Ask any horticulturist for the names of some plants that can be grown indoors (houseplants), and he/she will be able to produce a list that almost matches the number of outdoor plants available! We say, 'almost' since there are a few species that are best left outdoors and never invited into the house! The reason for this discourtesy is that they are either not pleasing to the eye or too large in size or give out an unpleasant smell.

With thousands of houseplants on display, it becomes a rather difficult task to select the ones you would really like to have within your house. A few suggestions are given below for the novice, as well as for the expert. Each of you can take your choice!

Houseplants are generally found in two categories - foliage plants (most of them are leafy plants, with a few rare species producing flowers) and flowering plants (with beautiful leaves and beautiful blossoms).

A beginner would be advised to start off with foliage plants. Not only are they easy to grow, they also look attractive despite having no blooms. Not much light is required, so placements become easy. Finally, they are hardy enough to overcome the errors made by beginners while growing them! Of course, the experienced gardener is also welcome to have these houseplants!

If you want to show off your indoor plants, go for the Chinese evergreen! The dark green and leathery leaves have silver marbling, and the plant can reach up to 3 feet in height. When it is in a favorable mood, it displays pale green flowers along with red berries! It can either take up floor space or table space.

Another sturdy plant is the Beefsteak begonia. Either medium or bright light will do for it to grow well. The plant is popular since its large, heart-shaped leaves exhibit double colors - dark-green on top and deep red underneath. The flowers are small and pink in color.

If you want to grow houseplants in hanging baskets or in pots, you could pick the Heartleaf philodendron or the Arrowhead plant. The former is a climbing plant and is better off in a hanging basket, while the latter can be grown in a basket or pot.

While the arrowhead plant does not really mind less light or medium light, it would still prefer to be placed in a corner where there is good light. It has derived its name from the shape of its leaves which are generally dark green, but can have shading or pink, cream or silver veins in the leaves. The total height of the plant is between 8 inches to 3 feet.

Where flowering houseplants are concerned, more time has to be spent on caring for them. But when you finally see the plants in bloom, all your efforts seem to be really worthwhile! Among all the others, a very easy one to grow is the Angelwing begonia. The plant can attain a height of 6 feet. The flowers are deep-pink in color and produced in colors.

Another easy-to-grow flowering plant is the Peace lily. The blossoms are white in color and give out a wonderful fragrance, especially at night. There are numerous varieties of this plant. Heights can vary - just about 1 foot, or even over 4 feet.

A perennial flowering houseplant is the Lady Jane anthurium. It is actually a hybrid variety. It is unique for the peculiar shape of its pinkish-colored flowers.