Winter plants indoors

Best Houseplants for Winter and How to Care for Them 2020

Best Houseplants for Winter and How to Care for Them 2020 | The Strategist

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Senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson has covered everything from stocking a medicine cabinet to adopting a pet. She’s especially passionate about running (she worked in a running store) and cat furniture

Photo: Greenery Unlimited

For the many new plant parents who adopted a fern or fiddle-leaf fig to spruce up their spaces during quarantine, their houseplants’ winter behavior — like shedding leaves or turning brown — may come as a bit of a shock. According to Erin Marino, director of marketing at the Sill, this seasonal change is totally natural. “The biggest thing I’d say is don’t freak out. You are going to see your plants look a little bit less happy, and it’s going to be obvious because you just came out of this wonderful summer growing season,” she says. With reduced sunlight and dry air from indoor heating, winter isn’t a time when your plants will thrive, but, with the right care, they can certainly survive. “Less sunlight typically sparks a plant’s natural dormancy,” says Casey Godlove, creative director at PlantShed. “They use less water, produce less new growth, and generally pause until spring. ”

Plant-care pros stress that there are plenty of simple steps you can take to keep your greenery healthy in the winter. In terms of placement, look for spots in your home that get the most sunlight, but avoid putting plants too close to drafty windows or radiators. “Grouping plants together in a cozy ‘cuddle puddle’ is a great way to regulate moisture,” says Bryana Sortino, co-founder of plant subscription service Horti. “Plants transpire and release vapor into the air, so gathering them into a cluster creates more humidity in the air.” Now is also not the time to repot or fertilize your plants. As Rebecca Bullene, partner and co-founder of Greenery Unlimited, explains, “The plant isn’t really going to have the energy to process fertilizer, and you’re going to have a buildup of minerals and salt in the root system that can actually damage the plant. ” Instead of watering on a regular schedule like you would in the spring and summer, experts say to look for signs of thirst — like curling or drooping leaves — since your plants won’t be consuming water at the same rate.

We asked our experts to recommend plants that can best handle the changing seasons as well as the best tools and accessories to keep all of your plants happy.

The Sill Large Snake Laurentii

$154

The sansevieria laurentii, or snake plant, which is “nearly indestructible,” according to Godlove, was one of the most recommended low-maintenance winter plants among our experts. Gabby Santiago, plant-care specialist at Rooted, says they’re perfect for plant beginners and can even survive in windowless rooms. “Sansevierias will bear with you while you figure out the sunlight patterns in your place during the dreary winter months,” says Sprout Home founder Tara Heibel. “They are not fussy about being in the perfect lighting scenario and can handle a lower light frequency.” Lisa Muñoz, founder of Leaf and June, explains that snake plants “can withstand drafty windows, heat from heaters and radiators, and less humidity, making them a great plant for the winter months.” Bullene points out that because the snake plant naturally grows in dry climates, it’s especially drought-tolerant, so it won’t be too bothered by dry heat. Chantal Aida Gordon and Ryan Benoit, founders of the Horticult website and authors of How to Window Box, suggest experimenting with other varieties like the sansevieria cylindrica or the sansevieria masoniana. “They’re the funkier cousin to standard snake plants but about as forgiving,” Gordon and Benoit say. “They’re like sculptures.”

$154 at The Sill

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ZZ Plant

$98

Marino groups the ZZ plant, another common houseplant, with the sansevieria since they’re both easy to care for and adaptable to less than ideal conditions. “These plants aren’t going to thrive necessarily during the winter, but they’re going to be able to handle it,” she says. It’s also Tula Plants & Design CEO and founder Christan Summers’s top pick. “It’s the most drought-tolerant plant next to the cacti, and it has this really shiny, waxy leaf, so it always looks happy,” she says. Godlove and Bullene recommend the ZZ plant because it can tolerate low light and infrequent watering. Gordon and Benoit add that the ZZ is “glossy, shapely, and looks cool next to the art on your wall, and it surprises you with new growth pretty often.”

$98 at The Sill

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$16 at Horti

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Pothos

$61

Like the snake and ZZ plants, the pothos came up a lot among our experts since it doesn’t require a lot of direct sunlight. “There’s a reason you see the pothos plant in offices, nail salons, and malls,” Marino says. “It’s incredibly hardy and can handle a wide range of different light levels.” Heibel also loves the plant’s trailing look.

Dracaena Reflexa

$265

Buy at The Greenery

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Dracaena Tarzan Bush

$85

Buy at The Greenery

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If your home gets a decent amount of sunlight year round but you struggle with dry air, Bullene recommends plants from the dracaena family, which are accustomed to low humidity. “A lot of them are native to Hawaii, and they actually grow on the [very arid] lava fields of volcanoes,” she says.

Cast-Iron Plant Aspidistra Elatior

$33

“You can’t kill them,” says Summers of the very hardy and low-maintenance cast-iron plants. “They have a really elegant leaf shape that I always appreciate in the mix of floppiness.” Muñoz agrees that they’re “extremely easy to maintain” and “acclimate well to drier environments in the winter months.”

