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Houseplants That Thrive in Winter (Even With Low Light)
Jan
Winter in Annapolis brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and outdoor gardens that naturally slow down until spring. While the landscape rests, houseplants offer a simple and satisfying way to keep your home feeling fresh, welcoming, and connected to nature. Many houseplants don’t just tolerate winter conditions, they actually thrive in them, even with lower light levels.
At Bru-Mar Gardens, winter is the perfect season to enjoy easy-care indoor plants that stay healthy and attractive when outdoor gardens are dormant.
Why Some Houseplants Do Well in Winter
Many popular houseplants originate from shaded forest floors and tropical understories, where bright, direct sunlight is limited. These plants naturally adapt to indirect or low light and slower growth cycles, making winter an ideal time for them to shine. During colder months, most houseplants require less water and minimal maintenance, which makes them especially appealing this time of year.
Houseplants also help soften indoor spaces and add a sense of calm and greenery during the winter season.
Easy-Care Houseplants for Low-Light Homes
These winter-friendly favorites perform especially well in low-light conditions common in many Maryland homes.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
One of the most durable houseplants available. Snake plants tolerate low light, infrequent watering, and changing indoor temperatures. Their upright form adds clean structure to any room.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
With glossy leaves and a relaxed growth habit, the ZZ plant thrives in low light and needs very little attention. It stores water in its roots, making it especially forgiving during winter.
Pothos
Pothos is an adaptable trailing plant that grows well in indirect or low light. It adds softness and movement to shelves, mantels, and hanging planters and is easy to care for.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies prefer filtered light and cooler indoor temperatures. Their deep green foliage and occasional white blooms brighten indoor spaces naturally.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)
True to its name, this plant is incredibly resilient. It tolerates low light, dry indoor air, and temperature fluctuations with ease.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
A classic low-light houseplant with attractive patterned foliage. Chinese evergreens grow slowly and are well suited to winter indoor conditions.
Simple Winter Care Tips
During winter, most houseplants grow more slowly. Water less frequently, avoid fertilizing until spring, and keep plants away from cold drafts and heating vents. Rotating plants occasionally helps ensure even light exposure during shorter days, and grouping plants together can help improve indoor humidity.
Winter Houseplant FAQs
How often should I water houseplants in winter?
Most houseplants need less water in winter. Always check the soil first and water only when the top inch feels dry.
Do houseplants need fertilizer during winter?
Generally, no. Winter is a rest period for many houseplants. Fertilizing can resume in early spring when growth increases.
What if my home doesn’t get much sunlight?
Many houseplants thrive in low or indirect light. Snake plants, ZZ plants, pothos, and Chinese evergreens are excellent choices for low-light spaces.
Should I mist my houseplants in winter?
Misting can help slightly, but grouping plants together or using a humidifier is often more effective for combating dry indoor air.
Why are my houseplant leaves turning yellow in winter?
Yellowing leaves are often caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which is more common during winter when plants use less water.
Keep Your Home Green All Winter
Houseplants are an easy way to stay connected to gardening throughout the winter months. Choosing the right plants now allows you to enjoy healthy, low-maintenance greenery indoors until outdoor gardens wake up again in spring.
Located at 1009 Bay Ridge Road in Annapolis, Maryland, Bru-Mar Gardens proudly serves the local community with quality plants and knowledgeable advice. We are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Our team is always happy to help you select houseplants that thrive in winter and fit your home beautifully.