Fill a naked spot with one of these beautiful indoor plants.
Croton
Care level: Expert
The painterly leaves are a treat for the eyes, but such a display takes time — and patience. The temperamental plant craves constant, even moisture. A croton can also lose its bright color if it doesn't get enough light. And it can be toxic to pets and humans, so keep furry friends and curious toddlers away.
Bromeliad
Care level: Easy
These tropical plants will forgive if you forget to water, since they've adapted to stand up to drought conditions.
Aloe
Care level: Easy
It has a striking, sculptural presence and can soothe your skin. Aloe needs very little care, and can even thrive on infrequent waterings.
Kalanchoe
Care level: Easy
Low humidity is a friend of this plant, which will even flower in the wintertime. Water thoroughly, then leave it until the soil dries out.
Snake Plant
Care level: Easy
Also called Mother-in-Law's Tongue, this plant doesn't need much attention to look lovely. The hardy leaves store water, so you don't need to water it often.
Begonias
Care level: Easy
Like the aloe and the kalanchoe plants, begonias need their soil to dry out completely between waterings. And oddly enough, this plant even responds well to fluorescent light.
Kentia Palm
Care level: Intermediate
Sunlight and regular waterings keep indoor palms happy. While many other require high humidity (impractical as far as the indoors go), the kentia is relatively low-maintenance.
Philodendron
Care level: Intermediate
The leaves will tell you how to care for this classic indoor plant (which needs indirect light and moderate waterings). If the leaves turn yellow, it's getting too much light; if they are sparse, it's getting too little light. If they droop, you're giving it too much (or not enough) water. Over time, you'll learn what your plant needs.
Spider Plant
Care level: Intermediate
Though relatively simple to care for, the plant is picky about what it drinks. Its leaves can get brown at the edges if you give it a drink with flouridated water (as in, most tap water). Try distilled instead.
Gardenia
Care level: Expert
There's nothing quite like the intoxicating scent of gardenia flowers, but special attention is required to get blooms to appear. It needs 6-8 hours of direct bright sunlight (and growing lights won't do) and, ideally, a humidifier.
By Brie Dyas | House Beautiful