$33 at Amazon

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$35 at Bonanza

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Haworthia

$27

Since succulents and cacti are generally known to be low-maintenance plants, we weren’t surprised that many of our experts say they are good options for winter. Marino suggests the pet-safe Haworthia: “They’re found in the desert, where it doesn’t rain a lot and there’s not a lot of humidity, so they’re not going to mind this at all during the winter,” she says. Heibel recommends placing succulents and cacti near any drafty windows since they do require a good amount of sunlight but can tolerate the cold better than tropical, leafy plants like the ZZ or sansevieria.

$27 at The Sill

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$18 at Tula Plants

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Euphorbia Milii Crown of Thorns

From $33

Also a type of succulent (but not a pet-safe one), the euphorbia milii, or crown of thorns, is another one of Summers’s favorites. “These bloom in February, and it’s always so nice to see something like that in the gray February of New York, especially,” she says. Depending on the variety, you can find them with pink, red, or white flowers.

From $33 at Etsy

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White Christmas Cactus

$55

With its white or red flowers, the Schlumbergera cactus (also known as the Christmas or holiday cactus) is one of the rare houseplants that’ll bloom in the winter, typically between November and January. “The buds look like ornaments, and the flowers are these gem-colored fluffy bells,” Gordon and Benoit say. Muñoz calls these cacti “a favorite nontoxic option that also produces showy flowers. They prefer protection from intense sunlight, and that’s exactly what we get in winter.”

$55 at FTD

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Peperomia Obtusifolia

$18

Sortino says these plants “display semi-succulent properties, so they can sustain well with less water and oftentimes less light. Summers recommends the peperomia too, because its shiny leaves bring a lush, tropical feel to your home during the winter. Heibel is also a fan, especially if you’re looking to squeeze a bright, leafy plant into a small space. And because it’s nontoxic to cats and dogs, the peperomia obtusifolia is a good choice for pets who may nibble on plant leaves.

$18 at Tula Plants

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$30 at Rooted NYC

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Philips LED Plant Grow Light Bulb

$20 now 15% off

$17

If your plants are really suffering from dark and dreary winter days, there’s no shame in giving them a little boost with the help of a grow light. “I used to be a total purist when it came to grow lights until I was proven wrong,” says Summers. “Plants need light, so if winter means that light significantly decreases at your home, invest in a grow light.” Most household lamps have a yellow tinge, but plants prefer bright white lights that include all colors of the light spectrum. Bullene explains that this full-spectrum light is more similar to sunlight, so it’s almost like “fooling tropical plans into thinking that they’re still in this nice equator zone and getting the same amount of light they were getting in summertime.” Grow lights have a reputation for being unsightly or difficult to install, so most of our experts recommend using full-spectrum bulbs (Bullene likes Philips) that you can simply twist into any light fixture you already have at home.

$17 at Amazon

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$17 at Amazon

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Hydrofarm Agrobrite Compact Fluorescent Spiral Grow Lamp

$18

Here’s another full-spectrum grow bulb that Summers sells at her store. “We try to keep it really simple because most people are not going to install track lighting,” she says. “Grow lights have become really user friendly for the home, which is great.”

$18 at Amazon

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$18 at Amazon

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Rousseau Plant Care Pendant Grow Light

$120

For a grow light that’s actually aesthetically pleasing, Summers recommends this hanging pendant light from Rousseau Plant Care, which, she says, “mimics a full day of summer sun.”

$120 at Rousseau Plant Care

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Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier

$51

$75 now 32% off

$51

After low light, low humidity is the biggest challenge for indoor plants. One way to introduce more moisture to your indoor environment is by adding a humidifier. Look for one that’s sized appropriately for your space, and keep it running as frequently as possible. Bullene and Summers recommend Honeywell humidifiers. “I’ve had a Honeywell for way too long, and it just won’t break,” says Summers. “It’s just amazing, and it’s easy to clean out.”

$51 at Amazon

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$51 at Amazon

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AirExpect Cool Mist Humidifier

$40

This humidifier is Santiago’s favorite because it doesn’t require a ton of maintenance. “Most humidifiers run through water super-quickly, and you have to constantly change them out, but this one is really good at maintaining moisture,” she says. “You can leave it filled for a week and not have to worry about filling it every other day.”

$40 at Amazon

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$40 at Amazon

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Brussel’s 13-Inch Humidity Tray With Decorative Rocks

$11

As a low-tech alternative to a humidifier, several of our experts recommend pebble trays, which you can either buy or easily make at home. Simply fill a tray with pebbles, pour in a layer of water and then place it directly underneath your plant. The pebbles keep the plant from being totally submerged in the water, but, as Marino describes, it “increases the humidity and the moisture levels in the air around the plant. ” Bullene says you can also simply put a dish or a bowl of water on top of your radiator and let it evaporate into the air to humidify nearby plants.

