Easy ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant, with its shiny foliage and stems, grows up to three feet tall. It needs shade, so it's perfect for dimly lit areas in the house. This easy-going plant doesn't require a special soil mix, and it can go for weeks--perhaps even months--without water, thanks to its big underground tuber where water is stored. It does best with occasional watering--about every other week or so. Just make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings.

"The truth is, about the only way to kill this plant is to over-water it," says James. As for many houseplants, the ZZ plant does fine outdoors as well, in a semi-shady spot. But don't take it out until spring temperatures are consistently in the upper 50s, and make sure you bring it back in when fall temperatures are around the same mark.

"So if you're the type of person that enjoys houseplants but doesn't have a lot of luck growing them," says James, "get a ZZ plant. It's as close to foolproof as a plant can be."