Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Plants for Condominiums and Offices

Q. As I strolled through the store today, there were so many plants, hopefully heralding the arrival of spring (has been a very, very long winter). I looked at many, but each time I withdrew, knowing not only my personal track record with plants, but also my cat and little Chihuahua. I would like to have plants, both in my condo and at work (and I have no windows in my office at work), but my history prevents me. Any suggestions as to what plants may be a little more hardy under these circumstances? Thank you.

A. I would suggest shade-loving plants that are quite hardy. Philodendrons are a large group of plants that take low light and abuse. Be sure not to water them much as they do not like to sit wet. There are vines, dwarfs and taller ones, as the split-leaf.

Ivies can work well also, again in low light and care. They are strictly creeping [vining, using plant poles], but can make attractive easy hanging baskets.

If you have a little more light, the wandering Jews are quite easy and you could grow dwarf cacti and succulents in a window with little water and care. Just be sure to feed all your plants every month and water only when the top one inch of soil is dry to your fingertips.