$11 at Amazon

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$11 at Amazon

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Lechuza Classico Self-Watering Garden Planter

$82

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$82

If you’re keenly attuned to your plant’s health, you can keep an eye out for signs of thirst, but it’s not always obvious. Instead, Bullene recommends a self-watering planter, like the ones from Lechuza, that you fill with water from the base, where the plant’s roots can absorb it as needed. “That has a huge effect, because the plant’s allowed to drink from the water reservoir when it’s ready, rather than when the human deems that it thinks the plant is thirsty,” she says.

$82 at Amazon

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$82 at Amazon

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The Best Winter Houseplants, According to Experts

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Best winter houseplants: 21 plants to grow indoors in winter

Houseplants grace our interiors all year, but the best winter houseplants take on extra importance, adding life, color, and stress-reducing, air-purifying qualities during the colder months of the year.

Winter houseplants add color and interest indoors while our gardens sleep and are more resilient at withstanding the sometimes challenging conditions of our homes during the colder months. There are many indoor plants to choose from throughout the year, including low maintenance indoor plants or indoor low light plants, which will also cope well in the months when most plants are dormant.

With many styles, shapes and colors of winter houseplants to choose from, you'll be spoiled for choice. Whichever varieties you choose, make sure you know how to care for house plants in winter to ensure you get the best from them – and to ensure they last right through to next winter.

Best winter houseplants

Whether you're a longstanding indoor plant lover, or a beginner, prepare to exercise those green fingers in the off-season with some of these best winter houseplants. There are choices that will be suitable for any room in the house, whether you're looking for bathroom plants to add to the spa like experience of the space, or bedroom plants to enhance the relaxing and soothing properties of the room.

'Plants native to humid, tropical regions will have the most difficult time adjusting to winter, but plants native to climates with more extreme weather will hardly notice the seasonal shift in our homes,' explains Lindsay Pangborn gardening expert at Bloomscape .

1. Jade plant – Crassula

(Image credit: Crassula ovata from Hortology)

'The crassula – also known as the Jade Plant – is a fabulous winter houseplant,' explains Morag Hill, co-founder of The Little Botanical .

'It’s happy to tolerate warm and colder conditions and can withstand low-light conditions easily enough. As long as you keep up with a monthly watering routine and give it a little bit of sunlight, it’ll last through to spring and summer,' she adds.

Jade plants can make a lovely addition to a dresser display as kitchen plants, and grouped with a range of other smaller plants if you're decorating with plants.

2. Succulents

(Image credit: Bloomscape)

Although small in size, succulents are known for their sturdiness and low-maintenance indoor care.

'Since they can be found on every continent, succulents have been adapting to all sorts of environmental settings, ranging from dry climates or heavy droughts. However, while they can thrive under various temperatures and humidity levels, the secret to success with succulents is at least four hours of direct sunlight a day and special care taken not to overwater them,' explains Lindsay Panghorn.

Make sure you know how to care for succulents in winter and when to water succulents you will be able to enjoy these little beauties year round.

3. Oxalis triangularis

(Image credit: Happy Houseplants)

Anther top choice of winter houseplants is 'Oxalis Triangularisis, a low-maintenance and beautifully decorative house plant with vivid purple leaves and bell-shaped flowers,' explains Emily Lawlor of Happy Houseplants .

These pretty and distinctive plants close their blooms and leaves at night, then open wide to the morning light, adding an extra charm to their presence in the home.

4. Pothos

(Image credit: Happy Houseplants)

'Pothos plants have strong durability and are easy to care for, making them perfect for winter houseplants beginners or cold seasons,' says Lindsay Pangborn.

'Known for their trailing vines, pothos plants will not mind facing chillier winds when placed on window sills or lower light levels during the season’s shorter days. Pothos plants also come in various forms for all sorts of homes,' she adds.

Learn more about pothos plant care and you can enjoy the many different varieties. They are also among the best feng shui plants to add positive energy to your home.

Just take care when watering these beauties. If you ever find yourself asking 'why is my pothos turning yellow?' it could be because you are over or under-watering it.

5. Tradescantia

(Image credit: Happy Houseplants)

'Tradescantia is a species of spiderwort native to South America, also known as the wandering Dude, because it grows rapidly and will urban wild any space,' explains Emily Lawlor.

This classic retro winter houseplants looks beautiful and is among the best plants for hanging baskets or for containers, 'and is stunning and easy-care for,' Emily adds.

6. Aglaonema

(Image credit: Happy Houseplants)

There are a number of aglaonemas singled out by the experts as being among the best winter houseplants.

'Aglaonema Pink Star is a gorgeous, rare plant that will thrive easily in your home. Tolerant of low light conditions and easy care, these are perfect plants for beginners but attractive collector plants for more experienced growers.,' says Emily Lawlor of Happy Houseplants, who adds it is a good plant choice if you're looking for a jungle look to your interiors, or are a fan of stunning foliage.

Varieties such as this that have beautiful pink or red leaves are perfect to add a little color to your home during the winter months.

