Just because the days are getting colder and shorter doesn’t mean that we can’t still enjoy a few gorgeous house plants. In fact, this article is full of the best winter house plants. All of these plants on this list are most active during the fall months, so you’ll be able to watch something grow even as it’s snowing outside.
The best winter house plants
Moth Orchids
Orchids are a hugely popular gift during the holidays, and that’s likely because they are more likely to rebloom around the holiday season! Though moth orchids will stay alive all year long, they’re pretty slow-growing, but will always bloom around the holidays if cared for correctly.
Keep your orchid plants in an area with plenty of indirect light and plant them in spagnum moss or bark for optimal conditions. Either medium should be allowed to dry out completely before re-watering.
Fertilize orchids in September with a slow release fertilizer in order to promote blooming in the winter time. The plant will sent out a “flower spike” and it is recommended that they are clipped and supported in order to keep the flowers in the best condition.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas cacti are actually one of my very favorite house plants. With jagged, unique leaves that grow quickly, it’s easy to watch this double even as the cacti is dormant in the Summer.
The plant is most active during the winter months, and will even display a showing of dainty, silky flowers around the holidays if you prep correctly. To prep, cacti must be kept in COMPLETE darkness from September to November. Water sparingly. Uncover the cacti around Thanksgiving and wait a few months for stunning flowers around the holidays.
My Christmas cactus has rebloomed every year and that’s part of why it’s one of my best winter house plants. Learn more about Christmas cactus plant care here.
Peperomia
Though it’s a succulent, a peperomia is just what you need to keep your home happy in the dark winter months. Water them every 14 days to keep them in their optimal condition.
The plant won’t bloom or do anything crazy (unfortunately) but it’s waxy green leaves with intricate patterns will keep you happy when the days get dark.
Peperomia plants can tolerate low light levels, and actually prefer indirect lighting. Keep yours away from harsh conditions and it will thrive throughout the winter.
Hoya
One of the best things about Hoya plants is the elaborate flowers it produces every year right towards the end of winter. It’s a nice little bit of brightness that is always appreciated when you’re just TIRED of the cold.
Hoyas like to hang out in hanging baskets in areas of indirect sunlight. Mine sits just next to an East-facing window that is covered by curtains and it THRIVES in the winter time. As with other plants in the winter, Hoyas need not be watered super frequently. Once ever 10-14 days is usually good for my plant in the winter time.
If cared for correctly, it will bloom throughout the end of March, well into the Summer months. It should be mentioned that Hoyas don’t like drafts, so keep this far away from any in the winter months. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best winter house plants!
Poinsettia
One of the most seen plants around Christmas time, it’s no wonder that the Poinsettia plants made it on my best winter house plants list! With bright red leaves, the plant will bloom around the holiday season for a few weeks at a time. What’s better is that even after the plant stops blooming, the bright red leaves will stick around for weeks to come!
Though many people are gifted Poinsettia’s during the holidays, most don’t know that it’ll actually stay alive throughout the year, only to bloom again the following holiday season.
Water plants once a week (even throughout the winter) and keep plants in an area with tons of bright, indirect light. Poinsettia soil should be kept regularly moist, throughout the entire year.
And if you forget to water, don’t worry about it! The plant might look dead and shriveled, but they are known for bouncing back exceptionally well.
Anthurium
Looking for a little Christmas color? The Anthurium is perfect for you because it blooms on multiple occasions throughout the year. So long as it receives indirect light throughout the winter months, it will continue to produce dramatic blooms.
Plants soil should be kept regularly moist throughout the summer months but can (and should) tolerate a bit of drying out in the winter months. Learn more about caring for them here.
