The look for plants now is architectural says floral designer Stephen Woodhams: People want simple shapes

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The look for plants now is architectural, says floral designer Stephen Woodhams: "People want simple shapes. You've sanded your wooden floors and stocked up on aromatic candles, all that's left is to find a place for the spider plant your mum gave you, right? Wrong. Increase indoor humidity - stand plants on gravel in a saucer with water or spray from time to time.5 Plants with dark leaves tolerate shady positions better Flowering plants need the most light.6 Water plants less in winter In summer put them outside.. Drain excess water from trays or soak in the sink for an hour, then drain. 3. Feed in spring, summer and early autumn with a liquid or slow-release feed.4. Keep plants away from draughts, shelves above radiators or TVs, and back doors 2. 1.

It only lives for five to six years so is a bit of a luxury.THE INDESTRUCTIBLESANSEVIERAVery popular Puts up with almost anything. Most popular one is the trifasciata laurentii (around pounds 10) which has golden edges; there are smaller ones with petal-like leaves.YOUR RELIABLE FRIEND PEACE LILY (SPATHIPHYLLUM)A sort of flowering version of the more naff aspidistra. It will survive most forms of abuse (except over-watering and sunburn), and grows pretty much anywhere Costs from pounds 5-10.. Feed it half a pint of water or so twice a week.BLOW THE BUDGETBAMBOOYou can grow a bamboo from a cutting at home It needs a bright position Water three to four times a week in warm weather. A small plant costs pounds 50; for giant ones you will pay hundreds. The only drawback is they take six years to produce fruit, so if you are after oranges you will need to buy a mature tree (price around pounds 30).ON THE BEACHKENTIAThis palm is evocative of exotic holidays - but it actually prefers a cool spot A big plant can cost more than pounds 50, but it's hardy. Keep it in the kitchen where it can get plenty of artificial light.

Costs from pounds 10.FRESH FRUITCITRUS FRUIT TREESThese are easy to grow indoors - and produce fruit, but there are no guarantees as to the taste Ideal for a sunny window sill. In enough light, it can flower all year round - hard to achieve in the British winter. A tropical plant, it's used to 12 hours of daylight so tends suffer in the winter. According to David Domoney, it's tougher than a yucca and perfect for a corner in a living room - it can grow up to 10ft and makes a great feature.THE TROPICAL FLOWERANTHURIUM (PICTURED LEFT)Has an exotic red flower and a phallic-looking yellow waxy "palette", so it's ideal for adding colour to a room Likes to be in a bright spot, but not directly in sun. In the summer, water it three or four times a week.THE EXOTIC LOOKBEAUCARNEA RECURVATAThis is bound to be a talking point - its straggly leaves are strongly reminiscent of Medusa's head. It's hardy and easy to look after: it only needs watering every 10 days in summer and withstands plenty of sun - but costs around pounds 30.THE BEST VALUEDRACAENA MARGINATAThis tree is great for those on a tight budget, at pounds 10.