Oooh, I'm so excited. Someone making plant tags that actually have helpful information. What is the name of the grower? I've been explaining low-medium-high light in terms of reading for years ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv7-3p-nqMM ). Regarding your cordyline - pretty plant, by the way - I would give it as much light as possible without getting hit by direct sunlight. Cordylines are not used very often in interior landscaping because, under interior conditions (medium low - medium light) they just don't do very well, not nearly as well as the more commonly used species. They are very susceptible to spider mites, among other problems. Of course, yours might be a newly developed variety that doesn't have those problems. Here's a tip for dealing with plants that are atractive to spider mites - about every other week, or at least once a month, use your spray bottle filled with water and a little (1 tsp) liquid soap, and spray it lightly over your plant, tops and undersides of leaves. Not only will this show any webbing even before you might notice it otherwise, but it also kills/discourages the mites. After spraying you can wipe down the leaves with a paper towel or soft cloth - one hand under leaf, other hand wiping - which not only keeps the plants nice and clean but helps to kill/discourage the bugs,

I don't consider myself a beginner at all and wouldn't spend money on any of those plants you mentioned and I have a big yard with many options for sun exposure that you probably don't have in NYC. I haven't tried the zebra plant, but have quickly killed the other 3 in the past. No doubt it was my fault and ignorance about the plants' needs. But since I have so many other plants that do so well, it seems I've learned that these do not do well in the conditions I have to offer. Your taste in pretty leaves seems similar to mine, so I might suggest some others (in addition to the excellent suggestions already made, sorry if any of these are dupes) that are pretty but much easier to keep in captivity... any of the Dracaenas, Syngonium, cane or wax Begonias, parlor palms.

laura1 -- already done! One of my dh's other interests is fish-keeping. We have a 55 gallon tank, but when he recently went through a depression it became mainly my responsibility. As it is now populated by fish, plants, and other environmental enhancements mainly of my choosing he seems less interested in it. So for his upcoming birthday he has chosen to start a second smaller (10 gallon) tank for a male betta. It's a species he likes and a fairly high maintenance one at that. They get bored easily, so it's advisable to change the layout of the tank when you do the weekly water changes. Like goldfish they can also be trained to do a variety of tricks, and unlike goldfish they like playing with 'toys' such as floating balls. Underwater plants can also require frequent maintenance. After his last bonsai died he also recognized that the clippers needed to go into my care. They are in my tool kit, but he doesn't know that! I think he's mainly looking for a plant that requires frequent enough care that a) it is interesting to him and b) he doesn't forget about it as it becomes just another part of the scenery. What I think he really wants/needs is a garden, but we live in an apartment. Next week we'll be looking at some gardenias at a local garden centre. Maybe two (I don't think we have room for 3, I have too many plants already) will be enough to keep him busy.

Yesterday (or possibly Saturday evening), I severely cut back the plant. On any plant that had even a tiny little leaf start (or hint of green), I cut off all large leaves. This morning it seems a bit more perky. The remaining leaves are still drooping but not hanging on the side of the pot, it appears that they are doing a bit more towards holding themselves up. So maybe it is on the road to recovery.... we'll see! :D ~ I haven't done anything with the other house plants, got enough school work done yesterday that I got the yard mowed, my most faded zinnia bed pulled up & a bit of amendment done to the bed in preparation for either fall planting or next spring. I haven't yet decided if I'm going to put my winter annuals in containers or in the ground. Depending on how much we are affected by tropical storm Isaac and how long I'm housebound, I may be able to get in, around my school work, a couple more repots on some of the house plants.