pearls and jade pothos

The 10 Best Houseplants To Buy In The Winter

Winter is a magical time to bring the beauty of nature indoors, transforming your home into a cozy, green sanctuary. Whether you’re looking to brighten up dark winter days or maintain your gardening hobby during the colder months, choosing the right houseplants can make all the difference. As a passionate gardener, I’m thrilled to share with you the ten best houseplants to buy in the winter that not only thrive indoors but also add vibrant life to your living space. These plants are perfect for combating the winter blues and keeping your home fresh and lively!

Selecting houseplants for winter requires a bit of strategy, as the reduced daylight and cooler temperatures can pose challenges. However, with the right choices, you can enjoy a lush, thriving indoor garden all season long. From the hardy snake plant to the elegant orchid, each of these plants has unique characteristics that make them ideal for winter care. Let’s dive into these fantastic options and discover how they can enhance your home’s ambiance while providing the perfect winter companions!

Snake Plant

snake plant
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The Snake Plant, also known as Sansevieria or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is one of the most resilient houseplants you can have, especially during the winter months. Native to the tropical regions of West Africa, this hardy plant is renowned for its upright, sword-like leaves that come in various shades of green with striking yellow or white edges. Its ability to thrive in low light conditions and tolerate irregular watering makes it an excellent choice for winter, when natural light is scarce and schedules can become hectic.

Caring for a Snake Plant in winter is a breeze! These plants prefer well-drained soil and can handle periods of neglect, making them perfect for those busy holiday seasons. They also have air-purifying qualities, filtering out toxins and improving indoor air quality—a wonderful bonus for keeping your home healthy during the colder months. While not considered invasive, it’s important to ensure they have enough space to grow without being overcrowded. With minimal care, your Snake Plant will remain a stunning, low-maintenance addition to your winter indoor garden!

Pothos

golden pothos
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Pothos, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, is a versatile and vibrant houseplant that thrives even in the dimmer light conditions of winter. Originating from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, Pothos is admired for its heart-shaped leaves that can be variegated with shades of green, yellow, and white. This plant is not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to care for, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners.

One of the reasons I adore Pothos is its trailing vines, which add a lovely, cascading effect to any room. They are excellent for hanging baskets or high shelves, where their vines can gracefully drape down, creating a lush, green tapestry. Pothos is also known for its air-purifying abilities, removing common indoor pollutants and enhancing the overall air quality of your home. While they are generally non-invasive, Pothos can grow rapidly if not properly managed, so regular pruning helps maintain their shape and size. With their hardy nature and stunning appearance, Pothos are perfect for bringing life and color to your winter indoor garden!

ZZ Plant

zz plant
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The ZZ Plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a strikingly beautiful houseplant that is perfect for winter care due to its exceptional hardiness. Native to Eastern Africa, particularly Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Kenya, the ZZ Plant boasts glossy, dark green leaves that shimmer in the light, adding a touch of elegance to any indoor space. Its unique ability to thrive in low light and withstand periods of drought makes it an ideal companion for the winter months when natural light is limited and watering schedules may be disrupted.

Caring for a ZZ Plant is incredibly simple, which is why it’s a top pick for winter houseplants. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. ZZ Plants are also known for their air-purifying properties, helping to cleanse the air of toxins and creating a healthier living environment. While they are not considered invasive, their robust growth can quickly fill up a space, so occasional pruning is recommended to keep them looking their best. With their low-maintenance nature and stunning appearance, ZZ Plants are a fantastic addition to any winter indoor garden!

Peace Lily

peace lily blooms
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Peace Lilies, or Spathiphyllum, are beloved for their graceful white blooms and lush green foliage, making them a perfect choice for winter houseplants. Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, Peace Lilies thrive in the lower light conditions typical of winter months, making them an excellent addition to any indoor space. Their elegant white flowers symbolize peace and tranquility, bringing a sense of calm and beauty to your home during the colder season.

Caring for a Peace Lily in winter is straightforward, but it does require a bit more attention to watering and humidity. They prefer consistently moist soil, so it’s important to water them regularly without letting the soil become waterlogged. Increasing indoor humidity by misting the leaves or placing the plant on a tray of water and pebbles can also help maintain their vibrant blooms. Peace Lilies are not invasive, but they can grow vigorously, so regular trimming of spent flowers and leaves keeps them looking fresh and healthy. With their stunning blooms and air-purifying qualities, Peace Lilies are a wonderful way to enhance your winter indoor garden!

Spider Plant

propagating spider plants in water
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The Spider Plant, known scientifically as Chlorophytum comosum, is a charming and resilient houseplant that flourishes during the winter months. Native to the coastal areas of South Africa, Spider Plants are recognized for their arching, striped green and white leaves and their ability to produce baby plantlets, or “spiderettes,” which can be easily propagated. This plant is perfect for winter care as it tolerates a wide range of light conditions and can handle the cooler indoor temperatures with ease.

One of my favorite things about Spider Plants is their ability to produce long, trailing stems adorned with small white flowers and baby plants, creating a delightful, cascading effect that adds movement and life to any room. They are also excellent at purifying the air, removing common pollutants and enhancing the overall indoor environment. Spider Plants are not considered invasive, but their prolific growth means they can quickly fill a space, so occasional pruning and repotting may be necessary to keep them manageable. With their lively appearance and easy-going nature, Spider Plants are a fantastic addition to your winter indoor garden!

