As the darkness settles in, outside the temperature drops and inside, the central heating powers up, keeping houseplants alive can feel more like a seasonal sport than a beloved hobby.
However, the arrival of winter doesn’t have to mean waving goodbye to your favourite indoor potted greenery.
A collection of shade-loving plants exists that are perfectly happy to hunker down in darker corners and chilly rooms, and that thrive where other plants would struggle.
These winter-proof additions to your household bring life, colour and a welcome dose of calm to even the darkest months.
That's why HELLO! has asked the experts for their advice on the best foliage to keep around for winter so that you don't have to dig any deeper yourself.
Best low-light plants for dark winter rooms
Don't count out your ability to look after foliage in the winter just yet, as even in the gloomiest corners, life can thrive if you pick your plants carefully.
Low-light plants are great at growing in shady spots and will do well even in rooms with very little sunlight and cooler temperatures.
These types of plants include:
- Snake plant (Sansevieria)
- ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Pothos (can be toxic to pets if ingested)
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum - can also be toxic for furry friends)
- Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Together, this selection of plants will bring a breath of freshness and an injection of colour to spaces that might otherwise feel cold and bare.
I know from experience that adding a few of the above plants to corners around the house can make the space feel warm and vibrant all winter long - when we need that cosy feeling the most.
Marina Prokaten, plant expert at Plantum, the app helping people identify plants, watering techniques and sunlight necessities, told HELLO!: "There’s often a misconception about what ‘low-light’ really means for people and plants. Low light doesn’t mean near-dark, after all; light is important for every plant to thrive.
"Keep in mind that even though some of the plants on this list will tolerate low light for a prolonged time, it’s not ideal, and they won’t exactly thrive and look their best."
She continued: "So if you can, give them a sunbath every other week or try to place them closer to a filtered light source."
© Getty ImagesPlants that tolerate dry indoor heating and low humidity
Similar to low-light plants, there are a select few indoor options that can tolerate conditions affected by central heating and dry air.
These include:
- Snake plant (Sansevieria)
- ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Succulents (but it's worth noting they do require a bright window spot)
- Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
Once you help them along with a little extra water, this list should be good to thrive through the harsher months and keep your living room looking lush with green life.
How to position your plants for maximum winter light
Once you have made your selections, the next thing you need to think about is where you're going to build your indoor garden to make the most of your space.
An important thing to remember is winter light and where it is most likely to shine through in the room during the day.
The Royal Horticultural Society offered some advice on how to best position your plants in winter so they can make the most of the little sunshine we get during these months.
They suggested: "Position plants with white-variegated leaves in a bright spot, as they contain less chlorophyll.
"Move houseplants to south- or west-facing window sills in winter, when sunlight is weaker and the days are shorter, to ensure they get enough light."
It is a good idea to place sun-loving plants, like succulents and cacti, near east or south-facing windows so they can catch morning or afternoon sun.
Low-light favourites like ZZ plants, pothos, and cast-iron plants can thrive a few feet away from the window.
However, one rule goes for all plants, and that is to keep them away from cold drafts or radiators, which will inevitably dry them out.
Rotate them every week so all sides get light evenly and consider using reflective surfaces, like mirrors or light-coloured walls, to bounce extra light onto your greenery.
Why houseplants struggle in winter
Winter can be extremely tough on houseplants with shorter days meaning less sunlight and dry indoor air from heaters sapping any available moisture from the air.
Chilly drafts can stress even the hardiest greenery and on top of that, many plants naturally slow their growth in these months, making them more sensitive to overwatering or neglect.
But all is not lost, as a few tweaks can help them thrive. Implement things like cutting back on watering, keeping plants away from cold windows or hot radiators, rotating them for even light, and boosting humidity with a pebble tray or small humidifier.
With a little extra attention, your beloved plants can stay vibrant all season long, regardless of the conditions beyond the windowpane.
© Getty ImagesWinter plant care tips from the expert
Marina shared her top tips and tricks on how to best care for your plants throughout the winter months. These include:
- "In colder conditions, your houseplants will need less moisture. Check the soil before watering and use lukewarm water.
- Heaters and fireplaces make the air dry. Increasing humidity levels will keep your plants healthy.
- Hold off on fertilising, as most houseplants go dormant in winter. The roots aren’t able to absorb all the nutrients they receive from fertilisation, so extra feeding doesn't do them any good.
- Regular dusting lets your plants receive as much light as possible and keeps pests away. The easy way to deal with medium-sized plants is to take them to the shower and use a nozzle. Plants that are too fragile or small to handle the shower nozzle can be cleaned with the help of a spray bottle."
