Okay, confession time: winter is not my favorite season.
Between the endless gray skies, shorter days, and my heating bill trying to bankrupt me, it just puts a damper on my mood. The only saving grace? My indoor plants. They make my world a little brighter. Tending to them gets me through winter and reminds me that spring is juuuuust around the corner.
And no, I’m not talking about high-maintenance divas that need constant watering or just the right amount of sunlight. I’m into low-maintenance plants that look great, don’t guilt-trip me for missing a watering, and actually thrive during the colder months. Bonus points if they clean the air, because let’s face it, my central heating isn’t exactly known for its “fresh spring breeze” vibes.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned plant parent or someone with a black thumb (trust me, we all start that way), this list has a little something for everyone. So, grab yourself a cozy blanket, keep a hot drink handy, and let me introduce you to the best indoor plants to survive and thrive with this winter. Trust me, your living space is about to get a serious glow-up. ✨🌱✨
How Indoor Plants Improve Winter Living
Along with the colder temperatures and shorter days, winter can also bring challenges for our mood, air quality, and overall home vibe. Enter: indoor houseplants, the ultimate winter pick-me-up. Here’s how they help you beat the winter blues.
They Boost Your Mood
It’s no secret that plants bring joy. In fact, one study showed that those who spent five to ten minutes in a room with a few houseplants felt noticeably happier than those who were in a room without plants. Studies have also shown that spending time in the vicinity of plants results in increased self-esteem and more satisfaction in life.
They Purify and Freshen Your Indoor Air
Winter usually means we’re breathing in a lot of circulated, heated air, which, at times, can feel a little stale. But plants like the rubber plant, snake plant, and pothos are natural air purifiers! They remove toxins from the air and give your indoor space a fresher feel.
They Combat Dry Air from Central Heating
If dry air from central heating has your skin feeling like a lizard’s, plants with larger leaves, like the Chinese evergreen or rubber plant, can help boost relative humidity. For even more moisture, you can try grouping your plants together in a room, or setting up a humidity tray with pebbles and water under their pots.
They Add Life to Your Space
There really is nothing like a lush, green plant to make your indoor living space feel warm and alive. Heck, if I could maintain an indoor jungle, I probably would.
And now, without further ado, let’s get into…
The Top 10 Plants to Brighten Your Home this Winter
1. Snake Plant
Nicknamed the “mother-in-law’s tongue”, this low-maintenance plant is nearly indestructible. It thrives in low light conditions, doesn’t mind dry air, and practically thrives on less water. Plus, its glossy green leaves are sleek and modern, so it looks classy in any indoor space.
Care Tips: Keep this plant in indirect light or even lower light levels. Let the soil dry out between watering sessions, and give it a pat on the back for surviving your neglect.
2. Pothos
If plants could win a popularity contest, pothos would be crowned homecoming king. Known as the “Devil’s Ivy” (ironic, since it’s a saint of a plant), pothos is wildly versatile, super forgiving, and oh-so-stylish. And it comes in SO many types! Golden pothos has marbled yellow streaks. Neon pothos is bright lime green. And marble queen pothos often come with creamy white variegation. And this doesn’t even scratch the surface of the different varieties! Also, it grows like a weed, does great in water or soil, and bounces back from a wide array of plant care mishaps. That’s why I generally recommend pothos to anyone who is just getting into house plants.
Care Tips: Pothos loves indirect sunlight but can also handle lower light levels like a champ. And it’s not picky about watering. Let the soil dry between sessions. It also looks stunning cascading from shelves or trailing down from hanging baskets.
3. Jade Plant
Perhaps one of the cutest succulents out there, the jade plant is a good option for people who tend to forget to water their plants. It stores water in its round, chunky, glossy leaves, so it can survive on infrequent watering during the colder months.
Care Tips: Place it in bright light and let the soil dry out between waterings. This one’s a fan of natural light, so a sunny windowsill is the best place for it.
4. ZZ Plant
If you’ve got a black thumb, meet the ZZ plant, the MVP of low-maintenance plants. It’s almost as if it thrives on neglect, making it one of the easiest plants to care for during the winter season.
Care Tips: ZZ is perfect for low light conditions, though it won’t say no to some indirect sunlight. Water sparingly, especially in winter. About once every 3 weeks, or even just once a month while it’s cold out.
