Low-maintenance house plants

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 barbadensis)

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

(Aspidistra elatior)

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

(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.

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

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').

(Epipremnum aureum)

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

(Cordyline glauca)

(Crassula argentea)

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

(Dracaena sanderiana)

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

(Cycas revolute)

(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.

(Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

With smooth, shiny, dark green leaves, this plant tolerates low light, grows slowly and does not need to be watered or repotted often.

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