Potted plants will bring life and positive energy into any room, and studies have shown that having them nearby can relieve stress, boost creativity, and improve focus. In winter, when the weather is not good for outdoor gardening, it is particularly satisfying when we can help the living gems on our windowsills to thrive and look their best. In this episode Danielle and Carol chat with their friend and colleague, Christine Alexander, about the houseplants they consider to be truly worthy of a spot indoors. 

Expert: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor at Fine Gardening. 

Hey! We are going to the UK! Join us for a tour of some of the most beautiful gardens in Somerset County. Learn more by going here.

Danielle’s Plants 

Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarious, Zones 10-11) 

‘Pearls & Jade’ pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Pearls & Jade’, Zones 10-12) 

 ‘Snow Leopard’ mangave (Mangave ‘Snow Leopard’, Zones 9-11) 

Carol’s Plants  

Holiday cactus (Schlumbergera truncata, Zones 10-12) 

Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis subdenudata, Zones 9-11) 

Velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca, Zones 10-12) 

‘Red Tiger’ flowering maple (Abutillon ‘Red Tiger’, Zones 8-10) 

Christine’s Plants  

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii, Zones 11-12)  – Learn more about peace lilies here.

Angel wing begonia (Begonia maculata var. wightii, Zones 10-12) 

*Also check out ‘Looking Glass’ begonia

Vriesea (Vriesea splendens, Zones 10-12) 

Goldfish plant flower 

‘Pearls & Jade’ pothos 

‘Snow Leopard’ mangave 

Holiday cactus (purchased from a grocery store in the early 1990s) 

Easter lily cactus, flower bud  and in bloom

Velvet plant 

‘Red Tiger’ flowering maple 

Vriesea  

Polka dot begonia 

 Let’s Argue About Plants comes out every two weeks on Friday.