I want a plant in my living room... recommendations please

Hola !

I am totally new in this topic, but responsible and dedicated.
I am looking for some nice indoor plant, I would like to have a plant in a pot,
I think it would be medium in size, less than 3 ft., it should be colorful (if it's possible, maybe some flowers), I wouldn't like those big leaves. My living room is small, I just want something nice and colorful on it.
I would love some tips in order to take care of it.

I live in New Jersey, Zone 6.

P.D.: What kind of small CACTUS would you recommend me (besides my requirement above)?
I have heard they are good in rooms with TVs, computers, electronic stuff 'cause some electric fields.

I would apreciate your ideas.

Thank you !

How much light will the plant get? That's going to be the real key to what will do well for you.

Zamifolias are safe bets and have great shape. No flowers for me, but easy and good to go in darker or lighter corners, easy water plants...go on ecrane3~just wanted to toss that in~
:D

Thanx for your responses.

My living room has not light, I have windows, of course, but I can say the natural lighting
is not big... I think I need a plant for shadows.

I could put another por very close to my window, that place is usually iluminated .

I would like to know about plants for very shadow place and close a window (iluminated).

I will check for Zamifolias.

Thank you !!!

just dont over water in the shade~ they will love it~
d

A few house plants that do well in lower light situations:

Sansevieria: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/431/
Aglaonema: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/70490/
Dieffenbachia: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/717/
Spathiphyllum: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/57837/

If you have young children or animals, just be aware that these and a lot of plants are poisonous.

You had mentioned wanting a cactus--I don't think they will like your low-light conditions very much, so unless you have a sunny window for it I'd stick with some of the above suggestions.

I agree with ecrane3 regarding cactus. I think desert cacti require full sun to survive. If you have a bright window you might like to try an Epiphyllum/Orchid Cactus. I have a couple that are in pots out under a tree in my backyard. They get no direct sun, just bright light and do great!

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/adv_search.php?searcher%5Bcommon%5D=&searcher%5Bfamily%5D=&searcher%5Bgenus%5D=epiphyllum&searcher%5Bspecies%5D=&searcher%5Bcultivar%5D=&searcher%5Bhybridizer%5D=&searcher%5Bgrex%5D=&search_prefs%5Bblank_cultivar%5D=&search_prefs%5Bsort_by%5D=rating&images_prefs=both&Search=Search

IF you do decide on a cacti or succulent get a high output bulb to add light to the plants natural window lighting. The new curly flourescents in a high wattage may work, ...What are the thoughts on this out there?
:D

I have a fittonia. You can get them in varieties where the leaves vains are either pink or white - mine is in the shade and doing fine. If it flowers or not it's still got colour. Pepperonia plants also have various coloured leaves; I saw one at the weekend which had black leaves with bright pink spots - I would have bought one however none of the ones in the garden centre looked very healty.

If you really have a limited light source you will do well with something like the following:
(Picture a Victorian Parlor with heavy drapes to keep the light from fading the furniture.)
Sanseveria, common name Snake plant.
Any of the so called Parlor Palms, several are low light.
Aspidistra,common name Cast Iron Plant it does have large spear shaped leaves but is very hardy.
Aglaonema commom name Chinese evergreen similar to the Aspidistra w/ similar but smaller leaves.
I hope this helps a little.
Barbara Lloyd. WA