Dan Bruce of Leafy Plants chooses Aglaonema ‘Chinese Evergreen’. 'This thrives in low light and is happy with cooler temperatures,' he explains.

'It fairs best in medium, indirect light, but can go as low as total darkness and still survive.'

7. Cyclamen persicum

(Image credit: Alamy)

Often the best winter plants for pots and borders outdoors make the best winter house plants, too. Cyclamen can look stunning grouped together for impact and to create a mini indoor garden scene.

All types and colors of cyclamen in shades of red, pink and white – are great options for winter. Cyclamen thrives in cooler temperatures, says Karen Musgrave, a certified nursery and landscape professional at Hicks Nurseries in Westbury, NY. She recommends placing potted cyclamen ‘near a drafty window or entryway to add a nice burst of color to your space – they require indirect sunlight and well-drained soil.’

These look lovely on a windowsill to add some winter color as kitchen plants.

8. Dwarf citrus

(Image credit: Future)

We've listed citrus plants on our pick of the best indoor trees, and although you might associate them with summer, dwarf citrus plants – including lemon, small oranges and tiny kumquats – are not only top of the tree when it comes to adding a little zest to interior schemes, but they are certainly among the best winter houseplants for culinary – and mixology – use.

Move dwarf citrus outside in summer, but bring them indoors for winter, preferably in a room with a slightly cooler than average indoor daytime temperatures, ideally 65ºF (18ºC).

9. Phalaenopsis orchid

(Image credit: Alamy)

Orchids are classic and seasonal choices to bring your indoor winterscape to life. Jessica Matteson, principal of Connecticut and New York-based Matteson Landscape Architecture , says: ‘My number one houseplant for the winter is the beautiful and undemanding white phalaenopsis orchid. It is sophisticated, low maintenance, happy with only medium light and lasts for months.’

They are also among the best bathroom plants and you can quickly get to grips with orchid care.

10. Galanthus nivalis (snowdrops)

(Image credit: Alamy)

If you are planning a winter garden, it's likely you're thinking of snowdrops. And guess what? They can be grown indoors too. Forced bulbs of all kinds are another of Jessica Matteson’s choices for best winter house plants. Indoor grown spring bulbs – including snowdrops (pictured), miniature narcissi, muscari grape hyacinths, and hyacinths – all make it on to our list of best winter house plants. They bring a welcome foretaste of spring and are guaranteed to lift the spirits on dreary winter days.

Forced bulbs are readily available in nurseries from late afall right through to spring. Keep them cool or they may grow tall and leggy, particularly the miniature narcissi and hyacinths. Of course, you can plant up bulbs yourself to force for indoor winter flowering. The best time to do this is September or early October for flowers in January.

11. Sansevieria

(Image credit: Louise Boase for Forest )

These hardy house plants come in many shapes and forms, all of which are happy in both bright, direct sunlight or deep shade. This makes them the perfect plant for winter as they won't need moving to a brighter spot when light levels drop.

'Sansevieria doesn’t like freezing cold but doesn’t mind temperature fluctuations, like the central heating going on and off. Just be careful not to overwater, as that combined with low light can cause the roots to rot,' advises Dan Bruce, expert at Leafy Plants .

Alice Bailey, co-founder of Forest , puts them among her best winter houseplant choices, and says: 'Their thick and fibrous leaves are often slightly curved meaning they can tolerate a strong draft because the surface area exposed to the draught is minimal. These factors, paired with the fact they need very minimal watering, make them an extremely easy house guest over the winter period.’

12. Zamioculcas zamiifolia – ZZ plant

(Image credit: Alamy)

Karen Musgrave from Hicks Nurseries recommends the stoic Zamioculcas zamiifolia, or ZZ plant, for forgetful gardeners or those who like to travel, and says it's a great houseplant for winter. 'Winter can be cold and dark but the ZZ plant couldn’t care less! This plant tolerates less than optimal conditions and requires little more than well-drained soil and fertilizer every six months. '

Morag Hill from the Little Botanical is also a fan. 'The ZZ Plant has gorgeous dark green leaves and adds texture to any home or office space. It’s perfect for newbie plant owners as it’s willing to be somewhat neglected and can survive with little water and no light – making it ideal for the dark and chilly autumn/winter months.'

13. Aspidistra

(Image credit: Louise Boase for Forest)

Aspidistra was certainly one of the best winter houseplants as far as the Victorians were concerned and Alice Bailey at Forest explains why it makes the cut for her too, 'As houseplants go, aspidistra has to be one of the most forgiving out there. It’s even been given the common name “cast iron plant” due to its hardiness in the face of almost any environment.

'You can place them in a spot with minimal natural light thats cold and has a strong draft and it will plough on. Aspidistra elatior is the hardiest variety and has been known to live for up to 50 years, even in poor conditions. As long as it’s being fed over spring and summer this plant should continue to thrive throughout the colder seasons.'

14. Dracaena marginate

(Image credit: Alamy)

Easy to care for during the wintertime, and relatively slow growing, The Dracaena Marginata is practically indestructible as it’s so drought-tolerant, so consider it one of the easier plants to care for during the cold months (as well as all year round).

