I buy things based on my experience with the product. For instance, I use a certain stain remover for the laundry because it has gotten out stains I thought for sure were the ruin of a garment.

Two of the three vehicles in my garage are the same make and we have owned two others in the past. My child likes one particular running shoe. I don’t know why on that one. I don’t run.

These brands have proven themselves with constant reliability that get them put on the go-to list. There are a few plants that I feel fit that bill as well. All plants require some level of care, but the plants that make the A-list are the ones that don’t have a hissy fit when they are ignored a little bit.

Following are a few tried and true, no drama prima donna, cream of the crop house plants.

The snake plant is one of the toughest house plants around.

This succulent plant can endure neglect for weeks at a time and their long sword-like leaves will still look fresh. They can tolerate low light and drought. They are also natural air purifiers. Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is the most common cultivar of snake plant, however, there are a few other species worth checking out that have interesting traits.

Pothos is a trailing vine plant with heart shaped leaves that can be green or variegated with white or yellow. It prefers bright but indirect light and is suited for areas that do not get a lot of sunlight. Pothos prefer not to be watered until the soil dries out completely.

Vines can grow in excess of 10 feet, however, they can start to become leggy the longer in length it grows. This is the ultimate sharing plant. Just snip off the lower part of the vine and put the cut end in water. The vines will sprout roots in no time.

The cast-iron plant, as it name would imply, is nearly indestructible. They can tolerate low light, low humidity and can grow in temperatures varying from 45 to 85 degrees. These plants grow to 2 feet tall and wide, however, are slow growing. They do like to be watered, preferring their soil to be kept moist, however, if left to dry out they will spring back fairly quickly after a good drink.

Aloe Vera should be a staple in every home. Not just because it is a pretty plant, but it is functional and tough as nails. We have all heard that the inner gel it is good on burns (I can personally attest to this fact) but it also a power house for nutritional purposes. It is high in vitamins and minerals, contains all 8 essential amino acids, and three plant sterols including HCL cholesterol, which lowers fats in the blood.

If you are looking for a real statement plant, look toward the rubber plant. This guy can grow up to 50 feet in height in an outdoor setting, but can easily be pruned to keep it house size. It likes bright, indirect sun and moist soil during its growing season, but water can be cut back to once or twice a month when it goes dormant in winter. This fast grower produces large, dark green, glossy leaves on a sturdy center branches.

These are all great plants for beginners testing out their green thumb and those who like plants but temporarily forget they own them. Until next week, happy gardening.

— Irland, a member of the Limestone County Master Gardeners, can be reached at kippirland@hotmail.com. For more information on the Limestone County Master Gardeners, visit http://mg.aces.edu/limestone.