Cold weather especially in winter time can be brutal on your indoor plants, especially the ones that are not best indoor plants for cold weather. The reduced light, lower temperatures and dry air from indoor heating can cause them damage. This damage is often evidenced by your plant leaves turning brown as well as leaf shedding.
When it gets cold, plants use less water and nutrients, grow slower and as a result produce less biomass. This can be worrying to someone who may be a new plant parent. It is however important to understand that this is normal for most plants and blooming indoor plants generally don’t tolerate the cold. There are however indoor plants that will do well in cold weather.
In this article, we show you the best indoor plants for cold weather that you can choose to grow in your house or office.
You may not realize how beneficial these indoor plants can be, but if you’re thinking about getting one, this is a list of the best indoor plants for cold weather that you can get.
The Best Indoor Plants For Cold Weather
It’s important to consider the conditions in your home when selecting plants, especially during the colder months of the year. This will help you determine which plants are best suited to the environment that you live in. While it is always a good idea to choose a plant that you enjoy, keep in mind that your choice should also fit with your home’s needs. A beautiful plant in a home that is too warm may look out of place and be difficult to keep healthy. The best indoor plants for cold weather include:
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum).
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a great choice for winter because of its ability to survive in cold environments. The plant hardly ever blooms indoors as it needs to reach a certain size to bloom. Pothos doesn’t require a lot of direct sunlight, making it ideal for cold temperatures. So you’ll want to consider this when looking for the best indoor plants for cold weather.
Learn more about: How to Train Pothos to Climb a Pole?
2. Snake plant (Sansevieria laurentii)
The snake plant is a virtually indestructible indoor plant that is very low maintenance and can withstand low winter temperatures. These plants can also survive in windowless rooms because it is that hardy! They are drought tolerant and are not sensitive to changes in humidity. This makes them one of the best indoor plants for cold weather.
3. Christmas Cactus (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
This cactus is known for its ability to withstand winter conditions. It prefers low light conditions, which is what it will get in winter. The plant has a wide temperature tolerance range and can withstand temperatures of tolerate temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is one of the unusual plants that will bloom in winter. Its blooms are bright red and last up to three weeks, so it’s an excellent choice for a home with limited indoor space.
4. Cactus (Yucca brevifolia)
If you have a large yard, you may want to consider cacti as part of your landscaping project. They require well-draining soil and bright sunlight, but can tolerate partial shade as in winter. They can survive in temperatures as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit. Their blooming periods are usually less than two weeks, so they can be a great choice for a home that has limited outdoor space.
5. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis)
These are probably the most abundant type of orchid that is found all year round. They require well drained soils with average moisture. They can also withstand low light conditions and will bloom for long periods of time with very little maintenance. They are often used to decorate bathrooms that have limited light due to their hardiness. You will definitely want to consider this plant the next time you are out shopping for indoor plants.
6. Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as the mother in law’s tongue is a popular indoor plant that has long dark green leaves with yellow stipes. It produces tiny green flowers with an amazing scent. This plant thrives in full sun but will also thrive in partial shade due to its tolerance to a wide range of light conditions. The snake plant is very low maintenance, rarely needs to be re-potted and will be ideal even for a beginner plant parent.
7. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is a very low maintenance house plant. It grows very fast, up to about 3 feet tall. You will need to prune this plant regularly if you do not want it to get out of hand. It thrives in bright to medium light conditions, and needs to be watered only when the top soil starts to dry out or it might get root rot. This is one hardy plant that will maintain its beauty and appeal even in winter if well taken care of.
8. Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)
This is one of the most popular indoor plants out there, and with reason. This plant is low maintenance, can tolerate low temperatures and low light conditions. It may actually be harmed by direct sunlight and need to be moved to partial shade. It is definitely one of the best indoor plants for cold weather.
9. Anthuriums
Anthuriums are hardy, beautiful and long lasting plants that can completely transform any room in your home. They are very easy to take care of. Even though they prefer warmer temperatures, they can still thrive in lower temperatures with good care and maintenance.
10. Philodendron
These are one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. They can survive indoors indoors for years with no trouble. They like constant watering but can also recover well. The plant thrives in indoor settings and is not affected by cold temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which houseplants can tolerate cold?
There is no such thing as a “cold” houseplant. Many plants, including the ones listed here, can be kept in temperatures as low as -20°C, and can even survive in temperatures as low as -30°C. However, this does depend on the variety of plant, the time of year it is grown in, and how long it has been exposed to the cold.
What is the most hardy indoor plant?
There are some species that are more tolerant of lower temperatures than others. Some of the hardiest indoor plants include the snake plant, Pothos, ZZ plant and rubber plant.
What houseplants don't mind cold?
Many houseplants do not mind low temperatures. The best houseplants for your space are those that can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C, and even some that can survive in temperatures as low as -30°C. If you’re looking to add a new houseplant, check out our guide to the most popular houseplants, which will tell you which are the best to keep indoors.
Can pothos survive cold?
Yes. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a hardy plant, meaning it can tolerate lower temperatures than many other plants. It is native to Southeastern Asia, and has been successfully cultivated in colder regions. The species thrives in climates with low winter temperatures. Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow and is well-suited for indoor growing conditions. Pothos requires bright light and moist, nutrient-rich soil. You can also keep pothos indoors by using a greenhouse or cold frame.
In Conclusion
The best indoor plants for cold weather are as listed above but this list is not fully complete. You can still get more from the internet and add them to this list.