Dan Bruce of Leafy Plants, says 'Dracaena marginate, more commonly known as the dragon tree, is a beautiful plant with striking leaves that in certain lights can look like red-edged swords. Originating from Madagascar, its long body/trunk looks more like a small tree than a traditional ‘foliage’ everywhere’ type plant.'

'Dracaenas are adaptable to colder temperatures, low light, and dry air due to their native origins in warmer African and Asian environments, making them perfect for indoor environments during winter months,' agrees Lindsay Pangborn.

15. Anthurium andraeanum

(Image credit: Alamy)

Karen Musgrave of Hicks Nurseries says: 'Anthurium andraeanum always makes me think of Valentine’s Day with its bright red heart-shaped flowers, and it's a great option for those new to house plants.'

The plant prefers medium sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. The waxy 'flowers' are in fact spathes, bright leaves to attract insects in the plant's natural habitat. There are common varieties with white, pink, or red flowers, but many other shades too. The blooms can last up to three months and appear up to six times per year.

16. Epipremnum

(Image credit: Louise Boase for Forest)

Alice Bailey at Forest puts Epipremnum on her list of best winter houseplants, saying 'they are a great winter trailer to have in the home. Their tolerance of deep shade is matched by few other houseplants, and the dark and waxy foliage of the aureum variety, aka money plant, means they can tolerate the dry air coming from central heating and draughts without crisping. '

17. Ficus elastica (Rubber plant)

(Image credit: Alamy)

Dan Bruce at Leafy Plants explains: 'The name of the rubber plant doesn’t in fact come from its leaves which do have a rubber look to them due to the thick and glossy look they produce, but from the white substance running through its steams which was at one time used to make rubber. It’s always easy to see why people mistake them for fake plants, as in our experience they always look incredibly healthy, even during the winter months.'

Tolerant to winter’s low light in the home, it’s a fan of humid locations in the home, though won’t need that environment 24/7. Because of its thick foliage, it can survive a drop in temperature very well, so is a great plant to have around the house during the colder months.

18. Schlumbergera truncate (Christmas cactus)

(Image credit: Alamy)

Emilly Fernandes, a small space gardener from California and consultant at HouseGrail , says, 'Christmas Cactus makes me think of the holiday season, which I love. There are a few colors you can choose from: red, white, yellow, orange, purple and pink. I prefer the red ones because they're bright and colorful.

The Christmas cactus needs bright direct or indirect light. It does best with a daytime temperature around 70 and an evening temperature around 65. They like a humid environment.

19. Aloe Vera

(Image credit: Alamy)

Dan Bruce at Leafy Plants is a big fan of Aloe Vera plants. 'The gel that grows inside this littles guys leaves is used for everything, from skincare products to cleaning items, health drinks to supplements. These slow growing, stemless succulents have thick, fleshy, grey-green leaves with serrated edges. In UK homes they don’t need an overabundance of water and can survive drops in temperature, making them ideal for the winter months,' he says.

Learn about aloe plant care to keep yours happy and healthy. 'They’ll still need bright light but placed next to an east-facing window will guarantee them the perfect amount of morning sunshine. And though we’re yet to experience it, with the right care during winter, the Aloe Vera has been known to flower,' he adds.

20. Dracaena trifasciata

(Image credit: Leaf Envy)

Lindsey Hyland at Urban Organic Yield says Dracaena trifasciata, or the snake plant is one of the easiest and best winter houseplants.

'It's a succulent and so can be left alone for long periods and will not die,' she says. 'Snake plants tolerate neglect and low light levels (no artificial light). The plant produces offsets very readily and propagates itself by sending out shoots that can be cut off and potted up.'

21. Philodendron

(Image credit: Alamy)

There are more than 450 varieties of Philodendron, but Lindsey Hyland says, 'They are popular houseplants because they're universal, have an easy-going attitude, and can be used in any situation. They do not need to be watered often, but the soil should dry out between watering.'

What are the benefits of winter houseplants?

The benefits of growing winter houseplants are well documented. There have been many studies that have demonstrated links between having plants around us in an indoor setting and improved mood and productivity, and reduced stress levels. Think of it as forest bathing in the comfort of your own home, if you will.

Houseplants are said to bring physical benefits, too. Reduced blood pressure, fatigue and headaches have been recorded where plants have been introduced, and they are also thought to help purify the air in your home.

Where to position winter house plants?

The best winter houseplants deserve their place in the sun and Dan Bruce at Leafy Plants says we should move things around a bit and change up our plant interior design in winter.

‘I know you probably love your fern sitting on the bookshelf,’ he says, ‘but it’s vital that you move them into areas of the home that get the best light throughout the winter days. Place them nearer windows so they can receive as much morning light as possible – although remember not too close, as houseplants aren’t the biggest fans of cold drafts. ’

Indoor plants in winter - features of seasonal care

In order for indoor flowers to be healthy and beautiful, they need optimal conditions at any time of the year. However, during the cold period, care for green pets has its own specifics: at this time, most cultures suffer from a lack of natural light, drafts, a cold window sill, air that is too dry due to working heating devices. Knowing the features of caring for indoor plants in winter, you will help them successfully survive stress.

