18 Houseplants Perfect for Bad Gardeners

By Darcy Logan

Are you known as a houseplant killer? I know, you didn't kill them - they committed suicide. But hey, not everybody has a green thumb, and just because you have a yellow or even a brown thumb doesn't mean you can't enjoy a house filled with plants. All you need to do is select the right plants for your gardening ability. Picking a plant that is easier to care for will ensure that it doesn't wind up in the trashcan as another "victim" of your lack of gardening skills. Here is a list of 18 hardy plants that are designed to beautiful the homes of even the weakest of gardeners.

1. Aglaonema

The aglaonema, or Chinese evergreen, has green leaves that can be variegated with silver, white, or yellow and will bear white flowers similar to a calla lily. The flowers are followed by green berries that turn red-orange. The aglaonema is very disease-resistant and can survive in almost any light setting. In fact, if it is placed under a ceiling floodlight that is on six to eight hours a day, it won't need any natural light at all. Be sure to water it about every three days. Soil should be kept between wet and evenly moist, but occasional dryness won't harm it. It should also be kept away from drafts. If the leaves start to yellow, try moving your plant to a new location because it was probably on the receiving end of a nasty draft.

2. Asparagus Setaceus

The asparagus setaceus, or asparagus fern, has delicate, needle-like leaves that are usually bright or yellowish green. It will also produce small, white flowers, but blooming is sporadic. It prefers to be kept in brighter areas. It should be watered about once every week to two weeks. Water enough to keep the potting moist but no more.

3. Aspidistra Elatior

The aspidistra elatior was given the name "cast iron" because it is capable of surviving in poor conditions. It has shiny, dark green leaves that grow to 24 inches long and will occasionally produce brownish-purple flowers near its base. This plant will tolerate any condition: dust, heat, cold, over watering, under watering and low light. It is also highly resistant to pests. It likes cool filtered sun. Its soil should be kept evenly moist, but not constantly wet. Water it thoroughly every time it dries out.

4. Bromeliads

Bromeliads come in over 2,000 varieties. Bromeliads have thick, fleshy leaves that usually tightly overlap to form tubular vases. In the home, plant diseases are rarely a problem for this plant and their leaves are too tough to be bothered by insects. Its foliage will be more vibrant in brighter lights, but they can survive without any direct light and even in artificial light. Keep the center of the plant filled with water and the potting mix just barely moist. Water whenever the potting mixture looks dry by pouring the water into the center "cup" of the plant. The plant should be kept drier in the winter and has been known to survive for weeks without water. This plant is not poisonous to pets.

5. Chlorophytum

The chlorophytum, or spider plant, typically has grassy green leaves, although some varieties have leaves striped with white or yellow. This plant is very adaptable and can tolerate all forms of neglect. They get their name from the runners that are formed from shoots that hang down the side of the pot.

Chlorophytum grows best in brighter light but will tolerate lower light levels. While it prefers moisture, it will survive if you let its soil dry out between waterings. Brown leaves can be caused by high concentrations of chlorine or fluoride in tap water and by under fertilizing. Remove the brown tips by trimming them with a scissors and try watering the plant with rain or distilled water. This plant is not poisonous to pets.

6. Cissus

The cissus, also known as the grape ivy or kangaroo vine, is a vigorous climber. It has green leaves, and some varieties will produce small flowers. It is one of the few plants that will tolerate lower temperatures and drafts. The cissus needs indirect sunlight and should not be placed in direct sunlight. It should be watered whenever it becomes almost dry and then watered so that water drains out of the bottom of the pot. It should not be kept continuously wet.

7. Coleus Blumei

The coleus, or painted nettle, has colorful, velvety foliage in shades of red, pink, green, and yellow. If placed outdoors in the summer, it has been known to get blue flowers. This plant needs bright light and its soil should be kept continuously moist.

8. Crassula Arborescens

The crassula arborescens, or jade plant, has smooth, fleshy leaves that vary in size and will produce tiny, white flowers in the winter. They are fast growers and very easy to keep. They prefer bright light or full sun. Plants that are kept under low light will produce elongated stems. They prefer moderate temperatures (between 50°F to 70°F), but will withstand a wide range of temperature. Water it when the soil is nearly dry.

9. Dracaena

This tall, durable plant has long, leathery, spear-like leaves that point downwards. Foliage comes in a variety of colors such as spotted with yellow or cream, striped white, edged with burgundy, and plain green. It can easily survive indoors even when the conditions are far from ideal.

Dracaenas need plenty of light, filtered through a curtain if indoors. However, some varieties will do well in fluorescent light while others prefer a sunny window. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. If soil is allowed to get severely dry, the leaves will yellow or turn brown and die. These plants also prefer humid conditions. You might consider placing the planter on a tray of pebbles that you keep moist to increase the humidity around the plant. They are also resistant to most diseases and are poisonous to pets.

