15 Best Indoor Plants for Cold Homes & Winter Climates

You’ll discover that not every indoor plant can handle the chill of your cold home or apartment. While most houseplants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F, certain resilient varieties thrive in cooler conditions, even down to 50°F. From the nearly indestructible Snake Plant to the elegant Peace Lily, these cold-hardy options will transform your space into a thriving indoor garden, regardless of your thermostat setting.

1. Snake Plant

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a hardy, upright-growing succulent known for its stiff, sword-like leaves that feature distinctive patterns of green and yellow. This adaptable plant, also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is especially popular for its air-purifying abilities and remarkable tolerance of neglect. Its architectural form and tough nature make it an excellent choice for beginners and busy plant owners who may occasionally forget to water their plants.

• Light: Tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light; can handle some direct sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water less in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; preferably succulent or cactus soil
• Temperature: Tolerates 50-85°F (10-29°C)
• Humidity: Adaptable to any humidity level
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Pot: Container with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Propagation: Division of rhizomes or leaf cuttings in water or soil

2. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a sturdy, adaptable houseplant known for its attractive variegated leaves that come in various patterns of green, silver, and sometimes pink or red. This slow-growing tropical plant is particularly valued for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions and tolerate temperature fluctuations, making it an excellent choice for beginners and a popular option for homes and offices.

• Light: Tolerates low to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
• Temperature: Prefers 65-80°F (18-27°C); sensitive to temperatures below 60°F (16°C)
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
• Toxicity: All parts are toxic to pets and humans if ingested
• Pot: Use container with drainage holes to prevent root rot

3. Zz Plant (Zamioculcas)

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a hardy, low-maintenance houseplant native to Eastern Africa that thrives in cold indoor environments. Its thick, glossy leaves grow on sturdy stems that emerge from underground rhizomes, creating an attractive, upright growth pattern that can reach up to 3 feet tall. The plant’s waxy, dark green foliage not only adds a modern aesthetic to indoor spaces but also helps it retain moisture and survive in less-than-ideal conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginners or busy plant owners.

• Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water sparingly in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Temperature: Tolerates temperatures as low as 45°F (7°C)
• Humidity: Adapts to low humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Pot: Container with drainage holes
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.0

4. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)

The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) lives up to its name with remarkable durability and tolerance for neglect. This slow-growing evergreen produces dark green, lance-shaped leaves that can reach up to 2 feet in length, creating an attractive ground cover or potted specimen. Native to Japan and Taiwan, it earned its common name from its ability to withstand poor conditions that would kill most other houseplants, making it an excellent choice for challenging indoor environments.

• Light: Tolerates low light to partial shade; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; tolerates most soil types
• Temperature: 45-85°F (7-29°C)
• Humidity: Adaptable to most humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding 2-3 times per year during growing season
• Growth Rate: Very slow
• Soil pH: 5.5-6.5

5. Peace Lily

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white flowers and glossy dark green leaves. This tropical plant not only adds visual appeal but also acts as a natural air purifier, removing common household toxins. While it can grow up to 3 feet tall indoors, smaller varieties are available for compact spaces. The plant gets its name from its distinctive white spathe, which resembles a flag of peace, and blooms periodically throughout the year when conditions are favorable.

• Light: Thrives in low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Temperature: Prefers 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: High humidity (50% or more); benefits from regular misting
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season
• Pot: Use container with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Toxicity: Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested

6. Heartleaf Philodendron

The Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a popular trailing houseplant known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and easy-care nature. Native to tropical regions of Central and South America, this versatile plant can be grown as a climbing vine or allowed to cascade from hanging baskets. Its vines can reach lengths of 20 feet or more in ideal conditions, though they’re easily pruned to maintain a desired size. The plant’s adaptability to various indoor environments and its ability to purify air make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.

• Light: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light; can tolerate low light conditions but may grow slower; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: Comfortable in average room temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Adapts to normal household humidity but prefers moderate to high humidity
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

7. Spider Plant

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are popular hanging houseplants known for their arching leaves and trailing plantlets, which give them their spider-like appearance. These hardy plants feature long, narrow leaves that can be solid green or variegated with white stripes, and they produce long stems with baby plants, or “spiderettes,” that dangle from the mother plant. Spider plants are excellent air-purifying plants and are considered one of the easiest houseplants to maintain, making them perfect for beginners.

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; tolerates occasional drought
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with good aeration
• Temperature: Thrives in 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Adaptable to average home humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding every 2-3 months during growing season
• Container: Use pots with drainage holes; hanging baskets work well
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.2

8. Dracaena Janet Craig

The Dracaena Janet Craig is a popular indoor plant known for its deep green, glossy leaves that grow in rosette patterns along tall canes. This hardy houseplant can reach heights of 10 feet or more indoors, though it’s commonly kept shorter through pruning. Its long, sword-shaped leaves are broad and leathery, making it an attractive addition to indoor spaces while being particularly tolerant of low-light conditions and temperature fluctuations.

