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19 Best Winter Indoor Plants to Bring a Little Bit of Nature Into Your Home

Brighten a gray day with some greenery!

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If you’ve got a green thumb, you might already know what the best winter indoor plants are, but if not, we’ve put together a guide to some of our favorites to brighten up your home. During the cold months, you might not get out into nature as much as you’d like, so why not bring a little bit of nature inside? A few indoor plants here and there can really spruce up your place. These green beauties also make fantastic gifts for someone who loves nature or doesn’t have a garden.

What plants can grow indoors in the winter?

No matter what your indoor environment, there will be a houseplant that works for your home. Just be sure to read the care instructions with each particular type of plant. Different plants require different amounts of water and light, and the best winter indoor plants can thrive in the right conditions.

When buying houseplants online, you’ll find that some don’t even ship to certain states. That’s because, if you live in an extremely cold climate, some plants may not survive the delivery. (Looking for a winter coat to keep you warm in extreme cold? We’ve got you covered!) Contact the sellers for more information if you are unsure.

Keep scrolling to shop our picks for the best winter indoor plants to brighten up your home!

The Best Winter Indoor Plants in 2021

Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia Argyreia)

best minimal care winter indoor plant
California Tropicals best winter indoor plants
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($25.99)

Why we like it:

  • Needs minimal care
  • Easy to grow
  • Grows into beautiful watermelon-like leaves

The Watermelon Peperomia gets its name from its leaves, which have shiny silver and green bands, kind of like a watermelon. This pretty plant’s rounded leaves have pointed tips that are roughly four inches long and three inches wide. Like all of the best winter indoor plants, the Peperomia is very easy to grow and needs minimal care. It does well in bright, indirect light and needs water only when dry.

Been wanting this plant for awhile now. Beautiful plant, nicely packed, no damage at all,” wrote a reviewer.

Heart Leaf Philodendron

best winter indoor plant for easy growing
Hirt's Garden best winter indoor plants
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($13.00)

Why we like it:

  • Requires little care
  • Hang it anywhere
  • Doesn’t need direct sunlight

If you’re a new plant parent then you’ll want to avoid plants that need a lot of care and attention. The Heart Leaf Philodendron is one of the easiest plants to grow because it can thrive practically anywhere in your house (just keep it out of direct sunlight). Just wait for the soil to dry one inch from the surface until watering again. This beauty would also look great in a hanging pot for an added touch of decoration in any room.

These heart-leaf philodendrons are so healthy that they were growing new leaves inside dark boxes while being shipped — talk about easy! I know from past experience that I can grow the vines to 18 inches long, which makes them very decorative, especially in a multi-story home. They ask for very little in terms of care for as much as they give back, so if you’re looking for a great addition to your home decor, look no further.”

Aloe Vera

best multi-purpose winter indoor plant
American Plant Exchange best winter indoor plants
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($34.29)

Why we like it:

  • Purifies the air
  • Acts as a topical
  • Only needs water when soil is fully dry

Although the aloe vera plant is known for its topical medicinal benefits, it also has pollution fighting and air purifying properties. With its minimalistic beauty, it looks great in any home. It doesn’t do well in extremely cold temperatures and direct sunlight will burn it, so a nice spot indoors with indirect light is perfect. It only needs to be watered when the soil is completely dry.

One Amazon reviewer praised it, saying, “I love this thing. It is very resilient. It propagated itself so much I will need to repot it … The aloe will reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles on the neck and chin temporarily. It wears off in a few hours like make up. It is good for bee stings, burns, blisters, and makes the house seem more lively. I love this plant.”

Colorama Madagascar Dragon Tree

best colorful winter indoor plant
American Plant Exchange best winter indoor plants
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($20.99, originally $21.99)

Why we like it:

  • Adds a pop of color to a room
  • Drought-tolerant
  • Thrives in indirect light

The colorama Madagascar dragon tree is a colorful plant with long, thin, stiff leaves. It’s tough and easy to grow with strong roots that make it drought-tolerant. Although a bright, indirect light is best, they can survive in a low indoor light, too. All you have to do to care for it is make sure that the soil is neither wet or dry — just evenly moistened.

One reviewer described it as a, “A beautiful, thriving plant.

English Ivy (Hedera Helix)

best versatile winter indoor plant
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($15.99)

Why we like it:

  • Easy to water
  • Grows best in low light
  • Great alone or in an arrangement

The English ivy is a typical ivy, climbing and covering any surface it grows on. It has evergreen foliage and makes a thick carpet if used in an arrangement. English Ivy also does well in container gardens or terrariums. It’s very easy to care for due to its low light requirements, and only needs to be watered when the soil is dry. Prune to your liking and watch your ivy thrive!

