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Low-maintenance house plants

Last update: January 16, 2008 - 1:31 PM

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Thumb not so green? Try a few of these low-maintenance house plants, recommended by Mike Gettler of Lowe's and Darin A. Pines of U.S. Farms Inc. Most of them can deal with the low-light conditions typical in a Minnesota winter.

ALOE VERA

(Aloe barbadensis)

A drought-tolerant plant with a short stem and thick, fleshy leaves. It is vulnerable to overwatering.

CAST IRON PLANT

(Aspidistra elatior)

As its name suggests, this tough plant tolerates low light and a surprising amount of neglect.

CENTURY PLANT

(Agave americana)

Known for its gray-green leaves that spread from a rosette, this plant deals well with extreme temperatures and little or no water.

CHINESE EVERGREEN

(Aglaonema species)

Though many Chinese evergreens flower, they're grown for their ornamental leaves. These plants thrive in low light and grow well during winter.

DRACAENAS

Several dracaenas do well in low-light conditions, including cornstalk plant (Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana'), Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis) and the newer Rikki plant (Dracaena 'Rikki').

GOLDEN POTHOS

(Epipremnum aureum)

Named for its green and gold heart-shaped leaves, this climber needs little sunlight.

GREEN TI PLANT

(Cordyline glauca)

This easy-care plant holds up in low light, grows upright and can become tall over time.

JADE PLANT

(Crassula argentea)

This much-loved houseplant, known for its thick branches and smooth, fleshy leaves, is drought-tolerant, but susceptible to overwatering.

LUCKY BAMBOO

(Dracaena sanderiana)

Native to tropical west Africa, this plant does not need to be planted in soil and does well in low light.

SAGO PALM

(Cycas revolute)

Native to southern Japan, this palmlike plant can survive a range of temperatures.

SNAKE PLANT

(Sansevieria trifasciata)

Its thick, leathery leaves make this plant easy to care for. It does well in low light, can tolerate dryness and, because it grows upright, can fit in a corner.