• Light: Thrives in medium to low indirect light; tolerates shade but avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: Comfortable in 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist leaves occasionally
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Soil pH: 6.0-6.5
• Potting: Repot every 2-3 years or when root-bound

9. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), is a versatile and hardy trailing plant that thrives in indoor environments. Its heart-shaped leaves come in various patterns of green, yellow, and white variegation, and its vines can grow several feet long when properly maintained. This low-maintenance plant is particularly well-suited for cold homes as it can tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F (13°C) and adapts well to various indoor conditions.

• Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight; variegated varieties need brighter light to maintain coloring
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; prefers slightly acidic soil with pH 6.1-6.5
• Temperature: 55-80°F (13-27°C)
• Humidity: Adaptable to average indoor humidity; benefits from occasional misting
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Any well-draining pot with drainage holes; can be grown in water
• Propagation: Easy to propagate through stem cuttings in water or soil

10. English Ivy Endures Cold Drafts

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a resilient climbing vine that thrives in cooler indoor environments and can withstand chilly drafts from windows and doors. This adaptable plant maintains its deep green foliage even in temperatures as low as 45°F (7°C), making it an excellent choice for drafty corners or rooms that stay cool during winter months. Its ability to filter air pollutants while adding classic architectural appeal through its trailing vines makes it a practical and decorative choice for cold homes.

• Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light; protect from direct sunlight
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: Thrives in 45-70°F (7-21°C)
• Humidity: Adapts to average indoor humidity; benefits from occasional misting
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes; can be grown in hanging baskets or allowed to climb

11. Norfolk Island Pine Thrives

The Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a resilient indoor plant that adapts well to cooler home environments, making it an excellent choice for rooms with temperatures between 35-75°F. Despite its name, it’s not actually a pine tree but rather a tropical plant native to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific. Its symmetrical, tiered branches and soft needles create an attractive pyramidal shape, and when grown indoors, it typically reaches heights of 3-8 feet, serving as an elegant living Christmas tree alternative during the holiday season.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added peat moss
• Temperature: Prefers 60-70°F but tolerates down to 35°F
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Container: Use pot with adequate drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, adding 3-6 inches per year under ideal conditions

12. Christmas Cactus Blooms Beautifully

The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is a festive indoor plant known for producing vibrant blooms during the winter holiday season. Unlike desert cacti, this tropical plant is native to Brazilian rainforests and produces stunning flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple. The blooms appear at the ends of segmented, leaf-like stems and can last for several weeks when properly maintained. With proper care and environmental conditions, a Christmas cactus can rebloom annually and be passed down through generations as a family heirloom plant.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; some morning sun is acceptable
• Water: Keep soil moderately moist during growing season; reduce watering when blooms form
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter; preferably a mix designed for cacti and succulents
• Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C); needs cooler nights (55-65°F) to trigger blooming
• Humidity: Moderate to high (50-60%); benefits from occasional misting
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season; stop when buds form
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes; slightly root-bound conditions encourage blooming

13. Jade Plant Tolerates Cool

Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are succulent houseplants that can withstand cooler indoor temperatures, making them ideal for homes that stay on the chilly side. These hardy plants feature thick, oval-shaped leaves that store water, allowing them to survive in temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C), though they prefer temperatures between 55-75°F (13-24°C). Their adaptability to cool conditions, combined with their low maintenance requirements, makes them an excellent choice for less-heated rooms or drafty spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cacti or succulent mix
• Temperature: Minimum 40°F (4°C); ideal range 55-75°F (13-24°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Location: Away from cold drafts and heating vents

14. Swedish Ivy Withstands Cold

Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) is a resilient trailing plant that thrives in cooler indoor environments, making it an excellent choice for homes that maintain lower temperatures during winter months. Despite its common name, it’s not actually an ivy but rather a member of the mint family, originating from South Africa. The plant features thick, glossy, rounded leaves with scalloped edges and can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) while maintaining its lush appearance.

• Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate partial shade but avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with good organic content
• Temperature: 50-75°F (10-24°C)
• Humidity: Moderate; tolerates average indoor humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; ideal for hanging baskets
• Pruning: Regular pinching to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess

15. Rubber Plant Stays Hardy

The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a resilient houseplant that maintains its hardiness even in cooler indoor environments, making it an excellent choice for homes that run on the colder side. This tropical plant features thick, glossy leaves that can grow quite large, and despite its preference for warmth, it can adapt well to temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) while continuing to thrive and maintain its attractive appearance.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some shade but may lose lower leaves
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Temperature: Tolerates 50-85°F (10-29°C); avoid cold drafts
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Moderate; tolerates average indoor humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Pot Requirements: Container with drainage holes to prevent root rot