10. Dieffenbachia

The dieffenbachia is probably better known as the dumb cane. The foliage is mostly green with white spots or pale chartreuse with dark green edges and veins. It will also produce a lily like flower. Because the wide leaves of the dieffenbachia tend to collect dust, you will need to clean the leaves occasionally with a wet sponge.

Dieffenbachias need plenty of indirect light. Any abrupt temperature fluctuations will cause the color of its leaves to fade, so it's best not to place this plant near doors, radiators and appliances. Water thoroughly whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. If it is allowed to dry out too much, the leaves will start to yellow and die. This plant is extremely poisonous to both children and pets.

11. Epipremnum Aureum

The epipremum aureum is also known as the pothos or devil's ivy. It has heart-shaped, waxy leaves that are either white and green or yellow and green. It is very tolerant to many adverse conditions.

The pothos prefers well-lit areas but not direct sunlight. If the variegation in its leaves begin to fade, its not receiving enough light. It enjoys warmer conditions and will not tolerate colder conditions. It should be watered one to two times a week when the top inch of the soil feels dry and misted regularly. If it begins to turn yellow, it is not receiving enough water. This plant is poisonous to pets.

12. Ficus Elastica

The ficus elastica, or rubber plant, has large, dark green, oval leaves that have a thin copper-colored edging. They will tolerate sun or shade. It should be watered when it is not quite dry. Over watering will cause the leaves to turn yellow. The best way to water is to set it in a bucket and let it soak up as much water as it needs.

13. Hedera Helix

The hedera helix is better known as the English ivy. It is available in a variety of leaf shapes, colors, variegation, and sizes. They are easy to grow and will tolerate many conditions.

They prefer bright, indirect sunlight but will tolerate other light levels - including full sun or shade. Plant with variegated leaves will need more light than those with solid green leaves. The soil should be kept barely moist, but not soaking. Red spider mites can be a common problem for plants that are kept in hot, dry conditions. The best defense against them is to keep the plant misted. This plant is poisonous to pets.

14. Howea Belmoreana

The howea belmoreana, or kentia palm, produces long, finger-like fronds that give the plant an elegant, airy look. It needs to be kept in areas with warm, filtered sun. If the upper leaves begin spotting, the plant is being kept in an area with too much light. Although they are durable, they cannot tolerate severe dryness or constant over-watering. If the tips begin to yellow, it is receiving too much water. However, it the tips began to brown and the fronds droop, the plant is not receiving enough water.

15. Sansevieria

Commonly known as snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue, this is one of the hardiest houseplants around. The sansevieria has long, spiky, variegated foliage. Mature plants will produce sprays of fragrant pink-white or yellowish flowers, but the flowering is erratic and unpredictable. Although the sansevieria prefers bright sunlight, it will tolerate a wide range of light levels including darker areas. During the spring, summer and fall, you should only water this plant once every ten days. In the winter, you should only water it once every 1-2 months. Over watering is virtually the only way this plant can be killed. This plant is poisonous to pets and children.

16. Saintpaulia

The saintpaulina, or African violet, is one of the few plants that will flower several times a year, even under low or fluorescent light. In fact, too much light will cause leaves to pale or turn yellowish green. They come in many flower colors and are even available in dwarf varieties.

African violets should be watered when the surface soil feels dry to the touch. The best way to water them is to place the pot in a bowl of shallow water because any water on the leaves will turn them brown. They prefer cooler temperatures (around 60°F to 70°F) and must be protected from drafts.

17. Tradescantia

The tradescantia is known under several different names including wandering Jew, wandering creeper, inch plant, Tahitian bridal veil, and Purple Heart. It has bright green leaves that are oval shaped. It also comes in green and purple, purple and silver, pinkish-cream and red, or red with silver stripes. The leaves are an inch long and spaced about an inch apart on a spindly stems. It also produces small flowers with three petals.

The tradescantia is so easy to grow that it is classified as a weed in many areas. This plant will tolerate poor light if it grown in a rich soil. However, its colors are more intense if it receives more sunshine. Its soil should be kept moist.

18. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia

The zamioculcas zamiifolia is also known as the aroid palm or the ZZ plant. It has thick, fleshy, glossy leaves. It is very tough under indoor conditions and handles neglect well. It is also very resistant to disease and insects.

The plant does well in lower light levels, but prefers brighter light as long as it is kept out of direct, afternoon sun. Zamioculcas zamiifolia should remain on the dry side and it soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. If its leaves begin to yellow, it is probably being watered too much.

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