Does anyone know of a plant that I can have indoors?

Question

...that gets 3 to 4 feet tall, is green, and can't be killed easily by me? I'm bad about watering - usually not enough, sometimes too much, and I've killed everything in this one particular spot that is near a glass door and gets plenty of light.

I live in Ca, by the way, and it's usually temperate outside and no lower than 55 degrees inside.

Thanks.

Answer 1

These are my two choices for you:

1) Latin name: Ficus benjamina
Easy care and adaptability have made the ficus one of the most popular plants grown indoors. The variegated foliage and the braided stems of this ficus will really catch your attention. The ficus is one of the most popular foliage plants grown because of its adaptability to the great indoors. Leathery leaves are dark green in color and cover the semi-weeping branches create a wonderful specimen plant with a full, bushy top. Plants need consistent moisture to prevent excessive leaf drop. Best growth is achieved when plants are provided with bright indirect light, but figs are adaptable to lower light levels when given time to adjust.
Foliage Color: Dark green
Max. Hight 24" - 6'
Zones: bright, indirect light
Watch for: Leaf drop if watered inconsistently or exposed to drafts.

2) Latin name: Aglaonema modestum
This Chinese Evergreen is an excellent selection for beginners because it's a low-light lover and low maintenance. It's also rated highly as an indoor purifier. It is one of the few foliage plants that can survive with just a reading light providing illumination. The leaves are a blend of silvery gray and dark green and form an upright bushy habit. Since Chinese evergreens grow in low light, pay careful attention to watering and allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. These plants prefer warm growing areas and will yellow or blacken if exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees F.
Foliage Color: dark green streaked with silver
Width: 6" to 8"
Height: 18" to 3'
Zones: low light
What to watch for: Over watering

Since you seem to have problems watering your plants:
For the Ficus benjamina: get a couple of small table water plastic bottles, make some very small holes on one side of each bottle. Fill them up with water and lay them down on each side of plants soil, the holes to the soil. They will water on their own, just remember to fill the bottles up when the water is gone.
For the Aglaonema modestum; Same as above but place the bottles each 15 days.

Good luck

Answer 2

I would go with a Philodendron and there are many species to choose from. Philos don't mind a little neglect and will let you know that they need water by drooping without dying off completely. They like light, but no direct light which is what it sounds like you have. There are very few indoor plants that require direct light, however if you put a sheer in front of that door to defuse the light then you may have better luck. Here is a site where you can get some idea as to what kind of plant you would like. This is an English site, but you can find most of these plants in any garden center. This site also provides light requirements for each plant.
http://www.houseofplants.co.uk/foliageplantscommon.htm
Good Luck

Answer 3

some ornamental grasses stand tall and tolerate black thumbs.. there are small banana or palms that are great at suffering through weird spells..Id go with a large grouping of Bamboo though.. I kill practically everything! and have had mine in a tabletop 8" pot for almost a year now.. though i know they can grow very large and are super tolerant of being over watered and drought. If you use one of those Super large 2' planter pots i've seen very nice ones for 20-30$ and make sure to use a tray to catch the water underneath.. you can dry plant with river rock and water or use soil.. rocks would be easier to clean up and less likely to be bumped over.. you can get some nice colors to nice decor to..

Bamboo can be bought at most landscaping and gardening shops... pretty cheap.. add to planter and fill with soil or rock and add water.. with soil dampen as you go.. dont soak.. but pack kinda firmly..

leave an inch at the top if using soil so not to make a mess when watering..

i hope this helps..

* remember to cover the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot with a mesh wire or piece of screen to keep soil from escaping.. if using soil!

Answer 4

Try a schiffelera (probably spelled wrong. It is also called an umbrella plant. It is very attractive, requires little maintenance, and has attractive leaves and bushy growth. You can also try a ficus tree. Very attractive, does not grow very tall and requires little care. It will also do well in little light. My last recommendation is a jade plant but a jade plant needs pinching to bush but you probably have time for a little pinch here and there. For a flowering plant I would recommend miniature roses and/or cyclamen. Both bloom all winter but require a little more care with watering and removing dead buds but both are worth the effort.

Answer 5

A tall variety of Spathophylum. It's hardy and forgiving. When it's thirsty, it starts to droop - then you know to give it a drink. It also produces a white lily-like flower from time to time, which is a nice contrast to the dark green leaves.

I have one that's about 5 years old now. He lives in my foyer. There is a large window. He is a very happy plant =)

Answer 6

For visual value/weight low to the floor, a dwarf palm.
For texture -Dracaena
For the green -Fica
For color & hard to kill, my fav- coleus
For a crisp clean bloom popping off dark green -perfect peace lilly

Just some ideas. I love plants just wish I could keep them alive!

Answer 7

Hi there,

I'm not being an a_ _, but wanted to know if a silk plant or a plastic plant would not work just as well. We have had several in our home from time to time and they are very pretty. We picked one up at a hobby shop. I think it was Michael's. Take a look through these websites for pictures.....you'ra gonna have a nice surprise:

http://www.google.com/search?q=fake+tall+plants&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADBS

Answer 8

johnny I wish I could be more helpful, but wouldn't a cactus do well in that environment?
Also, you should know that a philodendron ivy can grow very quickly, is very hardy and once it starts to spread you can then add a pole and allow it to start climbing in that direction.

Just an idea :)

Answer 9

I think a cactus plant near a window would be your best bet. We have had one for four years,water it once a month,and is is doing just fine/

Answer 10

A cactus would thrive in that type of environment...especially with lack of water.
You could always try a rubber plant. They are rather nice.