Tidy. Low maintenance. Always there to listen. Minimal feeding. These are relationship goals I strive for with my green pals (and even some friends).

As someone who is on the run most of the day, making time to care for “another thing” can be challenging. Not so with these beauties. They get watered once a week. If one looks droopy, I’ll move him to a corner to get more sun. If he gets too overgrown, I put my barbering skills to good use. Outgrowing his pot? Time for an outfit change and possibly a matching accessory of lava rocks on top of the soil. When it gets chillier outside they will move inside for winter vacation.

Here are some general tips that have kept me and my friends happy:

• Check the soil once a week. If it feels dry, water the plant. Need help remembering? Go with something easy to remember like #waterwednesday.

• As you pal matures, the pot will get some great patina on it.

• Speaking of pot, make sure there are holes in the bottom for drainage. Otherwise, the roots will probably rot and your pal won’t be happy.

• Make like The Little Prince and bring your plant along with you. They are great company when you are working on the computer.