Best 6 Houseplants to Grow in Winter

Best 6 Houseplants to Grow in Winter

Winter always ushers in shorter days and lower temperatures, which leaves one yearning for the beauty of the outdoors. But what if the beauty of nature could be translated into art and used to decorate the house while at the same time cleansing the air? There is no better way to fight the cold than with houseplants since they are visually appealing and also add a myriad of health benefits.

So here are six of the best houseplants to grow in winter such that they’re simple enough to nurture, sustained inside, and can help enhance the beauty of your indoor space.

1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

If you’re just started learning about houseplants for the first time or don’t have much suitable space, worry not, the ZZ plant is what you need. It produces glossy leaves with a waxy texture which is mostly useful for micro photosynthesis, especially in indoor offices which have low light exposure.

zz plant
ZZ plant

Unlike many plants, the ZZ can withstand long periods with little to no sunlight, making it easy for people looking to grow plants indoors during winter.

Why it’s great for winter:

  • Allows neglect; ideal for hectic people.
  • Cleans the air of pollutants like xylene and toluene.
  • Enhances the aesthetics of indoor spaces.

Care Tips:

  • Water once the top soil is completely dry.
  • Even indirect light or low light corners would be okay.
  • One should only give enough water to the plant so that root rot is avoided.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

The best indoor plants that can also be useful in cleaning the air include the peace lily, an indoor plant that has an elegant dark green foliage and well-formed white – sufficient to beautify your indoor space. Peace lilies thrive from having moderate light, though during the winter, the plant can survive on even less.

peace lily
Peace lily

A word of caution though; keep peace lilies out of reach of children and pets due to its poisonous nature.

Why it’s great for winter:

  • It helps to remove indoor pollutants such as benzenes, carbon monoxide, etc.
  • The peace lily can fit very well in that perfect temperature of the indoor home environment and is relatively low maintenance.
  • The peace lily has white blooms to suit the winter and is hardy enough to survive some challenging cold conditions, provided you keep it indoors.

Care Tips:

  • Take care to make sure that the potting mix is never allowed to become overly dry, and never gets too soggy.
  • Provided you maintain the foliage, you will need to mist the peace lily, in addition to making certain that the relative humidity is at the appropriate level.
  • The plants look the loveliest when they are not exposed to the sun.

3. Banjo Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Due to its unusual nature, the Banjo Fig, or Fiddle Leaf as it is commonly called, goes well with any kind of interior decor style. It also features distinctive large green leaves that give out that Boho vibe.

banjo fig
Banjo fig

Why it’s great for winter:

  • It is low-light exposure-resistant to be a house plant.
  • This house plant also purifies the air because the leaves are enclosed by thick membranes.
  • It instantly transforms any interior to a chic looking one .

Care Tips:

  • It is best to put it right beside the window sill, but avoid the middle because the heat from sunlight can burn the leaves.
  • Only when it gets dry at the top; that is, just ensure that there is nothing that will drop with leaves so as to create puddles in the saucer below it.
  • Not placing plants at fixed positions because they tend to grow stunted due to little exposure to light.

4. Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

The Cast-Iron Plant deserves its name because it is almost completely immune to death, and therefore is perfect for beginners or people who don’t want to spend too much time on their plants. It has a selection of dark green, metallic sword-like leaves, ideal for brightening any corner during the cold winter.

cast-iron plant
Cast-Iron Plant

Why it’s great for winter:

  • It is very resistant and can be grown successfully in areas of low light and low humidity.
  • It can be watered sparingly and this makes it suitable for anyone to tend to.
  • It offers green color all year round, a valuable asset in dry climates.

Care Tips:

  • Water very little and avoid watering the foliage as the moisture might lead to development of diseases.
  • It is quite versatile; place in indirect or low light areas.
  • Store it in a cool dry place away from strong light, heat sources, and cold drafts.

5. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The other common name for this palm is the Parlor Palm, which is a conventional indoor plant with pretty feathery foliage and tolerance to low light conditions. They have always been a favorite for homeowners for decades, due to their classic appeal and low maintenance. It gives your interior a touch of exotic and makes the air fresher – perfect to have around during winter.

parlor palm
Parlor Palm

Why it’s great for winter:

  • It is able to grow in low light and cooler temperatures accordant with winter seasons.
  • Can be used as an outdoor air purifier in that it clears the indoor environment of toxic compounds.
  • It presents a rich luxurious look with its feathery foliage.

Care Tips:

  • Water – do not overwater the plants; allow the top soil to dry out before watering lightly.
  • Keep it in indirect or low light areas as it can easily grow in almost any light condition.
  • Get a fine mist sprayer for creating humidity in the dry winter period.

6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)

Chinese Evergreens from the genus Aglaonema have very beautiful leaves, which can be green, silver, or even have hints of pink. These plants are suitable for winter, because they are adapted to low light conditions and tropical indoor climates. The leaves are bright colored, allowing them to be used to bring color to the otherwise boring winter days.

chinese evergreen aglaonema
Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema sp

Why it’s great for winter:

  • Resistant to low light and dry air which is frequently observed in winter homes.
  • Comes in several leaf patterns and colors.
  • Very low maintenance, which makes it ideal for beginners to grow.

Care Tips:

  • Water moderately, that means the soil should be allowed to slightly dry between watering.
  • Grow it in a warm area and do not place it near cold wind drafts.
  • Clean the leaves of dust from time to time to maintain the freshness of the leaves.

Benefits of Houseplants in Winter

While incorporating houseplants into the interior of your home might be an effective way of improving the overall aesthetics of your house especially during winter, there are various other benefits that come along with having houseplants.

  • Air Purification: Most of the plants mentioned earlier, including the ones mentioned in the list, purify indoor air, making the home environment healthier.
  • Humidity Regulation: Heating inside homes can cause indoor air to become dry during winter. As plants transpire, they put moisture out into the air and combat problems such as dry skin and respiratory disorders.
  • Boosting Mental Health: Having plants around can help to alleviate stress, improve mood, and fight off the effects of seasonal affective disorder. Research has also indicated that indoor plants enhance focus and efficiency.

Winter Care Tips for Houseplants

Although we showcased houseplants that are somewhat off the beaten track, highly resistant, and can grow almost in any condition, winter is not always easy. Here are some general tips to keep your houseplants thriving during the colder months:

peace lily in sunlight
Peace lily in sunlight
  • Adjust Watering:
    Many common indoor plants are happier when watered less frequently in the winter. Ensure one does not water the soil too much, since it is a cause of root rot.
  • Maximize Light:
    The plants should be placed near the windows so that they can access the natural light. In situations where natural light cannot be provided for the plants, use grow lights for the same.
  • Increase Humidity:
    Adequate air circulation should be ensured, or else a humidifier, pebble trays filled with water, or even misting the plants could be done in order to avoid dry indoor air conditions.
  • Maintain Stable Temperatures:
    Certain plants should not be placed near air vents, heaters, or cold windows as this may stress them.
  • Dust Leaves:
    Dust forms on parts such as leaves, and can hinder light incidence on the plant. Best wipe them gently with a damp cloth periodically.
  • Prune and Inspect:
    Over time, dead leaves may accumulate or plants become overgrown, so always inspect the plants and trim as you deem necessary.

Conclusion

Houseplants offer great excitement to gardeners and are the perfect remedy to those who love winter. They add aesthetics to your living space, purify the air you breathe, have an uplifting impact on your mood, and just enhance your environment.

From the tough ‘ZZ’ plant to the exquisite Chinese Evergreens, the options listed above should do just fine in your home during wintertime. All they need is just a bit of extra attention, and the pleasure they provide will make it all worthwhile!

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