As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our indoor spaces become our primary sanctuary. While the garden outside may be dormant, your indoor "jungle" doesn't have to be. Winter poses unique challenges for greenery—primarily lower light levels and the dry air caused by indoor heating—but many species actually flourish in these conditions.
Choosing the right plants can do more than just decorate a room. Surrounding yourself with greenery during the colder months has been shown to reduce stress, elevate mood, and even combat seasonal blues.
Here are the best, most resilient houseplants to keep your home vibrant and fresh until spring returns.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Commonly known as "Mother-in-Law’s Tongue," the snake plant is a winter superstar. Its upright, sculptural leaves act like living art, fitting perfectly into modern decor.
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Why it wins in winter: It is incredibly drought-tolerant and thrives in low-light conditions.
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Winter Care: Water sparingly—only when the soil is completely dry—and keep it away from cold drafts near windows.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If you have a "problem corner" that receives almost no natural light, the ZZ plant is your answer. Its waxy, deep-green leaves add a sophisticated touch to any space.
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Why it wins in winter: It thrives on neglect and can tolerate the cooler, damper environments typical of winter homes.
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Winter Care: Naturally slow-growing, it requires very little water as it stores moisture in its rhizomatous roots.
3. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
For those who miss the vibrant colors of summer, the Christmas cactus provides a dazzling display of flowers right when you need them most.
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Why it wins in winter: Unlike desert cacti, these are epiphytes that prefer cooler temperatures and bloom as the days get shorter.
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Winter Care: Place it in bright, indirect light and allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Often called "Devil’s Ivy" because it’s nearly impossible to kill, pothos is a versatile vine that can trail down bookshelves or climb a trellis.
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Why it wins in winter: It is remarkably adaptable to the low light and varying temperatures of an indoor winter environment.
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Winter Care: Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. If it grows too long, simply trim the vines and propagate them in water for free new plants.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is practically indestructible. It was a favorite in drafty Victorian parlors because it could survive almost anything.
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Why it wins in winter: It handles fluctuating temperatures and low sunlight with ease.
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Winter Care: This plant is very low-maintenance. Allow the soil to dry out significantly—about halfway—before watering.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily brings a sense of serenity with its elegant white blooms and lush foliage.
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Why it wins in winter: It acts as a natural air purifier, filtering out common indoor toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, which can accumulate when homes are sealed tight for the winter.
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Winter Care: It prefers partial shade and slightly moist soil. Wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust and keep them "breathing".
7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a favorite for families and pet owners because it is non-toxic and incredibly forgiving.
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Why it wins in winter: It is one of the best plants for boosting indoor humidity, releasing moisture into dry winter air.
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Winter Care: It thrives in bright, indirect light. It also produces "pups"—tiny baby plants—that you can cut and gift to friends.
Winter Houseplant Success Tips
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Avoid Overwatering: Most plants grow more slowly in winter and need significantly less water than they do in the summer. Check out our blog on overwatering for tips on how to prevent it.
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Mind the Vents: Keep your plants away from direct heat sources like radiators or heating vents, which can scorch leaves and dry them out too quickly.
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Maximize Light: If your home is particularly dark, consider moving plants closer to south-facing windows or using a grow light to keep them happy. Grow lights such as Soltech's are great for indoor houseplants as their varying products can suit many different plant species varying in size and individual needs.
