Don't forget spiderplants! Those are very forgiving, and droops dramatically when it needs water, to remind you. But, just toss some water on there and it perks up within hours, good as new! They also are happy in a wide array of lighting conditions. Plus, if you get one, you can have 6 within a couple months,if you so choose.

Peace lillies are great for low light and pretty hard to kill. They'll start drooping if they get dry, but if you water them, they'll start to perk up in mere minutes (good for people who start freaking out, because you get near-instant results).

Can anyone suggest an upholstery fabric similar to the one on that couch? I love it!

I really want to bring more plants into my apartment, however I have a dog who might try and eat them. Since I know lots of houseplants can be toxic to pets are there any recommendations for ones that aren't toxic to them?

Any suggestions on keeping the new roomie's cats from eating all of my plants would be greatly appreciated!

affyfe - you could try a bitter apple spray or other pet repellents instead. You don't want your plants to be eaten, even if they aren't toxic to your dog. It would be bad for the plant!

You can do hanging plants so the dog can't get to them. Also, you can do table plants. Unless the dog can get to the top of a dresser or cabinet, you don't have to worry about it being a snack.

We only have one floor plant, but it's a big one and the lip of the pot its in is too high for our furball to stand on his hind legs to eat the leaves or dirt. If your dog is very small, you could try this tactic.

Otherwise, I suggest smaller table plants, pet sprays, or hanging them in pots.

Affyfe: I have a mischievous dog, but my old cat was the one who would jump up to inspect and knock over plants.

To be safe, here is the ASPCA's list of plants that are non-toxic to dogs:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/?plant_toxicity=non-toxic-to-dogs

Any evergreens, ie small potted trees, that could work? I'm yearning for something new aside from my spider plant (which, after 3 years, has STILL not sprouted offspring, or much "hair"), peace lilly, and my heartleaf philodendron.

Any tips on my stubborn spider?

Maidenhair ferns need lots of mineral-rich water! Adding crushed eggshells to the soil provides calcium and should do the trick.

Lizzy360 - I believe the fabric is from an Austin designer featured earlier this week
http://modgreenpod.com/

There are a surprising number of plants that will propagate in water, which lined up on a window sill look loverly and can insulate a bit: basil, impatiens.

Some more info: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/lab/msg0801565015823.html

Kelly, my favorite evergreen for potting is Norfolk Island Pine (not a true pine). I don't have any spider plants, but you might try evaluating how much light it's getting. They will survive in lower light but prefer brighter (but indirect) sun; should help it grow.

smellykelly -

I just bought a norfolk island pine to use as a small potted Christmas tree, but I'm planning on keeping afterwords as just a house plant as it doesn't look too Christmas tree-ish, might be a good option for you? Also they should be pretty easy to find right now I got a pretty good sized one from the big-box home improvement store for $15. Although I realized the one I bought was sprayed with some kind of glitter...festive!

I read somewhere that keeping a catnip plant for cats distracts them from eating houseplants. This may be worth looking into. I've also heard that giving dogs chew toys or their own stuffed animal stops them from chewing on other things. Personally, I would think this would enable/encourage "bad" habits. But, I'm no dog whisperer. Matter of fact ... check out the Dog Whisperer's book or site (cannot remember his name) ... he's bound to have good advice.

I have that exact mushroom jar and I have a maidenhair fern that's about to die in it. I'm going to try lapomme's egg shell trick.

i'm with lizzy360- i can't stop looking at that beautiful sofa!!

i'm wondering about light bulbs for simulating sunlight for plants over our dreary chicago winters?

any suggestions?

Oh geez! Thanks for reminding me to water that plant that is still alive (by some miracle)!!!

This fall, i officially swore off houseplants. After almost 3 years of battling mites on 2 fiddle leaf figs (not to mention hundreds of dollars hiring a professional botanist) we have in our great room, I threw in the towel. The areas where they were look so bare but I couldnt deal with the problems anymore.

This is so true! I have four plants in my dorm and it makes it easier to study. I love the life it brings.

No home is complete without a plant or two! Sansevieria (aka "snake plant") doesn't mind low light and its really hard to kill....just don't give it too much water. Its also sculptural and looks great in a modern interior. Also good it the phalaenopsis (moth) orchid. The blooms last for a few months.

Hey I have that lamp!

Does anyone know the name of the little flowers in the vase next to the plant? I have some dried ones in my house but would love to plant fresh ones!