We share 7 of the group’s top picks, plus how to care for them

1. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus

What I love most about this plant is how it blooms almost year-round. The crimson glow between the dark-green, waxy leaves always gets me excited. It likes a bright, humid spot — a bathroom is ideal — that mimics its native environment

The forests of Southeast Asia. In the rainforests, it grows as an epiphyte, clinging to tree branches and absorbing moisture from the air.

2. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

I think String of Hearts was the first houseplant I ever bought. I was so proud when my first one grew tall and beautiful, then I became less proud

It became increasingly cumbersome and sad! I kept it trimmed and had more luck planting cuttings that spread out around the base to make it look fuller. With the right conditions, you might even be treated to tiny pink tubular flowers.

3. Candelabra Tree (Euphorbia ingens)

Is it easier said than done? These enjoy a bright spot and range in size from small to large. My latest is a lovely green-grey 'Variegata'. Although they look like cacti they are actually from the

Spurge family, but like most cacti they require little care, some low-nitrogen feeding in the summer and watering when the soil is almost bone dry - I don't water mine from November to March.

4. String of Pearls (Curio raulianus)

I have plenty of houseplants, but the easy-going String of Pearls is a favourite. It can be quite fragile to handle, but it is easy to care for, prefers bright, indirect light and only needs watering when it is completely dry - soak it thoroughly until water runs from the bottom of the pot. If growth is uneven, rearrange the plant so it gets even light or make the pot rounder.

If the ends are leggy or outgrowing their space, cut them off and repot them in a compost pile.

5. Fierce Begonia (Begonia ferox)

I love begonias and this one, with its black, spiky leaves and pink stems and young leaves, makes a great centerpieceon a coffee or dining table. It likes a warm, humid spot in bright, indirect sun, so place it in a pot or saucer on a layer of damp pebbles or mist it regularly. Like most begonias, it can be a bit tricky to water. Water only when the top layer of soil is dry and only very slightly in winter when temperatures are cool.

6. Natal Lily (Clivia miniata)

A great performer with minimal effort, Clivia is a striking cluster of dark, glossy leaves for most of the year. It prefers a cool, bright spot out of direct sunlight, and needs weekly watering in the summer and none at all throughout the winter. It hates being repotted, preferring compact roots to encourage flowering. It can be moved to a sheltered spot in the summer. Get it all right, and bright-orange flowers will appear in spring, with up to ten blooms on each sturdy stem.

7. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This is a great first plant for those new to houseplants. It can handle a lot of neglect and drying out, making it very hard to kill. And it will thrive in low light, so it will brighten up shady corners, with its vibrantly colored leaves. It also grows

quickly enough, and you'll have a nice big, lush plant in no time.

8. Parlor Palm

The parlor palm gets its name because it tolerates growing in dim, sooty conditions. Unfortunately, later claims that it purifies the air have proven to be exaggerated. It's widely available and inexpensive, so you can pick up a large plant relatively cheaply, so it's a good choice for making a statement on a budget.

9. Chain Cactus (Rhipsalis paradoxa)

If you're looking for a cactus that doesn't need high light levels, the chain cactus is the answer. It hails from tropical forests

It's shaded by the tree canopy above, so it grows best in bright but indirect light, and only needs occasional watering, keeping it moist in winter. Mist daily with soft water. Its delicate string-like stems hang down gracefully, so it's perfect for growing in hanging baskets.

Or behind the edge of a shelf Buys - Mine is in a blanket.