�
If you are a beginner or have little time to look after plants, get ones that tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions and an occasional bout of negligence. There are plants that can even put up with the wrong kind of treatment and are virtually indestructible.
Before getting an indoor plant you should think it through. Before you acquire a large, costly plant, study the conditions in which it is going to live, and, if in doubt, buy ones that are smaller and cheaper.
If you decide on a leafy plant, make sure it looks healthy and is free of defects and pests. If you opt for a flowering plant, it should have several buds about to open. Avoid ones that are in full bloom.
And finally, before we discuss some of the simplest plants for your home, remember to buy plants that come with instructions on how to care for them.
The plants that are easiest to care for include:
Spathiphyllum wallisi (peace lily)
This plant is good for decorating both because of its foliage and the way it blooms. It tolerates dim light and has the added quality of letting you know when it needs to be watered: its leaves droop, and recover as soon as the plant is watered.
Sanseviera trifasciata (mother-in-law�s tongue)
A plant with firm, upright leaves that needs very little water and has few requirements other than a bit of light.
Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant)
One of the most popular indoor plants. It grows quickly, does well in both warm and cool rooms, in both sun and shade, and doesn�t mind dry air.
Apidistra eliator (milky way)
This is a very resistant plant that was popular years ago and is now making a comeback. It tolerates being neglected and undergoing long periods without being watered, but not having its roots continuously flooded.
Tradescantia
The indoor plants that are most decorative and easiest to care for include tradescantia. In general, no indoor plant is completely problem-free but this one comes close.
Saintpaulia ionantha (African violet)
This plant requires very basic care, little water and a bright place so it blooms again and again.
Scindapsus aureus (devil�s ivy)
This plant is perfect for beginners because it tolerates all kinds of conditions. If the light is dim the color fades a bit.
Other plants that are good for beginners and easy to find in flower shops include the cactus family, grape ivy, tree ivy, wandering Jews and others.