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• Decor
• Gardening
• Plants

So you want houseplants - but you don't have a green thumb? No problem!

1. Asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus) Even if its soil is bone dry, this vigorous relative of the edible stalk won't go into a permanent swoon.
2. Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) Vacation plans? Don't fret. This plant will be healthy upon your return - even if it's neglected for weeks.
3. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) It actually prefers the soil to dry between waterings and needs little light to thrive in your home.
4. Grape ivy (Cissus species) A handsome vine with tendrils resembling those of grapes, this plant adapts easily to limited light and soil that's a bit on the dry side.
5. 'Janet Craig' dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig') This shrublike plant with broad leaves adapts to low light and favors moderately dry soil.
6. Ponytail (Beaucarnea species) This succulent requires little grooming and does best when not kept too wet - just give it lots of sun and let the soil dry between waterings.

About Tara Aronson

Tara Aronson is author of Housekeeping With Kids. Her San Francisco Chronicle column entitled "Coming Clean" — focusing on household cleaning and maintenance — reaches 1.5 million readers. Aronson is an expert in home cleaning and organizing. Her advice has appeared in numerous national and regional publications, including Ladies' Home Journal, The Washington Post and Woman's World. Visit Tara's Web site.

Aronson is fast becoming a familiar face on national television (Living It Up with Ali & Jack, Soap Talk, The Other Half, CNNfn, etc.) and is also a much sought-after lifestyle expert for local television news and radio programs nationwide.