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Houseplants: Which ones thrive in your home all year long?

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Snake plants by a window
Vitaliy Kyrychuk / Shutterstock

So which plants can handle winter? For homes that tend to be cooler, hardy plants like Snake Plants (Sansevieria), Cast Iron Plants, and ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are ideal. The good news is that all three can handle temperature drops and limited sunlight. The Cast Iron Plant, for example, can thrive in conditions as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

While not quite as hardy, other low-maintenance favorites include Pothos (Epipremnum), Spider Plants, Ferns, and Heartleaf Philodendrons. These do well in shadier, low-light spots and require minimal care.

Finally, a festive consideration is a Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera). It blooms in the winter, tolerates cooler indoor temperatures, and adds a burst of color when most other plants are dormant.

If you are new to plant owning, here are a few tips for winter plant care. It’s a good idea to keep tropical plants away from drafty windows and heating vents. Ease up on watering since most plants slow their growth during colder months. Last but not least, make sure your plants still get adequate light by moving them closer to a south-facing window or supplementing with artificial light if needed.

Adding greenery to your home, even during the coldest months, can lift your spirits and freshen the air. Whether you choose a tough-as-nails Cast Iron Plant or a cheerful Christmas Cactus, keeping plants indoors year-round is an easy way to bring warmth and life into any space.

Sarah Zemp
Sarah Zemp
Contributor | Luxury Home, Design & Lifestyle Sarah Zemp is a writer covering luxury home, design, and intentional…
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