By Paula Szilard, Colorado Master Gardener Emeritus

Some plants are real survivors. They endure because it is their nature to do so, even in the care of neglectful humans. These plants can withstand considerable neglect, including several weeks without added water. They also have very modest fertilizer requirements. Some even do well in low light situations. In general, they are very forgiving and are perfect for the less nurturing among us.

Schlumbergera, (Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus) – This is considered a “ho-hum” plant by many indoor gardeners because it’s in homes everywhere. What other houseplant is so long-lived that it is handed down through the generations as a family heirloom? Since the stems are flat and act like leaves, it needs more water than the average cactus. Water once a week, but test it to be sure it needs moisture. When the weather cools, reduce your watering. In order for it to bloom, this plant needs long nights, uninterrupted by even a little artificial light. Some people may find such conditions difficult to provide. They will also bloom when temperatures are kept at 59°F or below. An unheated porch or cold bedroom also works well. Easter cacti are in a completely different genus and bloom in response to increasing day length.

Aloe – Forget Aloe vera! Unfortunately, this is one of the homelier species in the genus. Many people keep one plant around to treat minor burns. If you want an attractive aloe, there are over two hundred other species to choose from, plus many lovely new hybrids. If given good light, they generally bloom at least once a year. Many varieties form offsets or keikis, which will provide plenty of plants to give to your friends. Plant them in half cactus mix and half quality potting mix. Water every week or two, depending on how hot and sunny it is. Fertilize once a month with a mild all-purpose fertilizer, except in winter. Aloes do need a sunny spot to thrive and bloom. If you place your plants outside for the summer, locate them in part shade. Some of the more attractive plants available are: Aloe variegata, A sinkatana, A dorotheae, A. plicatillis, A. “Guido,” A. “Pink Blush,” and A. ”Christmas Carol.”

Gasterias, (Ox-Tongue, Lawyer’s Tongue, Dutch Wings) – These attractive plants are native to South Africa where they generally grow in the shade of larger plants. A wise botanist named them Gasterias because the individual flowers look like stomachs. The color is often a variant of peach or orange, often with green edging. Plant size ranges from miniature to one foot high and two feet across. The flower head is similar to that of the aloe plant and usually appears once a year. Some plants have very large, branched flowers. They need part sun, temperatures in the human comfort range and good air circulation. Water them once per week in the spring, summer and fall, but less in the winter. As with other succulents, fertilize once per month from spring through fall, but not in winter.

Pothos, (Epipremmum, Devil’s Ivy) – The popularity of this plant goes back to the houseplant craze in the 1970s when we discovered what little light this plant needs. Although it makes do in low light conditions, it thrives in bright, indirect light in temperatures in the human comfort range and in humid air. Pot it up in a peat-based mix. Cut it back periodically or the vines lose their bottom leaves and look unattractive. Keep it moist and it will do well. Fertilize once per month, except in the depths of winter.

Beaucarnea recurvata, (Nolina recurvata, Ponytail Palm) – This Mexican native is not a palm at all, but a member of the Agave family. Give this plant a sunny location and don’t overwater it, and it could possibly outlast you. It is a succulent with a caudex (fat bottom) for water storage. Larger plants do branch, but we don’t see this often in houseplants because they just don’t get very big indoors. The cream-colored flower sprays are likewise rare in houseplants. Planted outdoors in warm climates, they can get 12 to 18 feet tall with a 10 to 15 foot spread. Occasionally when growing conditions are below par, it can be attacked by spider mites and other pests.

Synadenium grantii, (Euphorbia grantii, African Milk Bush) – This indestructible plant is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family and is native to central East Africa. There is a green-leafed form and a red form, which can have blackish-red leaves or blackish-red markings on green leaves. New plants can be started from small cuttings. The intensity of the color can be dependent on the quality of the light. Water plants every week or two, depending on the temperature, and fertilize three to four times per year. These plants need quite a bit of pruning to keep them attractive. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when pruning. It is considered poisonous if ingested and the sap can be irritating to the skin.