Populus tremuloides

Populus tremuloides is a deciduous tree native to cooler areas of North America, one of several species referred to by the common name aspen. It is commonly called quaking aspen,[2][3][4] trembling aspen,[2][3] American aspen,[3] mountain or golden aspen,[5] trembling poplar,[5] white poplar,[5] and popple,[5] as well as others.[5] The trees have tall trunks, up to 25 metres (82 feet) tall, with smooth pale bark, scarred with black. The glossy green leaves, dull beneath, become golden to yellow, rarely red, in autumn. The species often propagates through its roots to form large clonal groves originating from a shared root system. These roots are not rhizomes, as new growth develops from adventitious buds on the parent root system (the ortet).

Money tree (Pachira aquatica)

Light- Bright, indirect lighting is used.

Water- When the soil is almost entirely dry at the top, water it.

Pet friendly- Yes.

Parent level- Beginner to the intermediate plant parent level.

Pro tip- Wipe away any dust that has gathered on the leaves.

Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

Light- Place it in a well-lit area where to receive indirect illumination throughout the day.

Water- Keep the soil moist, but let it dry out for at least 1 inch before watering again. It necessitates more frequent watering during the summer.

Pet friendly- No. If cats or dogs eat it, they will be poisoned.

Parent level- Intermediate. The fiddle leaf fig has a reputation for being a diva.

Pro tip: This plant enjoys moderate humidity, so a good mist will keep it happy.

Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

Light: Shine a bright light on this one, but not direct sunlight.

Water: Water it once or twice a week (yellow leaves = don't water it). Before watering, allow the soil to dry on top.

Pet friendly- No. If eaten, it is poisonous to both pets and humans.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- Cut a small notch in the node where the leaf came off if you desire new leaf growth after it has fallen off.

Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

Light- It prefers bright, indirect lighting. Leaves and flowers can be damaged by too much direct light.

Water- Keep the soil wet with water. Allow the soil to dry out further over the winter months before watering.

Pet friendly- No. Fido and felines are both poisoned by this plant.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- For best results, rotate the plant regularly.

Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Light- Except for direct sunlight, this plant prefers all types of illumination.

Water- Keep the soil moist yet allow sufficient drainage for the plant. It doesn't like to drink a lot of water.

Pet friendly- Yes.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- Overwatering is the bamboo palm's death knell. It despises wet soil. The bamboo palm is an excellent choice if you have a history of ignoring plants.

Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Light- Medium-light is preferred, but bright, indirect light can be tolerated.

Water- Keep the soil moist at all times by watering it.

Pet friendly- No. Cats and dogs are poisoned by this plant.

Parent level- Beginner level.

Pro tip- If you don't have the space to allow this plant to flourish, keep it modest. Cut it down to size.

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Light- Give it plenty of strong, indirect light. Keep it out of direct sunlight.

Water- When the soil begins to dry out, water it.

Pet friendly- No. This is a poisonous plant.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip: Wipe the leaves off now and again to remove any dust.

Zenzi ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Light- It thrives in a shady environment. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Water- Because it is drought tolerant, water only when the soil begins to dry out.

Pet friendly- No.

parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- For this small guy, less water is better. Its stem and roots might decay if it receives too much water.

Marble queen pothas (Epipremnum aureum)

Light- It prefers low light but grows more quickly in medium to bright indirect light.

Water- Keep the soil as dry as possible. You're overwatering if the leaves turn black, and you're underwatering if the leaves turn yellow.

Pet friendly -No. Cats and dogs are poisoned.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- A pothos can also be draped over a table.

Populus tremuloides

Populus tremuloides is a deciduous tree native to cooler areas of North America, one of several species referred to by the common name aspen. It is commonly called quaking aspen,[2][3][4] trembling aspen,[2][3] American aspen,[3] mountain or golden aspen,[5] trembling poplar,[5] white poplar,[5] and popple,[5] as well as others.[5] The trees have tall trunks, up to 25 metres (82 feet) tall, with smooth pale bark, scarred with black. The glossy green leaves, dull beneath, become golden to yellow, rarely red, in autumn. The species often propagates through its roots to form large clonal groves originating from a shared root system. These roots are not rhizomes, as new growth develops from adventitious buds on the parent root system (the ortet).

Money tree (Pachira aquatica)

Light- Bright, indirect lighting is used.

Water- When the soil is almost entirely dry at the top, water it.

Pet friendly- Yes.

Parent level- Beginner to the intermediate plant parent level.

Pro tip- Wipe away any dust that has gathered on the leaves.

Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

Light- Place it in a well-lit area where to receive indirect illumination throughout the day.

Water- Keep the soil moist, but let it dry out for at least 1 inch before watering again. It necessitates more frequent watering during the summer.

Pet friendly- No. If cats or dogs eat it, they will be poisoned.

Parent level- Intermediate. The fiddle leaf fig has a reputation for being a diva.

Pro tip: This plant enjoys moderate humidity, so a good mist will keep it happy.

Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

Light: Shine a bright light on this one, but not direct sunlight.

Water: Water it once or twice a week (yellow leaves = don't water it). Before watering, allow the soil to dry on top.

Pet friendly- No. If eaten, it is poisonous to both pets and humans.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- Cut a small notch in the node where the leaf came off if you desire new leaf growth after it has fallen off.

Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

Light- It prefers bright, indirect lighting. Leaves and flowers can be damaged by too much direct light.

Water- Keep the soil wet with water. Allow the soil to dry out further over the winter months before watering.

Pet friendly- No. Fido and felines are both poisoned by this plant.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- For best results, rotate the plant regularly.

Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Light- Except for direct sunlight, this plant prefers all types of illumination.

Water- Keep the soil moist yet allow sufficient drainage for the plant. It doesn't like to drink a lot of water.

Pet friendly- Yes.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- Overwatering is the bamboo palm's death knell. It despises wet soil. The bamboo palm is an excellent choice if you have a history of ignoring plants.

Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Light- Medium-light is preferred, but bright, indirect light can be tolerated.

Water- Keep the soil moist at all times by watering it.

Pet friendly- No. Cats and dogs are poisoned by this plant.

Parent level- Beginner level.

Pro tip- If you don't have the space to allow this plant to flourish, keep it modest. Cut it down to size.

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Light- Give it plenty of strong, indirect light. Keep it out of direct sunlight.

Water- When the soil begins to dry out, water it.

Pet friendly- No. This is a poisonous plant.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip: Wipe the leaves off now and again to remove any dust.

Zenzi ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Light- It thrives in a shady environment. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Water- Because it is drought tolerant, water only when the soil begins to dry out.

Pet friendly- No.

parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- For this small guy, less water is better. Its stem and roots might decay if it receives too much water.

Marble queen pothas (Epipremnum aureum)

Light- It prefers low light but grows more quickly in medium to bright indirect light.

Water- Keep the soil as dry as possible. You're overwatering if the leaves turn black, and you're underwatering if the leaves turn yellow.

Pet friendly -No. Cats and dogs are poisoned.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- A pothos can also be draped over a table.