15 Best Indoor Plants for Zone 5A

You’ll find that selecting the right indoor plants for Zone 5A isn’t as challenging as it might seem. While your region experiences temperature fluctuations from -20°F to 90°F throughout the year, these 15 resilient plants can transform your indoor space into a thriving garden sanctuary. From the virtually indestructible Snake Plant to the cascading beauty of English Ivy, each variety offers unique benefits and distinctive characteristics that make them perfect companions during those long winter months.

1. Snake Plant

The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a hardy indoor plant known for its tall, stiff, sword-shaped leaves that grow vertically from the base. Its distinctive variegated foliage typically features green bands with yellow or white edges, though coloration varies among different varieties. This low-maintenance succulent is particularly valued for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions, making it an excellent choice for Zone 5A indoor spaces.

• Light: Tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light; can handle some direct sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water less in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; preferably succulent or cactus mix
• Humidity: Adaptable to any humidity level
• Temperature: Comfortable in normal room temperatures (60-85°F)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pots with drainage holes; can be slightly root-bound
• Propagation: Division of rhizomes or leaf cuttings

2. Upright Dracaena Marginata

Dracaena Marginata, commonly known as the Dragon Tree, is a striking indoor plant characterized by its slender, upright stems and long, narrow leaves with red edges. This slow-growing plant can reach heights of 6-15 feet indoors, though it typically stays smaller in container settings. Its architectural form and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for indoor spaces, while its air-purifying qualities add to its appeal as a houseplant.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate medium light but avoid direct sun
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Humidity: Average room humidity; tolerates dry air
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
• Potting: Repot every 2-3 years or when rootbound

3. Spider Plant

Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are popular, easy-care houseplants known for their arching green and white striped leaves and their ability to produce hanging plantlets, or “babies,” from long stems. These resilient plants earned their common name from their spider-like appearance, with numerous offspring dangling from the mother plant like spiders on a web. Native to tropical and southern Africa, Spider Plants are excellent air-purifying plants and are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for any indoor space.

• Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Water: Keep soil moderately moist but not soggy; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Tolerates average home humidity but prefers higher humidity
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Pot Size: Prefers to be slightly root-bound; repot every 2-3 years
• Propagation: Easy to propagate from plantlets

4. Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a versatile indoor plant well-suited for zone 5A homes. With its attractive, lance-shaped leaves featuring various patterns of green, silver, and sometimes pink or red variegation, this tropical plant adapts well to indoor conditions. Chinese Evergreens are known for their air-purifying qualities and low-maintenance nature, making them excellent choices for beginners and experienced plant owners alike.

• Light: Thrives in low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Water: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: Maintains best growth between 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

5. Fiddle Leaf Fig

The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a striking indoor tree known for its large, violin-shaped leaves and impressive height potential of up to 10 feet when grown indoors. Though challenging to grow in zone 5A due to its tropical nature, this popular houseplant can thrive indoors when its specific care requirements are met. Native to western Africa’s tropical rainforests, the plant’s glossy, deep green leaves can grow up to 18 inches long and create a dramatic focal point in any room.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon light
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Humidity: Prefers 60% humidity or higher; mist leaves or use a humidifier
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
• Container: Use a pot with drainage holes; repot every 1-2 years
• Maintenance: Dust leaves regularly; rotate plant quarterly for even growth

6. Peace Lily

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white flowers and glossy dark green leaves. While not a true lily, this tropical plant is prized for its air-purifying abilities and relatively low maintenance requirements. The distinctive flowers consist of a white hood-like spathe surrounding a protruding spadix, and these blooms can appear periodically throughout the year when conditions are favorable. Peace lilies are excellent choices for indoor growing in Zone 5A, as they naturally thrive in warm environments and can tolerate lower light conditions often found inside homes.

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season
• Pot Requirements: Container with drainage holes
• Potting: Repot every 1-2 years or when root-bound

7. ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a highly adaptable and nearly indestructible houseplant that thrives in indoor environments. Its thick, waxy leaves grow on upright stems, creating an elegant, feather-like appearance that adds a modern touch to any room. Native to Eastern Africa, this slow-growing plant is particularly well-suited for beginners due to its tolerance of neglect and various growing conditions. The ZZ Plant also serves as an excellent air-purifying plant, removing common indoor pollutants.

• Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water sparingly every 2-3 weeks
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Humidity: Adapts to average indoor humidity levels
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 6 months
• Container: Pot with drainage holes required
• Toxicity: Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested

8. Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron Brasil is a striking tropical vine known for its heart-shaped leaves featuring unique variegation patterns of dark and lime green. As a cultivar of Philodendron hederaceum, this plant displays cascading foliage that makes it perfect for hanging baskets or climbing supports. Its manageable growth habit and adaptability to indoor conditions have made it a popular houseplant choice, even in colder climate zones like 5A.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate medium light but avoid direct sun
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); keep away from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer
• Support: Provide moss pole or trellis for climbing
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

9. Aloe Vera Succulent

Aloe vera is a versatile succulent that can thrive as an indoor plant in Zone 5A when given proper care. While not cold-hardy for outdoor growing in this climate zone, it makes an excellent houseplant known for its thick, fleshy leaves containing soothing gel. This low-maintenance plant not only adds architectural interest to indoor spaces but also serves medicinal purposes, as its inner leaf gel can be used to treat minor burns and skin irritations.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon light
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 55-80°F (13-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels
• Container: Terra cotta pot with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Potting: Repot when root-bound, typically every 2-3 years
• Common Issues: Root rot from overwatering; leaf browning from direct sun exposure

10. Christmas Cactus

The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a popular flowering houseplant known for its vibrant blooms that typically appear during the holiday season. Unlike desert cacti, this epiphytic plant is native to Brazilian rainforests and grows naturally on trees or rocks. The segmented stems produce flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple, and with proper care, the plant can bloom multiple times per year, though it’s most famous for its winter display.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; can tolerate lower light conditions
• Water: Keep soil moderately moist during growing season; reduce watering in fall to induce blooming; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter; ideal mix includes regular potting soil with added perlite and orchid bark
• Humidity: Prefers higher humidity levels (50-60%)
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C) during active growth; cooler temperatures (55-65°F) needed to trigger blooming
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season; stop feeding during blooming period
• Container: Use pots with drainage holes; prefer to be slightly pot-bound

11. Potted Boston Fern

The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a classic houseplant known for its graceful, arching fronds with small, delicate leaflets that create a fountain-like appearance. As a potted indoor plant suitable for Zone 5A, this fern adds a lush, tropical element to indoor spaces while effectively helping to purify the air. Its cascading growth pattern makes it particularly attractive in hanging baskets or on pedestals, where the fronds can naturally drape downward.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves; tolerates moderate shade
• Humidity: High humidity (50-80%); use humidity trays or mist frequently
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C); protect from cold drafts
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
• Container: Use pots with drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years
• Pruning: Remove yellow or brown fronds at the base to maintain appearance

12. Golden Pothos Vine Thrives

Golden Pothos vine (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular, easy-to-grow houseplant that adapts well to indoor conditions in Zone 5A. This trailing plant features heart-shaped leaves with distinctive yellow-gold variegation patterns, and it can grow extensively when given proper care. While it may reach lengths of up to 40 feet in tropical outdoor settings, as an indoor plant it typically maintains a manageable size and can be pruned to control growth.

• Light: Bright, indirect light preferred; tolerates low light conditions but may lose variegation; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Adaptable to normal household humidity; thrives in higher humidity
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Any well-draining pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings in water or soil

13. Rubber Plant Grows Tall

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a dramatic indoor specimen that can reach impressive heights of 6-10 feet when grown indoors, making it an excellent choice for filling vertical space in zone 5A homes. Its large, glossy leaves and upright growth pattern create a bold architectural statement, while its adaptability to indoor conditions makes it relatively easy to maintain. Regular pruning can help control its height and encourage bushier growth, though many owners prefer to let it reach its full potential as a towering indoor tree.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate moderate light but may grow slower; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Moderate to high; mist leaves or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Repotting: Every 2-3 years when root-bound
• Soil pH: 5.5-7.0

14. African Violet Blooms Year-Round

African Violets are popular houseplants that can produce delicate purple, pink, or white blooms throughout the entire year when properly cared for. These compact plants feature fuzzy, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of flowers that hover above the foliage. Their ability to flower continuously in indoor environments makes them particularly appealing for Zone 5A gardeners looking to maintain colorful displays during long winters.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight; 12-14 hours of artificial light works well
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water from bottom when top soil feels dry
• Humidity: 40-60%; use humidity trays or misting
• Soil: Light, well-draining African violet potting mix
• Fertilizer: Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specifically for African violets every 2-4 weeks
• Container: Small pots with drainage holes; prefer being slightly root-bound
• pH: 6.0-6.5

15. English Ivy Covers Walls

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a classic climbing vine that can transform indoor walls into living tapestries of green foliage. As it grows, it develops aerial roots that allow it to grip and climb vertical surfaces, making it an excellent choice for covering walls in zone 5A homes. This adaptable plant features distinctive lobed leaves that create a dense, overlapping pattern, providing both aesthetic appeal and potential coverage for unsightly walls.

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 50-70°F (10-21°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Support: Provide trellises or guide wires for climbing