Plants for those with not-so-green thumbs
Thumb not so green? Try these low-maintenance house plants, recommended by Mike Gettler of Lowe's and Darin A. Pines of U.S. Farms, Inc.:
Aloe vera
A drought-tolerant plant with a short stem and thick, fleshy leaves. It is vulnerable to over-watering and freezing temperatures.
Cast-iron plant
As its name may suggest, this plant is hardy and tolerant of neglect.
Century plant
This plant with a spreading rosette of gray-green leaves deals well with extreme temperatures and with little or no water.
Corn plant
Does well with low light and will last for years in the home, eventually growing large and canopy-like. It can tolerate high or full sun and requires watering every seven to 10 days.
Cycads
A slow-growing and drought-tolerant plant native to Africa.
Emerald beauty and Maria Christina Chinese evergreen
Both of these flowering plants thrive in low light settings and grow well during winter months.
Golden Pothos
This plant with colorful vegetation requires low sunlight.
Green Ti plant
Holds up in low light and will grow upright and become tall over time.
Janet Craig
Grows well in low light conditions and will also help clean the air of the home it's in.
Jade plant
A drought-tolerant plant with thick branches and smooth, fleshy leaves that is susceptible to over-watering and freezing temperatures.
Lucky bamboo
Native to tropical west Africa, this plant does not need to be planted in soil and does well in low light.
Rikki plant
A plant with yellow-green foliage that tolerates medium light levels while growing colorful leaves.
Sago palm
Native to southern Japan, this plant does very well in high heat and cold temperatures.
Snake plant
Does well in low light, can be watered every seven to 10 days. It also grows upright and can fit well in a corner.
Song of India
Requires moderate watering and prefers medium to low light. Another variety is the Pleomele Reflexa Anita, which can tolerate medium light.
Widow Haworthia
This plant with fleshy pointed foliage deals well with extreme temperatures and little to no water.
"ZZ Plant"
With smooth, shiny, dark green leaves, this plant tolerates low light conditions, grows slowly and does not need to be watered or repotted often.