Chinese Evergreen

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Chinese Evergreen, or Aglaonema, is a stunning and hardy houseplant that thrives even in the challenging conditions of winter. Originating from the tropical forests of Asia, particularly China and Indonesia, Chinese Evergreens are prized for their beautiful, variegated leaves that come in shades of green, silver, and red. Their ability to flourish in low light and withstand periods of drought makes them an ideal choice for winter indoor gardening.

Caring for a Chinese Evergreen is simple yet rewarding. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. These plants also appreciate higher humidity levels, so misting the leaves or using a humidifier can help maintain their vibrant foliage. Chinese Evergreens are not considered invasive, making them a safe and beautiful addition to any indoor space. With their striking leaf patterns and easy maintenance, Chinese Evergreens are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and color to your winter indoor garden!

Monstera Deliciosa

swiss cheese plant
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Monstera Deliciosa, often referred to as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular and visually stunning houseplant that thrives indoors during the winter months. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, Monstera Deliciosa is renowned for its large, perforated leaves that add a dramatic touch to any indoor space. Their robust nature and ability to adapt to lower light conditions make them an excellent choice for winter care.

One of the reasons I love Monstera Deliciosa is its impressive growth habit and unique leaf structure, which can create a lush, tropical atmosphere in your home. These plants require well-drained soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Providing support with a moss pole or trellis can help encourage their natural climbing behavior and keep the plant looking its best. While not considered invasive, Monstera Deliciosa can grow quite large, so regular pruning and maintenance are essential to keep them manageable indoors. With their striking appearance and easy-going care requirements, Monstera Deliciosa is a fantastic addition to any winter indoor garden!

Fiddle Leaf Fig

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The Fiddle Leaf Fig, or Ficus lyrata, is a dramatic and elegant houseplant that adds a touch of sophistication to any indoor space, especially during the winter months. Native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, Fiddle Leaf Figs are known for their large, glossy, fiddle-shaped leaves that can grow impressively large, making them a stunning focal point in any room. Their ability to adapt to various light conditions, including the lower light typical of winter, makes them a popular choice for indoor gardeners.

Caring for a Fiddle Leaf Fig in winter involves maintaining a stable environment with consistent watering and avoiding sudden temperature changes. They prefer bright, indirect light, so placing them near a window that receives ample sunlight can help them thrive. It’s important to water them thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Fiddle Leaf Figs are not considered invasive, but their rapid growth means they may require regular pruning and repotting to keep them at a manageable size. With their stunning foliage and impressive stature, Fiddle Leaf Figs are a beautiful and rewarding addition to your winter indoor garden!

Peace Lily

peace lily blooms
Credit: Unsplash

Peace Lilies, or Spathiphyllum, are beloved for their graceful white blooms and lush green foliage, making them a perfect choice for winter houseplants. Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, Peace Lilies thrive in the lower light conditions typical of winter months, making them an excellent addition to any indoor space. Their elegant white flowers symbolize peace and tranquility, bringing a sense of calm and beauty to your home during the colder season.

Caring for a Peace Lily in winter is straightforward, but it does require a bit more attention to watering and humidity. They prefer consistently moist soil, so it’s important to water them regularly without letting the soil become waterlogged. Increasing indoor humidity by misting the leaves or placing the plant on a tray of water and pebbles can also help maintain their vibrant blooms. Peace Lilies are not invasive, but they can grow vigorously, so regular trimming of spent flowers and leaves keeps them looking fresh and healthy. With their stunning blooms and air-purifying qualities, Peace Lilies are a wonderful way to enhance your winter indoor garden!

Philodendron

Philodendron Gloriosum
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Philodendrons are a diverse and adaptable group of houseplants that thrive indoors during the winter months, making them a top choice for many gardeners. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, these plants are known for their large, heart-shaped leaves and their ability to climb or trail, depending on the variety. Philodendrons are incredibly versatile, able to thrive in low to bright indirect light, which is perfect for the shorter days of winter.

One of the reasons I love Philodendrons is their ease of care and their ability to purify the air, removing toxins and creating a healthier indoor environment. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Their climbing varieties benefit from support structures like trellises or moss poles, which mimic their natural climbing behavior in the wild. Philodendrons are not considered invasive, but they can grow vigorously, so regular pruning helps maintain their shape and size. With their lush foliage and hardy nature, Philodendrons are a fantastic addition to any winter indoor garden, bringing both beauty and functionality to your living space!

Rubber Plant

rubber plant
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The Rubber Plant, or Ficus elastica, is a striking and hardy houseplant that thrives indoors during the winter months, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of greenery to their home. Native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Malaysia, Rubber Plants are known for their large, glossy leaves that can range in color from deep green to variegated patterns with shades of burgundy. Their robust nature and ability to adapt to various light conditions make them perfect for winter care, when natural light is limited.

Caring for a Rubber Plant in winter involves ensuring it receives adequate light and avoiding overwatering. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions, making them versatile for different indoor environments. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away to prevent root rot. Rubber Plants are not considered invasive, but they can grow quite tall, so occasional pruning helps keep them at a manageable size and promotes bushier growth. With their stunning foliage and easy maintenance, Rubber Plants are a fantastic addition to your winter indoor garden, providing both beauty and air-purifying benefits!

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.