The Easiest Tropical Plants to Grow at Home

Quirky but elegant, ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) blends effortlessly into any style décor, from contemporary to country. It’s a slow grower, but logs quickest progress when placed in bright light (although it tolerates low light just fine). Water only occasionally, because the bulbous base acts like a water reservoir.

Undemanding and spectacular in bloom, lifesaver plant (Huernia zebrina) opens five-pointed star shape flowers with a dark red lifesaver rim. This is a succulent, craving low water and full sun. Flowers, which measure 1.25 inches across, open intermittently throughout the year.

Sturdy but beautiful, Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) tolerates just about any growing conditions indoors. Leaves offer a variety of eye-catching patterns, and when the light is bright enough, these tough plants send up calla lily-look-alike blooms.

Capture the beauty of fall with the glowing leaves of ‘Autumn Ember’ begonia. Rex begonias actually thrive in the dry air typical in homes and survive dry spells created by forgetful waterers. Provide bright light to help leaves retain their glowing hues.