Things to consider when caring for overwintering plants

In the short frosty days of December-February, you should try to make life as easy as possible for indoor flowers that continue to grow. To achieve this, attention should be paid to the following factors:

location of plants;
illumination;
microclimate;
frequency and intensity of irrigation;
the need for additional feeding.

Choose a suitable place for wintering plants

If in summer indoor flowers placed on the southern windows have to be shielded from the scorching sun in order to protect them from burns, then in winter with this arrangement they will receive only the necessary dose of sunlight, and even then on clear days . Remove all plants from north-facing window sills, focusing them on south and east windows so that air circulates freely between them.

Note. Do not leave green pets on those window sills where windows are often opened - exposure to ice drafts is detrimental to them.

Provide proper lighting - this is important

A significant condition for the health of houseplants is a sufficient amount of light they receive. In the cold season, the days are short and often overcast - creating optimal illumination becomes a problem. One of her solutions is presented above: you need to "relocate" indoor flowers. What else can be done?

Rotate the pots regularly so that the shoots of the plants do not stretch to one side, trying to catch more sunlight.
Keep windows clean - dirt can block 30% or more of light output.
Remove dust from the leaves in time to make it easier for them to absorb the scarce sunlight.
If the leaves of your pets still become pale, smaller, purchase phytolamps and organize additional lighting for at least 2-3 hours so that the plants are saturated with light. Suitable for this and conventional fluorescent lamps.

Note. For begonias, geraniums, roses, fuchsias, additional lighting is especially necessary.

Create an acceptable microclimate for wintering flowers

During the frosty period, indoor flowers need protection from the cold. Shoots can become supercooled or even freeze when they come into contact with ice glasses or when windows are opened to ventilate the room. To protect them, make sure that the pots are at a sufficient distance from the glass. When airing, arrange barriers for plants from the flow of cold air or rearrange them for this time to another place.

The roots of green pets standing on the windowsill or on the floor without heating also suffer from the cold, and the plants experience stress. They will feel much better if you build coasters for pots or put heat-insulating material under them.

Note. The cold penetrates faster through ceramic flower pots than through plastic containers.

Excess heat also adversely affects indoor flower crops. They may suffer from overheating if placed near a radiator or placed on the edge of a window sill that has a heat source underneath. Try to make sure that there is at least 20 cm from the battery to the pots. This can be achieved by placing stands under them or hanging flower pots with plants in the window opening.

It is not uncommon for flower growers to be saddened by the fact that the tips or edges of leaf blades dry in indoor plants in winter. Sometimes the leaves curl up, turn yellow completely and fall off. There are several reasons for this phenomenon, but, as a rule, this is the negative impact of air overdried by heating devices. To help your pets, you can:

cover the battery with a damp towel;
more often spray plants with water at room temperature, for which it is permissible, periodically carry out water procedures in the form of a shower, covering the soil with a film;
place containers with clean water next to indoor flowers that cannot be sprayed;
Wipe leaves of large-sized plants with a damp cloth.

And it is best to buy a good humidifier model - it will also be useful for people living in the house.

Match the watering regimen with the needs of the plants

As the daylight hours decrease, growth processes slow down and the need for indoor plants in soil moisture decreases. Excessive moisture is a common reason for unsuccessful wintering of green pets, even their loss due to root rot. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering to 1-2 weeks, and for cacti and succulents to 1 time per month. If you keep wintering cacti at a temperature not higher than +14 ° C, you can not water them at all from November to May.

When planning to water the plant, check the condition of the soil in the pot or flowerpot. A dry surface is not a reason for immediate watering. If the soil is dry at a depth of 2 cm, water, observing a number of rules.

Use water that has stood for 1-2 days in an open container. The temperature of the liquid should be room temperature or slightly higher.
Arrange a timely and plentiful "Waterhole" for indoor flowers. With poor watering, water flows down the perimeter of the pot without soaking the earthen ball.
To prevent root rot, do not leave excess water in the pan for more than 20 minutes.
For the prevention of root rot, it is useful to water plants with phytosporin once a month. For this purpose, dilute 5-5 g of powder in a bucket of water, leave for 4 hours, mix and water.

Don't over-fertilize

Winter fertilization is undesirable for most dormant houseplants. Do not try to stimulate their growth: the result may be the opposite. At this time, the vital activity of plants slows down significantly, and they do not absorb the proposed nutrition, which leads to oversaturation of the soil with various salts. Their high concentration can cause root burns.

Note. Plants that bloom in winter and ornamental large-sized plants (hibiscus, monstera, palm trees, ficuses, etc. ) should be fed, but not more than once a month. Reduce the dosage of fertilizers by 2 times compared to the usual,

As you can see, caring for plants in the house is not too simple. But if you value your collection of indoor flowers, spare no effort to create the most favorable wintering conditions for it. And do not forget about the 7 golden rules for caring for indoor plants.

