Jade plant
What it looks like: A succulent ( Crassula argentea) with thick, rounded leaves, stout trunk, and an upright, bushy form. Most varieties have green foliage, though leaves of some are outlined in red. Clusters of pink, star-shaped flowers from fall into spring.
What it needs: bright, indirect light all year; little water. As a general rule for all houseplants, water when the top 20 percent of soil is dry.
How to use: Slip plants from 4- or 6-inch nursery pots into decorative containers to display on a desk or countertop. Plants can eventually reach several feet tall but stay compact in small pots.
PothosWhat it looks like: A trailing plant with leathery, glossy, heart-shaped leaves of bright green splashed with yellow. Related to philodendron, pothos can also be trained to climb.
What it needs: bright, filtered light (such as through a sheer curtain); typical household temperature and humidity.
Give it low water during winter, regular water and feeding during the growing season. Keep leaves clean by wiping with a damp cloth.
How to use: Grow it as a hanging plant to cascade over the top of a tall bookcase or the side of a mantel.
Pinch off growing tips to induce bushiness.
Rubber tree What it looks like: Large, oval leaves give rubber tree ( Ficus elastica) a decidedly tropical look.
Indoors, some varieties grow to about 4 feet tall.
Foliage comes in several colors, from deep green to burgundy.
What it needs: Takes any but the lowest level of light. Let the soil get fairly dry between waterings.
How to use: Large plants in 10-inch containers look good on the floor next to a sofa or as a focal point in a corner.
Set pots on glazed or plastic saucers to protect flooring or carpet.
Ponytail palmWhat it looks like: Tough, grasslike, bright green leaves arching out from a thick, trunklike base resemble a head of hair, giving ponytail palm ( Nolina recurvata) its common name.
Over many years, the plants can reach 4 feet tall.
What it needs: Bright, indirect light all year; little water (let soil dry out between waterings — a mature plant can store water in its bulbous base). Flourishes in a warm, dry place.
How to use: Looks best in a spot that shows off its graceful silhouette.
Small plants (4-in. pot size) are perfect for console tables. Given the right conditions, can eventually exceed houseplant size.
ZZ plantWhat it looks like: Fleshy stems and glossy, deep green leaves make ZZ plant ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia) look almost artificial. This Tanzanian native grows very slowly to 3 feet tall and about as wide.
What it needs: Plant does best in moderate and low light. It doesn’t need much water; let soil dry out between waterings.
How to use: Small plants look good on tabletops or low bookcases; set larger ones on the floor next to chairs and end tables.
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