Planting prodigy, or a bit of a catastrophe? If you fall into the latter category, join the Peace, Love and Happiness Club: The Fremont shop’s eclectic mix of the exotic and the everyday makes it a plant-lover’s paradise, and a great resource for beginners, too.

Here are owner Neil Silverman’s top recommendations for overcoming common houseplant hurdles, from varieties that thrive in low light to pet-friendly options to rugged picks even hapless gardeners can’t kill.

Snake Plant

best for: Plant newbies, forgetful waterers, low light, space limitations

This hardy plant features dramatic, sword-shaped leaves with vivid, contrasting dark green and white markings and pale green flowers. Standing proud up to two-and-a-half feet tall, the snake plant thrives in a variety of environments. Even yours.

• Light: Adaptable
• Soil: Succulent mix
• Water: Allow to dry slightly between waterings
• Fertilizer: Slow-release

Aglaonema

best for: Plant newbies, forgetful waterers, space limitations

The aglaonema plant family comes in varying shades of green with vibrant contrast ranging from blush pink to deep red. A feng shui favorite, these Chinese evergreens are said to bring good luck and prosperity. Bright, indirect light intensifies the beautiful hues of red.

•    Light: Bright indirect
•    Soil: Organic mix
•    Water: Keep slightly dry between watering; do not keep soil wet or soggy
•    Fertilizer: Slow release

ZZ Plant

best for: Plant newbies, forgetful waterers, low light, space limitations

Like its winged namesake, the stunning ZZ Raven takes flight with emergent green leaves that mature to an almost-black maroon. Tuber roots hold a lot of water, making the ZZ an excellent choice for the forgetful gardener. The classic ZZ is great for beginners, too.

•    Light: Low to bright indirect
•    Soil: Succulent mix
•    Water: Keep dry but water every few weeks; avoid soggy or wet soil
•    Fertilizer: Slow release

Spider Plant

best for: Plant newbies, forgetful waterers, low light, furry friends

 A literal twist on an easy-care classic, the curly Bonnie spider plant's leaves spiral inward with brighter light. Thick, succulent roots hold a lot of water to weather gardener-inflicted dry spells. Bonus: Plant parents can enjoy a growing family when spiderette plantlets spawn. Any spider plant varietal makes a great companion for the inexperienced.

• Light: Light shade to bright indirect
• Soil: Organic mix
• Water: Water deeply; allow soil to dry slightly between watering
• Fertilizer: Slow release

Pothos

best for: Plant newbies, forgetful waterers, low light, space limitations

The popular, varied pothos promises versatility: Colors range from solid to variegated greens, accented with yellow, white, or silver markings. Sizes vary from compact to trailing (hang from the ceiling to save precious floor space). And the plant is adaptable to various light conditions—even windowless rooms with a little fluorescent lighting.

• Light: Light shade to bright indirect
• Soil: Organic mix
• Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering; avoid wet soil
• Fertilizer: Slow release

Rubber Tree

best for: Plant newbies, forgetful waterers

A showy member of the ficus family, the rubber tree is a statement-making stunner. So named for its shiny, rubbery leaves, coloration ranges from pinkish-red to rich burgundy to a deeper green with creamy-yellow borders. Easy to maintain and quick-growing, some rubber trees can reach eight feet in height. Fun fact: the plant’s sap is sometimes used to make actual rubber.

• Light: Some sun to bright
• Soil: Organic mix
• Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering
• Fertilizer: Organic; slow release

Peace Lily

best for: Plant newbies, forgetful waterers, low light, space limitations

Stately white blooms rise gracefully above glossy green leaves. But don’t let the elegant lily fool you—it makes a forgiving beginner's buddy. Virtually maintenance free, leaves droop as a gentle reminder to water. 

• Light: Low to bright indirect
• Soil: Organic mix
• Water: Keep evenly moist; droopy leaves indicate it's time to water
• Fertilizer: Slow release

Philodendron

best for: Forgetful waterers

The philodendron genus boasts hundreds of species in its proud family tree. A fast-growing favorite, this popular plant ranges in size from compact trailers to architectural towers. Large, glossy leaves delight in dark green or vibrant variegation, adding tropical flair to your home.

• Light: Bright indirect
• Soil: Well-draining organic
• Water: Slightly moist with moderate humidity
• Fertilizer: Slow release

Jade Plant

best for: Plant newbies, forgetful waterers, space limitations

The venerable jade, also known as the money plant, features woody trunks and stems topped with rounded, succulent leaves that resemble “lucky coins.” Whether or not the prosperity prophecy proves true, jades are very drought tolerant and live a long time, often passed from generation to generation.

• Light: Full sun; bright indirect
• Soil: Succulent mix
• Water: Sparingly
• Fertilizer: Slow release

Orchid

Despite her royal reputation and aristocratic airs, the Queen of Houseplants is surprisingly low maintenance. The orchid’s tall, slender stems are topped with elegant, butterfly blooms in an array of exotic shapes and colors, sure to please even her most novice subjects. 

best for: Plant newbies, space limitations

• Light: Bright indirect
• Water: Weekly, keep moist; mist often with high humidity or use ice cube method
• Soil: Orchid mix or vertical wood/moss
• Fertilizer: Slow release

Bromeliad

best for: Furry friends, space limitations

This striking tropical plant sports hardy, leathery leaves and an eye-catching, vividly colored flower spike. Its columnar shape makes it a space-saver for close quarters.

•    Light: Bright indirect; some filtered sun
•    Soil: Epiphytic
•    Water: Keep moist
•    Fertilizer: 1/4x liquid during growing season

African Violet

best for: Forgetful waterers, furry friends, space limitations

Ever-blooming violets bring old-fashioned goodness to any home. Dainty blossom clusters in purples and pinks nestle amid plush, velvety-soft leaves. Bonus: take a leaf cutting for easy propagation in water to grow your indoor garden.

•    Light: Bright indirect
•    Soil: African violet mix 
•    Water: Soak from the bottom
•    Fertilizer: Slow release