Author of the article: Oksana Artemenko

Published: 29 Dec 2020

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Colors for indoor plants and winter gardens in an apartment and a private house, photo how to equip

Think about what you and your family would like to get from a winter garden: a place where you can read a book and have a cup of tea surrounded by greenery? Or the illusion of a tropical forest with rare plant species? - The design of the winter garden, and its place in the house, and the choice of plants depend on this. Consider three types of winter gardens suitable for central Russia.

inovasis design

1. Winter garden - additional room
Used in a constant temperature regime all year round. It differs from the rest of the living rooms by the emphasis on plants that form the image of the space and, possibly, zone it.

Conditions: The temperature is maintained at 20-25°C and the humidity is not lower than 70%.

What to grow: Suitable for a tropical garden that will thrive in heat-loving plants such as Saintpaulia (Nymphaea) , luxury cannes (Canna) and callas (Calla) .
You can create a small tropical fruit garden from tub crops.

Lena Cuban | Lena Grant design

Plants of the bromeliad family from the American jungle will decorate the winter garden: Gusmania (Guzmania) blooming for several months in a row, Frisee (Vriesea) , Neoregelia (Neoregelia) , Cryptanthus 9013 tillandsia (Tillandsia cyanea) , especially if you build an epiphytic tree for them .

What is important: The life support systems of such a garden must work like clockwork, many plants from this group die even due to a slight temperature difference. The bright sun is no less destructive for them, many are accustomed to living under the crowns of large trees. Mandatory installation of blinds or curtains, forced ventilation systems. For Tropicans, additional lighting is very important, and in the darkest time of the year at least 12 hours a day.

Hampton Conservatories Ltd

2. Insulated porch garden
Or in another room that is used as a living room during the warm season. Here, the air is drier, which means that this is a more suitable option for a rest room.

Conditions: During the autumn-winter period, the temperature is maintained at 15°–17° C, and the humidity in summer can rise to 75%.

What to grow: Such rooms are suitable for a subtropical garden, the plants of which are more accessible and cheaper. Liviston palms

Pot Inc. Custom Planters & Fire Bowls

Pictured: Small coniferous plants will make beautiful accents, giving the air an invigorating fresh scent - they can create a variety of landscape compositions

Ivy & Bloom

Pictured: Most house flowers will be happy to move for the winter in a spacious bright room, which will add dynamism to the life of the winter garden.

Scherzer's Anthurium (Anthurium scherzerianum), Sprenger's Asparagus (Asparagus densiflorus Sprengeri) and Wallis' Spathiphyllum (Spathiphyllum wallisii) will bloom more actively and abundantly after staying in the winter garden during the summer.

inovasis design

What's important: A garden like this needs a stable autumn-winter temperature without sudden changes, as well as protection from drafts. The watering system, if it is automatic, must be adjusted according to the season - in winter, most plants need watering much less often than in summer. Illumination is necessary, otherwise the plants will lose their decorative effect. With so much choice, it is possible to plant hardier plants closer to the window so as not to block the view from the window, shading the garden on sunny days, while direct sunlight is an ordeal for almost any houseplant.

inovasis design

3. Winter garden - greenhouse
Not only will it give you new opportunities for growing plants, including for the backyard, but it will also make the temperature regime of the house more balanced, and the house itself less ventilated.

Conditions: In winter, the temperature is maintained at 10-12° C.

Lena Kubinskaya | Lena Grant design

What to grow : Despite the rather cool atmosphere, many plants survive their dormant period here. First of all, these are rhododendron (Rhododendron), rose (Rosa), laurel (Laurus) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus). They are perfectly complemented by ferns.

Aloe, Cactaceae, Sansevieria, Podranea, Clivia and Aspidistra thrive in the greenhouse. Some natives of the subtropics can also be placed here: fuchsia (Fuchsia), pelargonium (Pelargonium) and all citrus fruits (Citrinae). It can be not only the familiar lemon (Cítrus límon), but also the very beautiful calamondin (×Citrofortunella microcarpa), mandarin (Citrus reticulāta) and kumquat (Fortunella).

Hampton Conservatories Ltd

What's Important: As in the previous version of the garden, the main tasks here are to maintain a stable autumn-winter temperature without sudden changes and protect from drafts. The irrigation system must be adjusted according to the season. Illumination is necessary, otherwise the plants will lose their decorative effect: the stems will stretch, the leaves will become small, and the plant itself will turn towards the window.

The composition of such a garden must be changed from month to month. For example, it is better to hide pelargonium in the twilight in winter - until the first sunny days. In November, the gedichium will be next to it. Rhododendron, on the contrary, will begin to bloom magnificently in December-February, just after the end of the long flowering of bougainvillea. Keep indoor roses from October to February in a cool room, and with the beginning of the growing season, rearrange where it is warmer. Fuchsia from a bright flower, blooming luxuriantly from spring to autumn, will turn into a prude in winter, or even require a radical update.

