And like spider plants, these ones propagate themselves, making their own babies! (The botanical name Sempervivum is Latin for “live forever.”) “Sometimes they give out small flowers ...

2. African Violet The African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is one of the most popular houseplants, prized for its compact form, fascinating hairy leaves, and abundance of small flowers.

Few plants are more fragrant ... choice for Valentine’s Day. These small shrubs grow in a tight mound of glossy leaves with silky, white flowers that cast an alluringly sweet scent.