Breynia nivosa (Hawaiian Snow Bush)

Traditionally a tropical garden plant, Snow Bush is slowly becoming recognized as a house plant -- and for good reason. This Pacific Island native is an exquisite accent plant in any brightly lit room.

Slender branches of this tropical shrub are densely covered with rounded green leaves, spectacularly splashed with white. Flowers do sometimes appear on mature plants, although they're not at all showy. These odd-looking, petalless flowers are small and green, hiding under the foliage.

Keep it moist. Make this tropical beauty feel at home by boosting the humidity around it. Set the pot on a pebble tray or use a room humidifier to keep the relative humidity above 50%. Also keep the soil moist at all times.

Cut it back. Snowbush grows quickly and will get quite large if not pruned. Cut the stems with sharp pruners to avoid tearing them. Make the cut just above a leaf node at a 45° angle. Prune to your heart's content -- you won't hurt this vigorous grower.