13 Houseplants That Will Thrive During Winter, According to Horticulturists

Jade Plant

Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a hardy succulent shrub that's grown for its shiny succulent leaves and clusters of white flowers, says Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. When it's well cared for, jade plant can thrive for decades.

• Size: 5 feet tall x 5 feet wide
• Care requirements: Bright sunlight; well-draining potting soil

Snake Plant

Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is a durable houseplant you can count on to make it through the winter, even with the changes in conditions. "It can get by with watering (in most conditions) as little as once a month," says Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms. "Snake plants have stiff, almost sword-like leaves that give them a sleek, modern feel. Most are green with silvery striations, some are variegated with gold for an extra touch."

• Size: 3 to 4 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
• Care requirements: Medium to bright sunlight; well-draining potting soil

Spider Plant

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) has arching leaves and stems with small spider-like babies dangling from them, hence its name. "There are selections that are all green and others with leaves that are white-and-green variegated, says Bunting. "Giving it some humidity over the winter will only make it more vigorous."

• Size: 1 foot tall x 2 feet wide
• Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-draining potting soil

Golden Pothos

Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a vining plant that looks beautiful when displayed in a hanging basket, allowing its foliage to delicately spill over the container. "It is characterized by yellow marbled variegated leaves that are heart-shaped," says Bunting.

• Size: Up to 20 feet long x 3 to 6 feet wide
• Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-draining potting soil

Raven ZZ

Raven ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is essentially indestructible as a houseplant, making it a great choice for winter, says Hancock. "It doesn’t mind shorter winter days, turning on the heat, etc.," he says. "You can count on it to stay beautiful." This plant has thick, waxy-looking leaves in a light shade of green that slowly turn a purple-black hue as the plant matures.

• Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
• Care requirements: Low to bright, indirect sunlight; well-drained soil

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia seguine, sometimes known as dumb cane, has very large variegated leaves that will add a tropical feel to your home during winter. Over time, it grows into a beautiful tree that will act as a statement piece of décor. However, Bunting notes that all parts of this plant are toxic, so it shouldn't be kept in a home with pets or children.

• Size: up to 10 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
• Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-drained soil

Air Plant

Air plant (Tillandsia stricta) is an epiphyte, meaning it gets its moisture and nutrients from the air. "They are called air plants because they can grow without soil," says Bunting. "At home, you can hang an air plant from a curtain rod or simply set in on a shelf. It is best grown in a bathroom where it will benefit from full sun and the humidity from the shower."

• Size: 3 inches tall x 3 inches wide
• Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; no soil needed

Rubber Plant

Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is one of the most durable and easy to grow of all the houseplants, says Bunting. As it matures, it become tree-like with large oval, leather-like, mahogany colored leaves, he adds. An added bonus? It can grow in almost any light conditions.

• Size: 10 feet tall x 7 feet wide
• Care requirements: Low to bright, indirect sunlight; well-drained soil

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema spp.) is another ultra-resilient houseplant that will make it through winter without you needing to coddle it, says Hancock. "There are dozens upon dozens of Chinese evergreen varieties available," he says. "Most have dark green leaves variegated in shades of red, pink, gold, yellow, orange, or purple."

• Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 4 feet wide
• Care requirements: Medium to bright sunlight; well-drained soil

Holiday Cactus

Holiday cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) is normally triggered to bloom by shorter days and cooler night temperatures, so the winter season is when this long-lived plant looks best, says Hancock. "It has dark green, crab-like segments that gracefully arch down from the pot. When it bursts into bloom, it shows off orchid-like flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, white, and gold," he says.

• Size: 2 feet long x 1 to 2 feet wide
• Care requirements: Medium to bright sunlight; well-drained soil

Global Green Pothos

Another type of pothos, Global Green (Epipremnum aureum 'Global Green') is a forgiving houseplant that grows well in all seasons. "Even in winter when humidity and light levels are typically lower, this easy-care plant will still thrive," says Hancock. It's a trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves with green-on-green variegation.

• Size: 6 feet long x 1 to 2 feet wide
• Care requirements: Medium to bright sunlight; well-drained soil

Philodendron Tortum

This exotic and hard-to-find philodendron species (Philodendron 'Tortum') is a breeze to grow in winter because it doesn’t mind drying out a bit. "If you forget to water it from time to time during the holiday rush, it’ll still be fine," Hancock says. "It’s a distinctive variety that sports finely dissected leaves that look more like palm or fern fronds than your average philodendron."

• Size: 6 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
• Care requirements: Medium to bright sunlight; well-drained soil

Monstera

Some monstera varieties are also perfect for winter. Thai Constellation monstera (Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'—shown above) has thick leaves that hold up well in winter without having to give the plant additional care. "Its dark green, heart-shaped leaves are streaked and splashed with creamy white and as the plant matures, it develops iconic slits and fenestrations, making it a showstopper," says Hancock.

Another monstera variety that does well in winter is Cobra monstera (Monstera standleyana Albo-Variegata), which boasts paddle-shaped dark green leaves streaked with white. "A lovely little monstera for smaller spaces, Cobra holds up well even in winter’s shorter days. It doesn’t require high humidity, so turning on the furnace is unlikely to bother it," says Hancock.

• Size: Varies by variety
• Care requirements: Medium to bright sunlight; well-drained soil