Thirteen Houseplants, as Suggested by Horticultural Experts, Which Prosper During Winter's Chill
Unlike many indoor plants that struggle in the outdoors during colder months, houseplants offer the advantage of thriving indoors year-round. However, as temperatures drop and days shorten, some houseplants might show signs of distress. Increased indoor heating can lead to less humidity, which can negatively impact tropical plants that need a humid environment.
To keep your plants looking their best during winter, we're highlighting ten houseplants that flourish during this season.
- Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
- Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms
01 of 10## Jade Plant
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a resilient succulent shrub, appreciated for its shiny leaves and clusters of white flowers. According to Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, when well-cared for, it can last for decades.
- Size: 5 feet tall x 5 feet wide
- Care requirements: Bright sunlight; well-draining potting soil
02 of 10## Snake Plant
The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is a dependable houseplant that can handle winter's changing conditions, says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist for Costa Farms. "It can survive with watering as little as once a month," he notes. Known for its rigid, sword-like leaves, it gives off a contemporary, sleek feel. Most snake plants are green with silvery striations, while some are variegated with gold for an added touch.
- Size: 3 to 4 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
- Care requirements: Medium to bright sunlight; well-draining potting soil
03 of 10## Spider Plant
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) claims arching leaves and stems with tiny spider-like offshoots, hence its name. Describing this plant, Bunting notes, "There are selections that are all green, while others have white-and-green variegated leaves." During the winter months, providing some humidity will enhance its growth.
- Size: 1 foot tall x 2 feet wide
- Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-draining potting soil
04 of 10## Golden Pothos
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a vining plant that looks stunning displayed in a hanging basket, allowing its foliage to cascade delicately from the container. Bunting states, "It's known for its yellow marbled variegated leaves that are heart-shaped."
- Size: Up to 20 feet long x 3 to 6 feet wide
- Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-draining potting soil
05 of 10## Raven ZZ
Raven ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a nearly indestructible houseplant choice for winter, says Hancock. "It can tolerate shorter winter days and increased indoor heating," he adds. This plant features thick, waxy-looking leaves in a light shade of green that gradually darkens to a purple-black hue as it matures.
- Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
- Care requirements: Low to bright, indirect sunlight; well-drained soil
06 of 10## Dieffenbachia
The dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia seguine) - also known as dumb cane - boasts large, variegated leaves that contribute a tropical vibe to your home during winter. It eventually grows into a beautiful tree, functioning as a dramatic decor accent piece. Remember that all parts of this plant are toxic, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
- Size: up to 10 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
- Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-drained soil
07 of 10## Air Plant
Air plant (Tillandsia stricta) is an epiphyte, relying on the air for moisture and nutrients. Bunting explains, "It's called an air plant because it doesn't require soil." At home, it can be hung from a curtain rod or placed on a shelf. It grows best in bathrooms, benefiting from full sunlight and the extra humidity from the shower.
- Size: 3 inches tall x 3 inches wide
- Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; no soil needed
08 of 10## Rubber Plant
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is known for its durability and ease of growth, making it one of the most popular houseplants. As it matures, it transforms into a tree-like structure, complete with large, leather-like, mahogany-colored leaves. It thrives in virtually any light condition.
- Size: 10 feet tall x 7 feet wide
- Care requirements: Low to bright, indirect sunlight; well-drained soil
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Chinese Evergreen, from the Aglaonema species, is another hardy houseplant that can survive winter without much fuss, according to Hancock. "There are numerous varieties of Chinese Evergreen available," he explains, "with most featuring dark green leaves with various hues of red, pink, gold, yellow, orange, or purple as variegation."
- Dimensions: Approximately 2 to 3 feet tall by 4 feet wide
- Care guidelines: Medium to bright light; well-draining soil
Moving on, the holiday cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) tends to bloom best during the winter months thanks to shorter days and cooler nights. It's characterized by dark green, claw-like segments that droop elegantly from the planter. When it blooms, it displays orchid-like flowers in a variety of colors, such as red, pink, purple, white, and gold.
- Dimensions: Around 2 feet long by 1 to 2 feet wide
- Care guidelines: Medium to bright light; well-draining soil
Next up, the Global Green pothos (Epipremnum aureum 'Global Green') is a resilient houseplant that thrives even in the harsher conditions of winter. According to Hancock, it's an easy-care plant that maintains its green-on-green variegated heart-shaped leaves even during lower humidity and light levels.
- Dimensions: Up to 6 feet long by 1 to 2 feet wide
- Care guidelines: Medium to bright light; well-draining soil
The Philodendron Tortum, a rare and hardy species, is also a great choice for winter. It can handle occasional neglect during the holiday rush without any issues, thanks to its durable finely dissected leaves that resemble palm or fern fronds, rather than typical philodendron leaves.
- Dimensions: Up to 6 feet tall by 2 to 4 feet wide
- Care guidelines: Medium to bright light; well-draining soil
Monstera varieties, such as the Thai Constellation monstera (Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation') and the Cobra monstera (Monstera standleyana Albo-Variegata), also fare well during the winter months. The former is a showstopper with its dark green, heart-shaped leaves streaked and splashed with creamy white, while the latter boasts paddle-shaped dark green leaves with white streaks. Both plants are able to tolerate dryer conditions and lower humidity levels that winter brings.
- Dimensions: Varies by variety
- Care guidelines: Medium to bright light; well-draining soil
- The Chinese Evergreen, with its numerous varieties featuring dark green leaves with various hues of red, pink, gold, yellow, orange, or purple as variegation, is another hardy houseplant that can survive the winter months with ease.
- The holiday cactus, or Schlumbergera spp., tends to bloom best during the winter due to shorter days and cooler nights, displaying orchid-like flowers in a variety of colors such as red, pink, purple, white, and gold.
