What plants will grow best in a dark house?

My 8 year old niece wants her own house plant. Her parents keep their house pretty dark. I don't know anything about house plants. Any suggestions on what I should get her?

What plants will grow best in a dark house?
One plant that has earned a suitable name as a durable houseplant is Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra elatior. It was a very popular plant during the Victoria era, enduring cold, dimly lit rooms and the fumes from burning coal. This plant does well under medium to very low light conditions and medium to cool temperatures. In fact, practically the only way to kill this plant is through overwatering or by placing it in a high temperature location, which makes the plant susceptible to spidermite invasion. Cast Iron Plant has dark green, broadly sword-shaped, leathery leaves and reaches a height of 3'. A slow growing plant, yet one that thrives on neglect and makes a nice green accent for a dark corner.





Another easy to grow houseplant is Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema modestum. This small, bushy plant with sword-shape, variegated leaves normally grows to 2' in height. It grows best under medium light and temperatures, but will tolerate low light. Many cultivars are available with different leaf colors, including silvery-green leaves and dark, forest green leaves. A great plant for any indoor gardener.





Select plants that look sturdy, clean, well potted, shapely, and well-covered with leaves.





Choose plants with healthy foliage. Avoid plants which have yellow or chlorotic leaves, brown leaf margins, wilted or water soaked foliage, spots or blotches and spindly growth. In addition, avoid leaves with mechanical damage, and those which have been treated with "leaf shines" which add an unnatural polish to the leaves. Plants which have new flowers and leaf buds along with young growth are usually of superior quality.





Remember that it is easier to purchase a plant which requires the same environmental conditions your residence has to offer than to alter the environment of your home or office to suit the plants.
Reply:there are a few tropicals out there that like very moderate light.





all plants need a source of light... some palms and house tropicals can take dry heat, minimal light (sometime a small halogen will keep them pert...) and minimal food.





http://gardening.about.com/od/houseplant...





http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/m...





use some of these suggestions and when you go shopping around talk to someone who knows their stuff.





also note where plants are placed when you shop for a plant... don't get those outside in the direct light.. those under fluorescence will do better.... or those in the shade when outside awaiting for a new home.





http://www.catalogs.com/info/garden-yard...





http://www.growit.com/bin/KnowArt.exe?My...
Reply:violets