When I received my ivy, it was healthy and happy. I wanted something “alive” in my bathroom which has no windows (for light). It’s in a glass wall sconce. I leave the bathroom light on during the day. It’s still healthy and putting out new leaves.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans ‘Bella’)

best winter indoor plant for beginners
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($14.99)

Why we like it:

  • Almost impossible to kill
  • You can group it with other plants or keep it alone
  • It’s popular worldwide

If you’re worried about your ability to keep a plant alive, then the parlor palm is one of the best winter indoor plants for you. It’s one of the most popular palms in the world precisely because it is nearly impossible to kill! It has the ability to survive in low light, drought, and general neglect. It is very versatile; you can group it together with other plants, but it’s just as pretty as a stand-alone plant.

I have had this for about a month and watered it only once about a week after it arrived. Mine looks great and I’m quite pleased with it. I had been told that it prefers being dry as opposed to wet so I am choosing to be stingy with watering. It receives only light filtered through bedroom weight drapes with a southern exposure,” wrote a reviewer.

Blooming Anthurium

best long-lasting winter indoor plant
Costa Farms best winter indoor plants
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($29.99)

Why we like it:

  • Has pretty bright red leaves
  • Thrives in mild climates
  • Requires little care

The anthurium plant is very easy to grow. It requires minimal care no matter whether it’s inside or — if you live in a mild climate — outside. It needs to be watered once the top couple inches of soil are dry, and does best in a west- or east-facing window or under bright, indirect light.

We love the blooming anthurium and the cute ceramic planter that it comes in. It’s easy to care for, does not require much light, and retains water pretty well.

Philodendron

best air filtering winter indoor plant
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($19.99)

Why we like it:

  • Filters the air
  • Practically indestructible
  • Grows upright

Another virtually indestructible houseplant, the philodendron is a no-nonsense, easy-to-care-for plant with an added bonus: It filters indoor toxins from the air. (Although if you need an actual air filter, check out one of the best air purifiers for keeping your air free from allergens.) This plant grows upright and has large, tropical-style lobed leaves. Keep it anywhere in the house in bright indirect light, and only water it when the top of the soil feels dry.

Lovely plant. A little yellowing on some lower leaves, not affecting overall appearance. Transferred it to a new pot right away. I am satisfied with it and hope it thrives.

Snake Sansevieria Floor Plant

best floor winter indoor plant
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($37.99)

Why we like it:

  • Adds a touch of nature to your home
  • Thrives indoors
  • Can adapt to different light

The snake plant might be one of the best winter indoor plants for those who love nature but don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to their greenery. It loves being inside and can adapt to full sun or light shade (although bright, indirect sunlight is the best). Another name for it is “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” but you can be forgiven for wanting to stick to calling it “Snake Plant.”

I am very new to houseplants and am trying to turn my brown thumb green. I did not see anything I loved at a local big box store. This came packaged very well, and looks healthy. I did add a little bit of dirt to one side where I could see the roots, but otherwise it was perfect.

Hoya

best winter indoor plant to gift
California Tropicals best winter indoor plants
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($22.99)

Why we like it:

  • Grows up to 8 inches tall
  • Has heart-shaped leaves
  • Blooms year-round

This cutie is for the romantics out there. With its heart-shaped green leaves, which can grow to about eight inches tall, this vining plant, which is native to Thailand, makes for an excellent indoor plant. It likes bright light with a little bit of shade, and it even blooms in the summer. Its heart-shaped leaves make the Hoya a popular gift for special occasions (so set a reminder for Valentine’s Day).

One reviewer wrote, “ I am a big hoya fan and have several varieties, including a rooted kerrii leaf. The thing I find a little surprising is how this plant’s leaves compare with the rooted leaf.

Ficus

best winter indoor tree
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($79.99)

Why we like it:

  • Comes in multiple sizes
  • Can braid the tree trunk
  • Requires a little more maintenance

Owning a ficus plant is like having your own little jungle. It’s a tree for indoors! They maintain their tree-like shape regardless of their size, so they look good as a tiny little bonsai on a table, or a massive houseplant on the floor. For something unique, you can braid or twist the pliable trunk into different shapes (perhaps get a gardener to do it if you’re unsure). A little more high-maintenance than some of the other plants on this list, make sure to read up on how to care for your ficus.

Beautiful healthy tree!!! Now from experience I’m aware Fucus’ don’t like to me moved around, so I won’t panic if in a couple days leaves start falling off, just let her alone and she’ll come back good as ever.”

Diffenbachia

best adaptable winter indoor plant
Leaf & Linen best winter indoor plants (7)
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($39.99)

Why we like it:

  • Helps purify the air
  • Thrives indoors
  • Has bright colorful leaves

The diffenbachia (also known as the dumb cane), is a beautiful and popular air-purifying plant with large colorful leaves. Its nickname actually comes from the plant’s poisonous properties; if the leaves are chewed, they can cause a temporary burning sensation, swelling, and inability to speak (hence, striking one “dumb.”) It loves being indoors and adapts to bright, indirect light, or shade. (Just don’t eat it!)

“Bought this plant for my room at my new home and it’s a perfect addition! I love the color and how simple and beautiful it is.”

