ASPARAGUS

This iconic plant is native only to certain dry, desert-like areas of Mexico.
It's often seen as a showpiece in botanical gardens, where it can grow beautifully in the ground. In a pot or bowl, it can still be quite aesthetically pleasing and requires little maintenance. It's a small tree with a very swollen base, clearly illustrating its generic name "elephant's foot." The drooping, tough leaves form a pompom of foliage, which also illustrates another common name, "ponytail palm." This plant is anything but a palm, but that's unfortunately how it goes with common names.

Full sun is preferred, and during the growing season, water when the substrate almost dries out. Keep it drier in winter; a monthly watering can prevent the leaves from dropping and the roots from drying out. Resume normal watering once the days get longer and warmer (aim for April).