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Do you find it hard to keep your plants alive through the winter months? Don’t worry, there are plenty of hardy, resilient plants that can thrive even when the temperature drops. This guide shows you the best indoor plants that survive winter, so you can keep your indoor garden thriving all season long!
Best Indoor Plants that Survive Winter
Let’s take a look at the best indoor plants that survive winter and keep your indoor space green and thriving all season long.
1. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is a nearly indestructible houseplant that thrives in low light and dry conditions.
It features stiff, upright leaves with striking green and yellow variegation.
Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as it is highly drought-tolerant.
Place it in a spot with indirect light, and it will continue to purify the air throughout the winter months.
Learn more about Snake plant care here!
2. Spider Plant
Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are known for their arching green leaves with white stripes and their ability to produce baby spiderettes.
They thrive in indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions, making them perfect for winter.
Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater it.
Mist occasionally to counter the dry indoor air and keep it away from cold drafts.
Learn more about Spider plant care here!
3. ZZ Plant
ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are incredibly resilient, with thick, waxy leaves that store water, making them highly drought-tolerant.
They prefer low to medium light, so they’re ideal for winter’s shorter days.
Water only when the soil is completely dry, and avoid placing them in direct sunlight.
This plant is perfect for forgetful gardeners, as it can survive with minimal care.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a hardy succulent that requires minimal attention to thrive, even in winter.
Place it in a bright spot with indirect light, and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Aloe Vera stores water in its fleshy leaves, making it particularly well-suited to drier indoor environments.
It’s a useful plant to keep around, as its gel can soothe burns and skin irritations.
5. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) is a winter favorite, known for its colorful blooms that appear in late fall or early winter.
It prefers bright, indirect light and cooler temperatures, which help encourage blooming.
Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
With the right care, this festive plant can bloom year after year.
6. Jade Plant
Jade Plants (Crassula ovata) are easy-to-care-for succulents with thick, glossy leaves that retain moisture.
They thrive in bright, indirect light, but can tolerate lower light levels during winter.
Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Jade plants prefer a cool, dry environment during the winter months, making them perfect indoor plants that survive winter.
Learn more about Jade plant care here!
7. Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a trailing vine that thrives in low light, making it an excellent choice for winter.
Its heart-shaped leaves come in a variety of colors, from green to variegated white and yellow.
Water the plant when the soil feels dry, and mist occasionally to increase humidity.
Pothos is also known for its air-purifying properties, helping to keep your indoor air fresh.
Learn more about Pothos plant care here!
8. Philodendron
Philodendrons are popular for their large, heart-shaped leaves and adaptability to low light conditions.
They can tolerate lower humidity, which is common in heated homes during winter.
Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, but avoid letting it sit in water.
Philodendrons are low-maintenance plants, making them ideal for keeping your home green throughout the colder months.
9. English Ivy
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a fast-growing, climbing vine that thrives in cooler temperatures and indirect light.
It can tolerate low light and dry indoor conditions, making it ideal for winter.
Water it moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
English Ivy also acts as a natural air purifier, helping to improve air quality during the winter season.
10. Peace Lily
Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) are known for their elegant white flowers and glossy green leaves.
They thrive in low to medium light, which makes them perfect for dim winter days.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as Peace Lilies prefer a bit of humidity.
Their air-purifying qualities are an added bonus, especially in homes where ventilation is limited during winter.
11. Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a striking houseplant with large, glossy leaves that make a bold statement.
It prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions during winter.
Water sparingly during the colder months, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Keep the leaves clean by wiping them with a damp cloth to help the plant photosynthesize in dimmer winter light.
12. Dracaena
Dracaena plants are perfect for winter, as they can tolerate low light and dry air.
Their long, sword-like leaves add a tropical touch to any room, even in the colder months.
Water the plant when the soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering, as they are sensitive to soggy soil.
Dracaenas also help purify the air, making them a practical addition to your winter indoor garden.
13. Orchid
Orchids, particularly the Phalaenopsis variety, are surprisingly resilient during winter.
