By YVONNE SWANSON
St. Petersburg Times
If you're green at heart but have a black thumb, don't give up on gardening just yet. There are some easy-care plants for indoors and out; in fact, some, including these 9 suggested by experts, are so foolproof you simply can't kill them.
Before you buy one, heed this advice. There's a popular saying that the surest way to kill a plant is through kindness -- as in too much watering, chemicals, pruning and unnecessary TLC. The good news about these plants is that they don't give a hoot about attention. A little water now and then is nice, especially for indoor plants that can't count on rain. Otherwise, just let them do their thing.
The other rule of thumb is known as "right plant, right place." In other words, don't stick an indoor plant in a dark closet or plant a shade-loving one where it gets full sun from sunrise to sundown.
Follow those two mantras and check on your plants now and then, and you'll be in the green in no time. Try your thumb at one of these expert picks.
Mother-in-law's tongue -- Sansevieria trifasciata
This is one tough broad of a plant for indoors and out. It tolerates low light indoors and full sun outside, and doesn't wither in even the worst soil. Also known as snake plant, it has long, sharp leaves that can grow up to 5 feet outdoors. Neglect it all you want; this plant's like a houseguest, or mother-in-law, who never leaves.
