PLANT SELECTION

After evaluating the amount of light available, choose the characteristics of plants you desire. Here are a couple of lists of robust plants to start with. Consider the amount of attention you can give, how much lightening you have available, and whether you want foliage or flowering plants.

Plants requiring minimal watering

• Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera or Medicine Plant)
• Agave americana (Century plant)
• Aspidistra elatior (Cast-iron plant)
• Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm)
• Crassula ovata or Crassula argentea (Jade Plant)
• Cereus peruviana and Rebutia (Cactus)
• Dracaenas (Corn Plant)
• Ficus elastica (Rubber Tree)
• Podocarpus macrophyllus maki (Buddhist Pine or Southern Yew)
• Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant or Mother-in-laws Tongue)

Plants tolerating low light level

• Soleirolia soleirolii (Baby’s tears)
• Aspidistra elatior (Cast-iron plant)
• Aaglaonema commutatum (Chinese evergreen)
• Scheffleras
• Fatsia
• Philodendron scandens oxycardium (Heart ivy)
• Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ (Janet Craig Dracaena)
• Parlor palm
• Pothos
• Ficus elastica (Rubber Tree)
• African violets
• Small cacti
• Succulents