Peace Lily

best elegant winter indoor plant
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($25.95)

Why we like it:

  • Removes toxins from the air
  • Prefers warmer weather
  • Makes a great gift option

The peace lily is an elegant plant and flower that makes a beautiful gift for any occasion. It’s a breeze to take care of and complements any interior space. Peace lilies are not only easy on the eye, they are also fantastic for removing toxins from the air. They prefer warmer weather and indirect light, so an indoor environment is perfect.

One reviewer praised it saying,”This plant is the most beautiful plant ever. Wow it looks so healthy and lovely. I’m going to buy at least one or two more for sure…” 

Succulents

best winter indoor plants for the forgetful
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($24.36, originally $29.99)

Why we like it:

  • Doesn’t require a lot of watering
  • Come in a variety of shapes and sizes

If ever there was a plant made for self-professed forgetful (or lazy) folk, it’s a succulent. These drought tolerant little beauties are super easy to care for. Succulents need very little water to survive, so they won’t promptly drop dead if you go away for the week. Since they come in all different shapes and sizes, you’re bound to find something you love, and this collection of 12 mini succulents has something for everyone.

Consistently great plants! Always a good variety, perfect packaging and healthy, strong, well rooted succulents,” gushed one reviewer.

Poinsettia

best christmas winter indoor plant
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($39.98)

Why we like it:

  • Great for Christmas decor
  • Features eye-catching red leaves
  • Can hold its color up to two months after the leaves drop

You might know the poinsettia by its other name, the “Christmas Flower.” The low maintenance Poinsettia is popular this time of year and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. Indigenous to Mexico, this plant is also known as the “Mexican flame leaf,” and its bright red leaves make it a great statement piece. Once the flower (cyathia) drops, the bract will hold its color for up to two months. This set of three mini Poinsettias in burlap-wrapped glass pots makes a great gift.

I ordered poinsettias to add a bit of holiday cheer to my home this year. They came promptly, were packaged thoughtfully, and were gorgeous and still are thriving even now.

Orchid

best long-lasting winter indoor plant
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($39.99)

Why we like it:

  • Just add ice cubes to water it
  • Blooms for up to 12 weeks
  • Re-blooms up to twice a year

Beautiful and fragrant, you can’t really go wrong with an orchid. Popular with interior designers, orchids will complement any space they occupy and only need watering once a week — just add two ice cubes. With proper care, blooms will last 8-12 weeks, but the plant itself is very long-lasting and will re-bloom once or twice a year.

Arrived healthy and almost in full bloom! Over the week or two following, the remaining buds began to open while the rest remained full and gorgeous! The pot it came in was perfect without any blemishes or cracks and watering it has been a breeze! I’ll definitely order again.

Anthurium Variation

best heart shaped winter indoor plant
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($29.97)

Why we like it:

  • Blooms all year long
  • Thrives with indirect light
  • Colorful and beautiful

If you want more than once or twice-yearly blooms, why don’t you try the lace leaf anthurium? The anthurium will continually bloom with proper care, and the more (indirect) light it has, the more blooms it will grow. The flower is a beautiful bold red that resembles the shape of a heart, hence its other name, the “Ace of Hearts Anthurium”. They are very easy to keep alive as long as they are regularly watered.

One reviewer wrote, “Arrived yesterday in an excellent condition with two mature flowers and several flower buds. I repotted it into a 6-inch clay pot, it looks great in my kitchen.

Gardenia Bonsai

best high-maintenance winter indoor plant
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($41.74)

Why we like it:

  • Requires more attention
  • Provides year-round foliage
  • Offers beautiful white flowers

Beautiful, elegant, sophisticated… and, as to be expected, high-maintenance! This wonderfully fragrant diva of a plant is notoriously hard to grow and take care of, but if you do your research and have time and patience, you’ll be rewarded with the unique atmospheric beauty and year-round foliage that the gardenia provides. If you love your gardenia, it will love you back for years and years.

I was just blown away by this bonsai and was ecstatic over my mother’s response to this as it was her Christmas gift last year. The condition and shape was worthy of an award, very vibrant deep green leaves and soil was moist.. couldn’t ask for more out of a plant, especially one delivered by mail.”

Guzmania

best tropical winter indoor plant
Amazon

Buy on Amazon ($19.99)

Why we like it:

  • Brings a tropical aesthetic to your home
  • Only needs a light daily mist
  • Prefers humidity

In case you couldn’t tell just by looking at it, the guzmania is a tropical plant. There are over 120 guzmania variations, and all are native to South America. That doesn’t mean they aren’t one of the best winter indoor plants you can grow, however! Keeping a guzmania as a houseplant is extremely easy, given the right conditions. All they need is a high-temperature environment, preferably with humidity and a light daily mist. So if you light to keep your thermostat cranked up, this could be the plant for you!

“This beast has managed to survive the last 1.5-years in the same potting it was shipped in (whoops, been meaning to re-pot that…) and some neglect due to my travel-heavy work schedule. Not only did it thrive, it even now has three baby plants, though none have the red stalk quite yet (I can see some color changing though!!).

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