, there is a plant for every indoor situation. If you are just starting to indoor garden, think you are terrible at it, or really don’t know where to begin, then this list is for you. These are the most Tried and True houseplants, those that are going to take some effort to meet their demise. 

Need help on selecting the right container to achieve your look? Check out the Containers for Growing Plants visual guide.

 

Aglaonema commutatum 
poison dart plant 
 
Aglaonemas are some of the most rock solid, Tried and True in the houseplant world. They are also the plant to grow if you have lower-light conditions in your home or office. For a new spin on an old favorite, try some fun cultivars like ‘Cutlass’ and ‘Red Gold.’

Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet

Aspidistra elatior
cast-iron plant 

Anything with the name cast-iron plant is sure to be one tough cookie. Plant Finder notes “its ability to survive cultural abuse.” So if you have an area in your house that nothing has lived, try this one.  If this one still can’t perform for you, give our Horticulture Answer Service a call.

Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water:  Medium
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
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Beaucarnea recurvata
ponytail palm 

If you aren’t keen to remember to water your houseplants, you might turn your sights to the ponytail palm. Used to the semi-desert areas of Mexico, this plant has a built-in goof-proof system. It stores water in its water-retaining base (caudex). The good news is, as long as you remember to get it on the next round, all will be well.  

Sun:  Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Height:  6.00 to 8.00 feet

Dracaena fragrans (Deremensis Group) 'Lemon Lime'
corn plant 

Need a bright pop of color to brighten a dim corner? Try using ‘Lemon Lime.’ Its chartreuse and lime-striped leaves will look sleek in a white container or vibrant in blue, but one thing is sure: it’s another Tried and True.     

Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Height: 5.00 to 10.00 feet

Epipremnum aureum 'Neon'
golden pothos 
Vine

Golden pothos makes the list because it is the Rocky Balboa of vines. It will take a lickin’ and keep on tickin.’ If natural light is missing from your building, try growing ‘Neon.’ It can be placed in the darkest corner and still perform like a champ.   

Sun: Part Shade 
Water: Medium
Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet

Philodendron 'Pink Princess'
philodendron
Vine 

If you are looking for that unique talking piece that’s sure to grab the eye of all who enter, ‘Pink Princess’ is your gal. The dark black leaves are highlighted with large swathes of pink and the occasional white fleck. One of the higher-maintenance plants on the list because she is a rambler and likes to trail; however, if you give her a chance, you are sure to fall in love. 

Sun: Part Shade
Water: Medium
Height: 3.00 to 4.00 feet

Philodendron 'Winterbourn' XANADU
philodendron

XANADU gives you all the versatility of a traditional philodendron, but with deeply dissected leaves and a more compact, upright form. Like a fine wine, this one only improves with age.

Sun: Part Shade
Water: Medium
Height: 3.00 to 4.00 feet

Sansevieria trifasciata 'Bantel's Sensation'
mother-in-law's tongue 

Have you tried everything else and are about to give up on indoor gardening? Sansevieria may be for you. They are like the cockroaches of the apocalypse; they are going to live no matter what happens. Not just Granny’s old plant, they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. If you want a more contemporary feel, stick with the taller trifasciata species; ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ is a staff favorite. However, if you want something a bit funkier, look at Sansevieria cylindrica or Sansevieria masoniana and their cultivars. 

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet

Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ plant 

Rounding out the Top 10 list is a staff favorite, Easy ZZ, nicknamed because ZZ is used in so many places around the Garden and has performed well in all of them, indoor and out.  It has a great architectural look that will fit any decorating scenario. A fun new addition is a cultivar called ‘Raven.’ Its dark black leaves and stems will look stunning in a white container. 

Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet