17 Winter Friendly Plants That Do Well Near Drafty Windows
Winter can be tough on plants, especially when placed near drafty windows where temperatures fluctuate. However, there are several hardy plants that not only tolerate these conditions but thrive in them. These plants can bring a touch of greenery and warmth to your home, even in the coldest months. Whether you’re working with low light or chilly drafts, there are options that will adapt and grow in these cooler environments. With the right care, you can easily add beauty and freshness to your space, even in the heart of winter.
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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are ideal for drafty windows, as they can tolerate fluctuating temperatures. These resilient plants adapt well to indirect light, making them perfect for areas that are a bit colder or windier than other parts of the house. They require little maintenance and are known for their air-purifying qualities, which can improve indoor air quality.
Spider plants grow in long, arching leaves that can add a touch of green to a room while being easy to care for. They prefer moist soil but can handle occasional neglect, thriving even in low light conditions. This hardy plant is a great addition to any window space.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are known for their ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions, including near drafty windows. They are well-suited for low light and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them perfect for colder rooms in your home.
Peace lilies bloom beautifully with white flowers that add an elegant touch to any space. These plants require regular watering but are fairly forgiving if you miss a day. The peace lily also purifies the air, making it a health-conscious choice. Just be sure to place it in an area where it can receive indirect light for the best results.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants are tough, drought-resistant, and perfect for spots near drafty windows. Known for their waxy, dark green leaves, they can survive in lower light and tolerate varying temperatures. ZZ plants prefer a bit of neglect, as they don’t need frequent watering and are capable of withstanding cooler indoor drafts.
They are also low-maintenance, requiring very little attention. This plant adds a modern touch with its glossy leaves, and its adaptability makes it one of the best options for drafty spaces. Just make sure it’s not exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants are famous for their ability to thrive in tough conditions, including near drafty windows. These plants are incredibly hardy and can handle a variety of indoor environments, from low light to indirect sunlight. Snake plants are perfect for people who are new to plant care because they can withstand cooler temperatures and require minimal watering.
They are also excellent air purifiers, removing toxins from the environment. The upright, sword-shaped leaves of the snake plant can add a bold, architectural touch to your room. Ensure the soil dries out completely before watering to avoid root rot.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos are known for their ability to adapt to low light and cooler temperatures, making them perfect for drafty windows. These plants are low-maintenance and grow long, trailing vines that can add a lush, green appearance to any space. Pothos thrive in a range of conditions, from bright to indirect light, and they tolerate fluctuating temperatures.
They also have the added benefit of being easy to propagate, allowing you to grow more plants from cuttings. Regular watering is needed, but pothos can handle a bit of neglect and are forgiving if you miss a watering. Their hardy nature makes them an excellent choice for colder, drafty areas.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is a hardy succulent that does well near drafty windows. These plants prefer bright, indirect light, making them well-suited for spaces that receive some sunlight but are exposed to cool air. Aloe vera thrives in dry conditions, and it’s best to let the soil dry out completely before watering.
The plant’s thick, fleshy leaves store water, allowing it to survive periods of neglect. Aloe vera is also known for its medicinal properties, as its gel can be used to soothe burns and cuts. It’s an excellent option for homes with drafty windows because it can tolerate cooler temperatures.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants are hardy indoor plants that can tolerate fluctuating temperatures, making them a great choice for drafty windows. They prefer bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions as well. With its large, glossy leaves, the rubber plant adds a bold, dramatic look to any room.
While it thrives in warmer temperatures, it can still do well near drafty windows as long as it’s not exposed to cold drafts directly. This plant needs regular watering but should not be overwatered, as it’s susceptible to root rot. A well-draining potting mix is key to keeping it healthy.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The fiddle leaf fig is a popular choice for interior spaces, and it can thrive near drafty windows with the right care. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels, which makes it a good option for colder, drafty areas of the home. The large, bold leaves of the fiddle leaf fig add a touch of sophistication and drama to any room.
It’s important to avoid placing it in areas with direct drafts, but it can tolerate cooler temperatures. Regular watering and occasional misting will help keep the plant healthy. A well-draining potting mix will ensure the roots do not sit in water.
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaena plants are known for their tolerance of various conditions, including fluctuating temperatures and cooler drafts. These plants can tolerate low light, but they thrive in bright, indirect light. Dracaena plants are easy to care for and can add a touch of elegance to any room with their long, narrow leaves.
They require moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. The dracaena also helps purify the air, making it a great addition to any space. Its ability to handle drafty windows makes it an ideal choice for colder rooms.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The cast iron plant is a tough and resilient plant that thrives in conditions where many others may struggle. It’s perfect for colder spots near drafty windows, as it tolerates low light and fluctuating temperatures. Cast iron plants have dark green, glossy leaves that add a lush look to any room.
They are incredibly low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering when the soil dries out. These plants are excellent for those who may not have a green thumb but still want a vibrant, easy-to-care-for plant. Just be sure to avoid overwatering, as they do not like sitting in water.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a hardy herb that does well in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent option for drafty windows. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-draining soil to grow. Lavender’s pleasant fragrance and purple blooms add a refreshing touch to any space, even during the winter months.
While it needs less water than some other plants, it should be watered when the soil dries out. Lavender also helps purify the air, adding another benefit to having it in a drafty spot. Keep in mind that it may need to be brought indoors during freezing temperatures if you live in a colder climate.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
Christmas cacti are perfect for homes with drafty windows, as they can handle cooler temperatures and low light. They bloom beautifully around the holiday season, offering vibrant colors like pink, red, and white. Christmas cacti prefer indirect light, making them ideal for areas near drafty windows that don’t receive direct sunlight.
This plant does require regular watering but is sensitive to overwatering, so it’s best to let the soil dry out between waterings. The Christmas cactus also thrives in more humid environments, so placing it near a drafty window with some moisture in the air can help it thrive.
Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig)
Ficus benjamina is a versatile indoor plant that can handle various conditions, including the drafty air near cold windows. It prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels, making it ideal for areas with fluctuating temperatures.
The weeping fig has glossy, dark green leaves that grow on long, arching branches, adding a graceful, elegant look to the room. It requires regular watering, but the soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again. The ficus benjamina can grow quite tall, making it a dramatic statement plant for any space with a drafty window.
Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
Pilea peperomioides, commonly known as the Chinese money plant, is a unique, easy-to-care-for plant that thrives near drafty windows. It’s well-suited for low to moderate light conditions and can handle cooler temperatures. The plant’s round, coin-shaped leaves give it an attractive, distinctive appearance that adds charm to any room.
Pilea is also very low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering when the soil is dry. It’s known for its ability to propagate easily, allowing you to create new plants from the original. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for colder spots in your home.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are succulents that thrive in bright, indirect light and can handle fluctuating temperatures. Their thick, fleshy leaves help them store water, allowing them to survive periods of dryness, making them a great option for drafty windows where other plants may struggle. Jade plants grow slowly, but with proper care, they can live for many years.
They require minimal watering, as they are drought-tolerant, and it’s important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Their green, glossy leaves make them a striking addition to any indoor space, and they’re easy to care for in a drafty area.
Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Begonias are known for their ability to thrive in cooler indoor environments, making them perfect for spaces near drafty windows. They prefer indirect light and can tolerate lower temperatures, although they should not be exposed to direct drafts. Begonias come in a variety of colors and shapes, making them a vibrant addition to any home.
They require regular watering, but it’s crucial not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. Begonias’ ornamental leaves and colorful blooms can add a touch of beauty to even the coldest rooms. With the right care, they thrive in drafty spaces without any trouble.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
Cyclamen is a hardy winter-flowering plant that does well in cooler temperatures, making it perfect for drafty windows. It prefers indirect light and thrives in temperatures that are not too hot, making it a great addition to rooms that are exposed to chilly air.
Cyclamen produces beautiful, colorful flowers that add vibrancy to indoor spaces during the colder months. It requires consistent moisture but should not be overwatered, as this can cause the roots to rot. This plant is also relatively low-maintenance and can add a cheerful touch to any winter windowsill.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.