Never say die

On last count, I had killed 20.

Some I had starved to death. Others, I had drowned.

Don't get me wrong, I have a heart — but just not a very green thumb.

My love affair with plants has seen its wilts and blooms — it's a relationship where we can't live with each other, nor can we live without. Well — maybe they can.

And it's not like I have not put in the effort — we've had our share of conversations and experts have counselled me on how to do my bit too. But two weeks into each purchase, the signs of a failed relationship would begin to show. It was amazing how Martha Stewart-like perfect foliage could turn into something that looks like baby puke (think spinach) in a matter of a few days. Soon, plant food began to feature on my monthly grocery bill too — as did many tools and additives — to ensure my home remained greener for longer.

When I read in a news report that Wi-Fi could cause damage to indoor plants, I banned internet use for a month at home. That didn't work either.

When my friend decided to take a fortnight's holiday, she turned to me for help to take care of her "babies". The plants never went back and my friend was kind enough not to ask me for the same favour again. The problem? I had been too generous with the watering.

Even though I am convinced I'm not a green thumb, I'm not willing to give up. I turned to Christopher Alphonso, manager at Plantscapes, Desert Group, Dubai, to know where exactly I was going wrong.

I wanted the details — just how much water is too much? What is the perfect amount of light and how moist should the soil be?

Here's his pick of the hardest-to kill indoor plants, based on the UAE's climatic conditions and the needs of inexperienced gardeners such as me. This was a challenge and I was willing to do anything to emerge a winner. And possibly to ensure I turned my friends green too — hopefully with envy.

Money Plant

Botanical name: Epipremnum aureum

Best feature: A popular house plant that is attractive, leafy and requires little care. It is also useful as an indoor air purifier.

Worst feature: Underwatering can result in brown patches on the leaves and their margins. Overwatering can result in rotting stems and yellow or shedding leaves.

Water: 300ml per week.

Soil: Moderately dry

Sunlight: Medium light

Price: Dh30-Dh500

Chinese Evergreen

Botanical name: Aglaonema Pattaya beauty

Best feature: It has large, narrow oval leaves on short stems and is resistant to pests. It is easy to grow and maintain and often flourishes for years.

Worst feature: If ingested, the sap causes irritation of the mouth, lips, throat and tongue.

Water: Once a week, about 500ml. Soil needs to be moderately dry.

Sunlight: Indirect light or partial shade. The plant grows well even in underlit places.

Price: Dh30-Dh200

Rubber Plant

Botanical name: Ficus elastica robusta

Best feature: Very leafy and requires little care. If all needs are met, it can live long.

Worst feature: Poor drainage, frequent watering or standing in water will cause roots to rot. Change of location or temperature results in yellow or shedding leaves. The milky sap is toxic if ingested.

Water: Avoid overwatering. Keep the soil moderately moist.

Sunlight: Medium light.

Price: Dh20-Dh500

Swiss Cheese Plant

Botanical name: Monstera deliciosa

Best feature: This popular house plant easily recognised by its large glossy leaves. Tolerates dry air and semi-shade. Easy to maintain. Its broad, glossy, deeply lobed leaves develop large holes as they grow, hence the name.

Worst feature: Overwatering can cause rotting stems and yellow leaves. All parts of the plants are poisonous if ingested.

Water: Keep the soil moist but ensure it does not become waterlogged. This plant does not do well in extremely dry or wet conditions. Let the soil dry slightly before watering.

Sunlight: Needs bright light but not direct sunlight (moderate brightness).

Price: Dh175-Dh800

Mother-in-law's tongue

Botanical name: Sansevieria

Best feature: This tough, beautiful plant can withstand virtually any condition, from darkness to bright light. The only way to kill it is by overwatering or by leaving the soil dry.

Worst feature: This plant has sharp tips. Exercise caution while placing or moving it. This plant is also known as snake plant because of its sharpness.

Water: Allow the soil to dry out before watering. During winter, water once a month or whenever the soil is dry to the touch.

Sunlight: Bright light with some sunshine but can adapt to full sunlight too.

Price: Dh90-Dh200

Zanzibar gem

Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Best feature: It has attractive, glossy foliage.

Worst feature: Overwatering can result in rotting stems and yellow leaves. All parts of the plants are poisonous if ingested.

Water: Keep it on the dry side (it is drought-tolerant). Let the potting mix dry between watering.

Sunlight: Bright indirect light, but can survive in low light too.

Price: Dh30-Dh500

All plants are available at Dubai Garden Centre and Plantscapes, Desert Group.

Peace Lily

Botanical name: Spathiphyllum sensation

Best feature: This plant is a great air purifier. These are often found in malls because they are very easy to grow.

Worst feature: It is mildly toxic when ingested. Poor drainage, frequent watering and letting the plant stand in water can cause the roots to rot.

Water: Once a week, about 500ml. Needs watering only if the soil is dry.

Sunlight: Low to medium light.

Price: Dh20-Dh500