If you've had no success with houseplants other than plastic ones, you need to give these easy to care for plants.
Philodendron Plant
Heart-leaf philodendron is a durable foliage plant that has long been the backbone of indoor gardening. It has pretty, heart-shape leaves and adapts well to low-light spots. It is often grown with stems trailing over the edge of bookshelves or large pieces of furniture.
Why We Rate It: The climbing stems can attach to a moss pole or bark slab making it easy to create an upright tower of green.
Name: Philodendron hederaceum oxycardium
Growing Conditions: Low to bright light; 60-80 degrees F.; allow the soil surface to dry between waterings
Size: Trailing or climbing to 8 feet or more
Note: All parts of this plant are poisonous and can cause severe irritation of the lips, tongue, and throat if eaten or chewed by pets or children.
English Ivy
In many areas, English ivy is commonly grown as an outdoor ground cover. But you can also use it indoors. Grow a pot of ivy on a mantel or shelf where its stems can trail down. For a more formal effect, train the stems onto a topiary form. It's also exceptionally easy to start new plants: Simply cut off a 5-inch-long section of stem, remove the bottom leaves, and pot it up in moist soil. If you keep it moist, the cutting should root in a couple of weeks.
Here's a tip: Spider mites love to attack ivy. Help prevent them by periodically washing your ivy in the shower or bathtub with room-temperature water.
Why We Rate It: It's a versatile vine plant with deep green or variegated leaves. We especially love using it to create topiaries.
Name: Hedera helix
Growing Conditions: Medium to bright light; 55-70 degrees F.; keep evenly moist
Size: Climbs or trails to 6 feet or more
Note: All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten or chewed by pets or children.
Zeezee Plant
Sometimes called eternity plant because it lasts so long, succulent zeezee plant tolerates low light and neglect. The thick, fleshy leafstalks are so durable that you might even think it's plastic. It is a slow grower, so purchase a large plant if you want a big specimen. Cut stems remain green and healthy in appearance for several weeks, even without water.
Why We Rate It: This plant is so easy it's almost a challenge to kill it.
Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Growing Conditions: Low to bright light; 60-75 degrees F.; allow the soil to dry between waterings
Size: 2-3 feet tall and wide
Note: This plant is poisonous if eaten or chewed on by children or pets.