5. Christmas Cactus
With a name like Christmas Cactus, how could you not want to bring this plant home for the winter? It features vibrant blooms during the winter months, and unlike most tropical plants, it enjoys lower temperatures and a bit of a nap between waterings. It’s one of those plants that you often see passed down from generation to generation because it’s so easy to maintain.
Care Tips: This plant loves indirect light and thrives on well-drained soil. Water when the soil is dry, but don’t let it sit in water. Fungus gnats are not invited to this party.
6. Aloe Vera
This plant does double duty as both décor and first aid. Got dry skin from cold weather? Snap off a leaf, and use the sap as instant moisturizer! Aloe vera thrives with less light and won’t bat a leafy eyelash if you forget it exists for a week or two.
Care Tips: This perfect indoor plant thrives in indirect sunlight. Water about every 2 weeks during the colder months, but always be sure to test the soil with your finger to make sure the first inch isn’t already wet before watering.
7. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant features bold and glossy dark green leaves that add a little flair of drama to any indoor space. It’s also one of the most popular houseplants for improving indoor air quality. It’s resilient and comes in regular, burgundy, or variegated!
Care Tips: This ficus thrives in indirect light but can handle lower light levels too. Water every couple of weeks. Too much water leads to droopy leaves. It also enjoys an occasional dusting of it’s leaves to better absorb sunlight.
8. Spider Plant
The spider plant is an oldie but a goodie, and it’s also a great air-purifier! It’s super easy to care for, which makes it one of the best indoor plants for the winter season.
Care Tips: Place it in a spot with natural light or under a grow light. Water regularly, but not excessively. No one likes soggy roots.
9. Monstera
If you’re looking for a statement piece or to fill a bigger space, the Monstera deliciosa, also known as the “Swiss cheese plant,” is exactly what you need. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s impossible to ignore. With its iconic split glossy green leaves, it adds a touch of tropical drama to any room. But don’t let its stylish appearance fool you. This plant is surprisingly low-maintenance, even during the colder months.
Care Tips: Monstera loves indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels, making it a flexible option for winter. Keep the soil slightly moist, but don’t let it sit in excess water.
10. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is the ultimate survivor, It can thrive in lower light levels and dry climates like a champ. Its striking leaves also add a tropical vibe to your winter home.
Care Tips: Tolerant of low humidity and cold drafts, this plant is the definition of laid-back. Just give it a wipe with a damp cloth every now and then to keep those large leaves looking shiny.
Caring for Indoor Plants in the Winter
Winter care is a little different for plants. Here’s how to keep your leafy friends thriving through the colder months:
Adjust to Lower Light Levels
With the amount of light decreasing during winter, even plants that love bright light will need a little adjustment. Move them closer to a natural light source like a south-facing window (just watch out for cold drafts). If your space is lacking indirect sunlight, consider investing in a grow light to supplement their light needs.
Dial Back the Watering
Plants go semi-dormant during the winter season, meaning they need less water to stay happy. Overwatering is a common winter mistake and a one-way ticket to soggy roots and fungus gnats. ALWAYS make sure you have drainage holes at the bottom of your pots. Check with your finger to make sure the soil is dry before watering, and use pots with well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging.
Watch for Heat Sources and Drafts
Plants aren’t fans of sitting near heat sources like radiators, heater vents, or fireplaces. They also hate icy blasts from an open window. Keep them in a place where the temperature stays steady. Most plants thrive at room temperature (65–75°F), so don’t let them freeze or roast.
Increase Humidity Levels
Low humidity is another winter woe. If your plants start looking crispy, add a humidifier nearby or mist them lightly (just don’t overdo it—nobody likes water spots on glossy leaves). Certain plants, like african violets or moth orchids, love the extra pampering.
Skip the Fertilizer
Winter is not the best time for fertilizing. Plants are in rest mode, not growth mode. Save the plant food for warmer weather or when you start seeing new growth in spring.
With a little TLC, your plants will thrive through the seasonal change, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of a lush, green oasis even throughout the chilliest days.
Ready for Some New Plants?
Winter doesn’t have to mean your home is dull and dreary. With these easy houseplants, you can transform your home into a lush sanctuary or indoor jungle of your dreams to fend of the winter blues.
What plants are you looking forward to getting this year? What plants do you already have? We love to talk plants, so be sure to leave a comment below!