1. Christmas cactus
One of many types of easy-care cactus, Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) offers a graceful arching appearance, with long segmented stems and whorls of satiny flowers in lilac, deep rose, salmon, red-orange or white. Plants usually bloom mid- to late December. After blooming is finished, prune by pinching or using a sharp knife to cut off several sections. This encourages the plant to branch, creating a fuller plant with more blossoms.
Size: To 8 - 12 inches high and 6 - 18 inches wide
Growing conditions: Bright light; 70 - 80°F (55°F in fall); moderately dry, well-drained soil
2. Anthurium
Showy flowers give bright color for eight weeks or more each year to anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum, also known as flamingo flower). Flowers typically are red, but you can find hybrids in shades of pink, lavender, white and even green. Anthurium flower blossoms make superb cut flowers because they last a long time. Note that the pretty, heart-shape leaves contain toxic sap, so make sure pets and children do not ingest them.
Size: To 2 - 3 feet high and 2 feet wide
Growing conditions: Medium to bright light with no direct sun; 65 - 80°F; evenly moist soil (barely moist in fall and winter)
3. English ivy
This versatile foliage plant's dainty demeanor makes it suitable for hanging baskets or pots. It's among the best houseplants for training on topiary forms or using as a groundcover beneath larger houseplants. Place English ivy (Hedera helix) on a mantel or shelf where the stems can hang down. The stems can grow quite long but are easily controlled with pruning.
Size: To 6 - 12 inches high and 6 - 72 inches wide, trailing
Growing conditions: Medium to bright light; 55 - 70°F; average to high humidity; evenly moist soil
4. Aloe
Aloe (Aloe spp.), an easy-care succulent, has distinctive elongated leaves that fan out in a vase shape from a central base. Try smaller varieties such as Aloe vera on a sunny kitchen window. Aloes work nicely in dish gardens and in rooms with Southwestern decor. Keep the spiky leaves away from high-traffic areas.
Size: To 3 feet high and 3 feet wide
Growing conditions: Bright light; 65 - 75°F; moderately dry soil
5. Spider plant
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) looks striking in a hanging basket or on a pedestal, with its "babies" overflowing the pot. Most plants are the cultivar 'Vittatum', which has a white stripe down the center of each leaf, though all-green plants are also available. Brown leaf tips, which are common with spider plants, are due to contaminated water, usually from fluoride, or to overfertilization, low humidity or dry soil conditions. Trim damaged leaves with scissors. Use rainwater or distilled water if your tap water is fluoridated.
Size: To 6 - 12 inches high and 6 - 24 inches wide
Growing conditions: Medium to bright light; 65 - 75°F; evenly moist soil
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