Indoor plants

" Nerve Plant Fittonia species Add frilly color to low-light areas with nerve plant, also called fittonia. This attractive, small-leaf native of Peru is available in a variety of leaf colors and bicolors: green leaves can be partially or mostly colored in pink, white, and light green. Nerve plant is small, growing 6 to 12 inches so it’s ideal for windowsill planters, small containers, or terrariums. Care tip: The colored leaves of nerve plants will be a little less colorful in low light. Green will dominate the leaves more, but plants will still be lush and gorgeous. Pinch back new growth to keep plants full and leafy. ZZ Plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia The ideal plant for the forgetful plant owner, ZZ plant is a forgiving plant that handles low light and sporadic watering. (There’s no guilt involved with owning this plant!) It’s a slow grower, so it won’t need repotting or dividing for years. The thick glossy leaves look beautiful in any décor. ZZ is a favorite indoor plant in offices because they do well under fluorescent lights. Plants grow 16 to 28 inches tall; if you like a dwarf version, try ‘Zamicro’. Care tip: Keep the leaves of ZZ (and all low-light plants) free from dust. A simple swipe with a damp cloth keeps leaves glossy and beautiful. Lucky Bamboo Dracaena sanderiana You may have admired this plant the last time you ate at an Asian restaurant because assuredly a lucky bamboo was in the lobby to greet you. These sculptural houseplants are reputed to bring good luck and are sold in a wide array of artistic shapes: braids, loops, curlicues, and hearts. A topknot of frilly leaves adds flourish to the stems. Although not a real bamboo, (it’s actually a dracaena), this pliable plant is grows in so many different sizes and shapes, they’ll match any décor or space. They do well in low light and grow very slowly. Care tip: Even shade lovers like a vacation outdoors in the summer. Move lucky bamboo into a north-facing area of your yard or porch in midsummer. Snake Plant Sansevieria species The strappy swordlike leaves of this easy-care houseplant have earned it lots of weirdly descriptive names, such as snake plant (kid love this name) and mother-in-law’s tongue (mother-in-laws don’t love this name, as well they should not). Snake plant, a low-light-loving variety, comes in many different leaf shapes as well: wide and short, narrow and long, even cylindrical leaves that look like little spikes. This easy-care plant also comes in a wide range of colors to white, yellow, and green striped to green leaves splashed with lighter colors. Care tip: Don’t overwater low-light plants; most dark-side dwellers prefer it on the dry side. "