Aglaonema Maria

If your flat gets about as much natural light as a Glasgow pub in winter, the Aglaonema Maria is your new best friend. Also known as the Chinese Evergreen, this plant is legendary in the houseplant world for being practically unkillable. With its lush, lance-shaped leaves covered in a gorgeous, speckled camouflage pattern of dark and silvery greens, it brings instant jungle vibes without any of the jungle diva behaviour.

Whether you are a notorious plant killer or just have a dark hallway that needs some life, the Maria will happily set up shop and ask for very little in return.

How to keep it happy:

• Light: Unfussy. It will thrive in bright, indirect light, but it is highly tolerant of low-light corners where other plants would give up. Just keep it out of direct, scorching sun.

• Water: Let the top half of the soil dry out completely before watering. It stores water well, so if you forget about it for a week or two, it won't hold a grudge.

• Feed: A weak dose of liquid fertiliser once a month during spring and summer is plenty.

Troubleshooting:

• Yellow leaves? The only real way to kill an Aglaonema is with kindness (read: overwatering). If the lower leaves are turning yellow and mushy, step away from the watering can and let the soil dry right out.

• Drooping leaves? She's thirsty! Give her a good drink and allow the pot to drain fully; she will bounce back in no time.

Pet Safety: ⚠️ Not Pet Safe. Like many tough houseplants, the leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals. Keep this one out of reach of curious cats and dogs to avoid upset stomachs.