This silver aglaonema, or Chinese evergreen, carries broad leaves feathered in silvery green over darker margins, a cool, polished look that brightens a room without flowers. It stays full and compact, which is why it turns up in so many offices and living rooms.

It is among the more forgiving houseplants: it tolerates low light, though the silver shows best in bright, indirect light, and it only asks that the top inch of soil dry between waterings. Keep it out of direct sun and cold drafts.