Plants have something in common with humans: next to oxygen, water is their most essential requirement for survival. Humans can survive for only about 36 hours without water, and most of the hardiest plants will shrivel and die if denied the universal liquid for more than two weeks.

In an indoor scenario, plugging an indoor hose into a faucet, and extending it across the room to water the plants, is probably more trouble than it's worth. Although, one can always argue that using a hose would be a less messy alternative over lugging water buckets across plush carpets and dangerously-slippery-when-wet vinyl floors.

So, all factors considered, these are still the recommended watering strategies for indoor plants:

Use a long-neck watering can. Assuming that the plants are just enough to brighten up a small room, a handy watering can will do the job. More than a handful of plants may take a few extra trips to the water source (or a bigger can), but everyone needs the exercise. A fancy and colorfully designed watering can will even be an attractive element of the indoor garden decor.

Water with a wick. For the busiest person, a fool-proof wick watering system is the answer. Different types of wicks work for different types of plants, all relying on the basic principle of capillary action. The downside (more of an eyesore if not aesthetically addressed) is, a water container will have to be set alongside the plants -- like an intravenous drip.