11 Best Winter Indoor Plants and Flowers

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All things green and floral don’t have to go away just because it’s winter. The cold months may slow down your outdoor garden, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty and freshness of plants indoors. Whether you want to liven up your space with brightly colored flowers or pump fresh oxygen into the air with leafy greens, there are lots of hardy plants that will thrive inside during winter.

Indoor plants not only add life to your home, they can also make you feel better when everything outside is a little gray. So why not make a cozy indoor garden that will survive, and even thrive, during these colder months? Here are some plants and flowers that can keep your space feeling alive.

Poinsettia

A holiday classic, the poinsettia has bright red, white, or pink leaves (which are often mistaken for flowers). The winter is the perfect time to bring a pop of color to your home with this plant. So just put it in a warm sunny spot and water when the soil feels dry. It’s easy to keep up with, which is why so many people love it for the holidays.

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus, unlike most cacti, actually relishes in a little bit of humidity and cooler temperatures. This is a low maintenance plant which will reward you with beautiful winter blooms in pink, red or white shades. Put it in a well lit area, but not in direct sunlight, and it’ll brighten your room without too much effort.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis is the go to if you’re looking for a dramatic floral display during winter. Its blooms can be a real showstopper in large, trumpet shaped, especially in deep reds and whites. To grow into a gorgeous centerpiece to place in any room, plant the bulb in a pot, give it some light.

Snake Plant

Also called mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plants are virtually indestructible and great for the winter months when indoor conditions can be a bit harsh. If you’re prone to forgetfulness, it tolerates low light and only requires occasional watering. It also purifies the air so your home feels fresher when windows are closed.

Aloe Vera

Photo Credit: Carrotmadman6/Wikimedia Commons

It’s not only for sunburns! This succulent does well inside, especially in winter when it needs little watering. It prefers bright indirect light and its spiky green leaves look modern and minimalist in any room. On top of this, having aloe around for skin care is super practical.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a delicate winter flower that will spruce up your indoor space with a bit of charm. Its heart shaped leaves and bright pink, purple or white blooms make it look like it’s from a fairy tale. Cyclamen enjoys cool temperatures and bright, indirect light, so it is a great plant for a winter window sill.

English Ivy

a close up of a plant — Photo Credit: Pexels

English ivy is a classic trailing plant that will cascade down shelves or hang from baskets if you’re looking for one. In cooler rooms it does well indoors over the winter. This plant has lovely, variegated leaves that will bring a lush green vibe to your home without demanding too much attention.

Jade Plant

Lucky Plants to Fill Your Home with Positive Energy — Image by Arch. Attilio Mileto via Wikimedia Commons

A money tree, or better known as a jade plant, is a winter superstar. This is a super easy succulent to care for, even growing best with neglect, and it thrives in bright, indirect light. Its glossy, thick leaves are perfect for any room, and it’s said to bring good luck, which is always a good thing when it comes to starting the new year.

Orchid

While orchids can look delicate, they’re actually pretty tough and they’ll bloom indoors in winter. These are exotic flowers that grow without much sunlight and little water. The blooms of their elegant, colorful flowers can last for weeks making them a beautiful addition to your winter indoor garden.

ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is another low maintenance plant that would also do well for winter. This plant can live with low light and doesn’t require a lot of water and is therefore a good plant for rooms that receive little sunshine during the cold months. It has shiny, dark green leaves that bring a bit of style to any interior.

Peace Lily

Air purifying peace lily is a beautiful plant that can thrive all year round, though it’s especially good in winter. Its striking white flowers will bloom even with minimal amount of sunlight. As long as you remember to keep it watered, this elegant plant will make any space, no matter its size more peaceful. According to PlantingTree, it’s on NASA’s list of top 10 air cleaning plants.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.