So gardening might not be your thing — here are ten easy-to-grow plants (that even you can keep alive).

One of the healthiest and cheapest ways to decorate your house or brighten up your balcony is to fill it with bright and colourful plants. However, not everyone is gifted at keeping those bright colourful plants from turning brown.

We chatted with Eric Rutgers, owner of Everdean Greenhouses and horticulturist about things you should consider when trying to grow plants indoors:

1. What are the conditions like in your place?
For example, if you vacation a lot then you need a plant that takes minimal water or one that can be dormant for a few months. If your house is shady in the morning and full of sun in the afternoon you need a plant that is not particular about its conditions.

2. How much effort do you want to invest in your plants?
If you just want to spruce up a corner in your living room then a plant that requires a lot of pruning and cutting is not a good fit.

The following ten plants are the easiest to keep alive in terms of maintenance (watering, pruning etc.), and durability — no matter what colour your thumb.

1. Cactus

Just put this plant in a sunny or partially sunny room and water occasionally. The only way to kill these desert plants is by over-watering so take it easy with the watering can.

2. Spider Plants

This plant is great for beginners and is reasonably inexpensive. Total and complete neglect is the only thing that will kill a spider plant. A spider plant gives off obvious signs when it is failing — the long green leaves will turn brown at the ends, letting you know it’s time for more water.

3. Black Eyed Susans

These bright yellow flowers with a brown domed centre are the most common wild flower in North America. These forgiving plants can grow in all soil types and prefer direct sunlight.

4. The Super Spike

This is one of the most flexible plants, making it the perfect houseplant for even the worst gardener. Not only does it flourish in most living conditions but it can also handle full sun or complete shade.

5. Pansy

These resilient flowers come in a variety of colours and only require a good soaking of water about once a week.

6. Mother in Laws Tongue (aka the Snake Plant)

This is a popular houseplant since it is tolerant of shade and irregular watering — during winter it needs only one watering every couple of months. “This thick- skinned plant gives the added bonus of being an air filtering plant,” saysRutgers. A great present for those with a black thumb, the snake plant can even tolerate the poor conditions of a dorm room.

7. Devils Ivy

This is probably one of the most common houseplants because it’s incredibly forgiving of lazy care. Devil`s Ivy is also very simple to grow from cuttings (good practice before moving on to more expensive complicated plants). This Ivy can grow very fast, wrapping itself around almost anything, which makes for an interesting decor touch.

8. Shamrock Plants

This plant is happiest in indirect sunlight, which is what most rooms provide. The Shamrock, like the ivy, enjoys a couple months of dormancy. So when you take that winter getaway just make sure someone is there to water it when necessary and it’ll be waiting for you when you return.

9. Ponytail Palm

With its gracefully arching leaves and swollen trunk, this plant adds an exotic touch to any home with only minimal work. Its wide trunk actually holds a lot of moisture, so it can withstand long periods of neglect.

10. Boston Fern

This fern really thrives outside, becoming lush and perky so consider keeping it on your balcony in the summer. “When brought indoors in the winter months, it needs a more strict routine, although not the easiest houseplant, it definitely isn`t difficult to look after,” says Rutgers. Set it in a bright room with indirect sunlight and water it whenever it begins to dry.