Ivy & Bloom

Fact: In large cities, there is a subscription system for winter gardens. It includes the correction of automatic systems for maintaining the microclimate, feeding and treating plants, maintaining their decorative appearance and transplanting if necessary. If you are planning a large garden with rare species, it makes sense to inquire about such a service.

Hampton Conservatories Ltd

Winter Garden Location
North. The garden, located in the northern part of the house, will require a well-thought-out heating system. For him, it is better to choose shade-tolerant plants as a basis. According to feng shui, northern conservatories are the best place to reflect and work on creative projects.

West. A garden oriented to the west will require well-functioning forced ventilation and shading of transparent structures on sunny days. It is good to receive guests in the western garden - the evening sun promotes communication.

WITHIN HOME

South. Forced ventilation and the ability to protect plants from bright light are also necessary for a garden on the south side. The advantage of this arrangement is that the heat here quickly accumulates and persists for a long time.

East. The east side is ideal for a winter garden. Shading is required here only in rare cases, and the morning sun is the most beneficial for plants. In addition, the east side promotes relaxation and proper eating, so the dining area next door will be very useful.

Depending on the direction of the world where your garden will be located, you will have to adjust the assortment of plants. The best choice of window is almost always listed in the descriptions of indoor plants on the Internet.

Olga Shangina | Photography

What equipment is needed
For the normal functioning of the winter garden, it is important to provide the plants with thermal, air, light and water conditions.

Weather station. If you decide to organize a small garden with plants that are easy to care for, get a weather station. It shows the temperature and humidity in the house.

Humidifier. You will need a humidifier that will work 24/7 and turn off automatically when the required humidity level is reached.

Heating, floor heating. Uniform heating of the space is very important, so it is necessary to make a reliable heating system and, preferably, a warm floor. Consider a heating system that is sensitive to changes in room temperature.

Tip: If you have a smart home system, assign it to control indoor humidity and temperature. This will make gardening much easier.

ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO…
Away: House-lair with a collection of insects and a children's floor

Catton Windows

staggered

Winter garden ventilation
The passive ventilation system prevents condensation on the inside of the surface and cools the air during the hot months. To reduce condensate on the windows, it is necessary to arrange air-thermal curtains along them, use double-glazed windows with electric heating.

Fans and exhaust devices are used for forced ventilation. Their power should be calculated by a specialist, based on the type of garden.

inovasis design

Illumination (phytolamps)
Even a well-lit winter garden requires the installation of phytolamps, sodium or metal halide, to supplement the plants on cloudy and winter days. Plants located far from natural light sources need additional illumination for 12 hours all year round, otherwise they will stretch towards the windows, deforming and losing their decorative effect. For some plants, the duration of supplementary illumination will depend on the season.

Patrick Meneguzzi Interiors

Lamps are selected depending on which plants you will be lighting. Shade-tolerant tropical and subtropical crops need 1000-5000 lux, light-loving - from 10,000 lux.

Watering
The water regime in the winter garden is supported by a system of watering nozzles and air humidifiers. At the design stage, a drainage system with water drainage into the general sewer system should be made.

Max Kasymov Interior/Design

Designing large-scale winter gardens requires the involvement of a number of specialists, from an architect to a phytodesigner. Whether it will be an extension on the ground floor, a winter garden on the roof, a green area in the pool or in a spacious atrium - you will have to solve not only interior design tasks, but also organizational, technical and financial issues.

Therefore, the main advice is to take your time. Do not start a large-scale project right away if this is your first time creating a winter garden. Plant a couple of large showy plants that are easy to care for. Or try the mini-garden format on a glazed loggia, where you can master the art of creating corners of nature from the most resistant plants that do not require special attention. Most likely, very soon you will be able to honestly answer yourself the question of what you dream of creating: a place of rest for a person or a paradise for plants.

Winter plants indoors

Best Houseplants for Winter and How to Care for Them 2020

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Best winter houseplants

1. Jade plant – Crassula

2. Succulents

3. Oxalis triangularis

4. Pothos

5. Tradescantia

6. Aglaonema

7. Cyclamen persicum

8. Dwarf citrus

9. Phalaenopsis orchid

10. Galanthus nivalis (snowdrops)

11. Sansevieria

12. Zamioculcas zamiifolia – ZZ plant

13. Aspidistra

14. Dracaena marginate

15. Anthurium andraeanum

16. Epipremnum

17. Ficus elastica (Rubber plant)

18. Schlumbergera truncate (Christmas cactus)

19. Aloe Vera

20. Dracaena trifasciata

21. Philodendron

What are the benefits of winter houseplants?

Where to position winter house plants?

Indoor plants in winter - features of seasonal care

Things to consider when caring for overwintering plants

Choose a suitable place for wintering plants

Provide proper lighting - this is important

Create an acceptable microclimate for wintering flowers

Match the watering regimen with the needs of the plants

Don't over-fertilize

Learn more