They prefer bright, indirect light and a bit of humidity, which can be provided by occasional misting.
Water them sparingly, allowing the potting medium to dry out between waterings, and avoid letting water sit in the plant’s crown.
With proper care, orchids can produce stunning flowers, brightening up your space during the cold months.
14. Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is extremely tough and can handle low light, dry air, and fluctuating temperatures.
Its large, dark green leaves make it an attractive and easy-care plant for winter.
Water it moderately, letting the soil dry out between waterings, and it will continue to thrive with minimal care.
This plant is perfect for those who want a hardy, fuss-free winter plant.
15. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a hardy houseplant that thrives in low light and can tolerate dry indoor conditions.
Its variegated leaves add a pop of color, with shades ranging from green to silver and red.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
This easy-care plant is perfect for winter, especially in homes with lower light levels.
16. Calathea
Calatheas are prized for their stunning, patterned leaves and tolerance of low light.
While they can adapt to lower light conditions, they appreciate a little extra humidity, which can be provided by misting the plant.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and avoid placing them near drafts.
With the right care, Calatheas can add vibrant color and texture to your home during the winter months.
17. Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is known for its large, violin-shaped leaves that make it a popular indoor plant.
While it prefers bright light, it can adapt to lower light levels in winter, although it may grow more slowly.
Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, but be careful not to overwater, as this plant is sensitive to root rot.
Occasionally mist the leaves to counteract dry indoor air.
18. Bromeliad
Bromeliads are tropical plants that tolerate low humidity and indirect light, making them suitable for winter conditions.
Their colorful, spiky leaves and unique flowers bring a touch of the tropics indoors.
Water the central cup of the plant, allowing excess water to drain out, and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
Bromeliads thrive in bright, indirect light, but they can survive in lower light during the winter months.
19. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a winter-friendly succulent that’s known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
It thrives in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions.
Water sparingly, as it stores water in its thick leaves, making it well-suited for the drier air of winter.
This low-maintenance plant adds a cheerful burst of color to any space during the colder months.
20. Bird’s Nest Fern
Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium nidus) are humidity-loving plants that thrive in lower light conditions.
Their unique, wavy fronds add texture and interest to your indoor garden.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and mist the plant regularly to maintain humidity.
Place it away from cold drafts, and this fern will flourish even in winter.
21. Dumb Cane
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) is an easy-to-care-for plant with large, patterned leaves that add a tropical feel to any room.
It tolerates low light, making it a good choice for winter, but prefers indirect light.
Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Be cautious with this plant, as its sap can be toxic if ingested or if it comes into contact with skin.
22. Haworthia
Haworthia is a small, slow-growing succulent that thrives in winter’s lower light conditions.
It has thick, fleshy leaves that retain water, making it highly drought-tolerant and well-suited for dry indoor air.
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
This compact plant is perfect for a sunny windowsill or desk during the colder months.
23. Anthurium
Anthuriums are stunning indoor plants known for their glossy, heart-shaped leaves and unique, long-lasting flowers.
They thrive in bright, indirect light and enjoy a humid environment, making them ideal for indoor spaces.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mist regularly to maintain humidity levels.
With proper care, these vibrant plants can bloom throughout the winter, adding a pop of color to your home.
24. Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a stunning bulb plant known for its large, dramatic flowers that bloom in winter.
It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil.
Water the plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry, but avoid letting it sit in water to prevent rot.
With proper care, your Amaryllis can produce spectacular blooms that add vibrant color to your home during the cold season.
25. African Violet
African Violets (Saintpaulia) are beloved for their small, velvety leaves and delicate flowers, which can bloom even in winter.
They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and provide extra humidity by placing the pot on a tray of water and pebbles.
With the right care, these charming plants will brighten up your home during the cold months.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your indoor garden.
With these resilient houseplants, you can maintain a vibrant and lush indoor space, no matter how cold and dark it gets outside.
From hardy succulents to blooming orchids, these indoor plants that survive winter are designed to thrive, keeping your home green and alive all season long.
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