Top 19 'Hibernation-Proof' Houseplants to maintain for bringing life to your home all winter long. - Goh Ling Yong
When the days shorten and a distinct chill fills the air, our homes can start to feel a little... drab. The vibrant life of our outdoor gardens retreats for a long winter's nap, and the grey skies can leave us craving a splash of colour and vitality. It's a natural cycle, but it doesn't mean our living spaces have to follow suit and go dormant too. In fact, winter is the perfect time to turn our focus inward and cultivate an indoor jungle that thrives while the world outside slumbers.
This isn't about fighting against the season; it's about embracing it with the right green companions. We're talking about the botanical warriors, the steadfast soldiers of the plant world that don't just survive the lower light and dry indoor air of winter—they often flourish. These "hibernation-proof" houseplants are champions at bringing life, purifying the air, and boosting our moods when we need it most. They transform a static, centrally-heated space into a living, breathing sanctuary.
So, if you're ready to banish the winter blues with foliage and flowers, you've come to the right place. We’ve curated a list of 19 incredible houseplants that will keep your home feeling vibrant and full of life all season long. Let’s dig in!
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
If you're looking for a plant that thrives on neglect, the Snake Plant, or Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is your undisputed champion. Its stiff, architectural leaves come in a variety of patterns and shapes, adding a modern, sculptural element to any room. Not only are they visually striking, but they are also air-purifying powerhouses, famous for converting CO2 into oxygen at night.
During winter, the Snake Plant enters a deep state of rest. This means its water needs plummet to almost zero. The biggest mistake you can make is to love it too much with the watering can. Water it maybe once a month, or even less. Check that the soil is bone dry all the way through before even thinking about it. They are perfectly happy in lower light conditions, making them ideal for a dim corner that needs a touch of life.
Pro-Tip: If your Snake Plant's leaves start to get dusty, wipe them down with a damp cloth. This not only keeps them looking sharp but also helps them absorb what little light is available more efficiently.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is another A-lister in the world of indestructible houseplants. With its wide, waxy, dark green leaves, it looks almost artificial in its perfection. It reflects light beautifully, adding a touch of glossy elegance to your home. It’s the perfect plant for beginners or anyone who claims to have a "black thumb."
Like the Snake Plant, the ZZ Plant has rhizomes under the soil that store water, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant. In winter, you can practically forget it exists. Watering every 4-6 weeks is more than sufficient. It’s also incredibly tolerant of low-light conditions, though it will grow a bit faster and fuller in medium, indirect light. It's the very definition of a low-maintenance winter companion.
Pro-Tip: The ZZ Plant is a slow grower, so be patient. If you want to encourage a bit more growth, place it near a north-facing window where it can get gentle, consistent light without the risk of scorching.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Ah, the humble Pothos. Often called Devil's Ivy, this trailing beauty is one of the most forgiving and versatile plants you can own. Its heart-shaped leaves, which can be green, variegated, or even neon, will cheerfully cascade from a hanging basket, climb a bookshelf, or trail along a mantlepiece.
Pothos is adaptable to a wide range of lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light. While its growth will slow in the winter, its foliage will remain lush and vibrant. A great feature of the Pothos is that it tells you when it's thirsty—the leaves will begin to look a little soft and droopy. Just give it a drink, and it will perk right back up within hours. Let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings.
Pro-Tip: If your Pothos starts to look a bit long and leggy in the winter, don't be afraid to give it a trim. You can place the cuttings in a jar of water to easily propagate new plants!
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The retro-cool Spider Plant is a classic for a reason. Its arching leaves create a fountain-like effect, and it’s famous for sending out "spiderettes," or baby plants, that dangle from the mother plant like little spiders on a web. These are incredibly easy to propagate, meaning one plant can quickly turn into many.
Spider Plants are fantastically resilient. They prefer bright, indirect light but will do just fine in lower-light areas of your home during winter. They are also known for being great air purifiers. Water them when the top inch of soil is dry, and reduce frequency during the winter months. They are fairly forgiving if you forget a watering here and there.
Pro-Tip: If you notice the tips of the leaves turning brown, it's often due to fluoride or other minerals in tap water. Try watering with distilled or filtered water, or let your tap water sit out overnight before using it.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The name says it all. The Cast Iron Plant is tough as nails and can withstand conditions that would kill most other houseplants: deep shade, infrequent watering, and temperature fluctuations. Its long, elegant, dark-green leaves bring a touch of Victorian charm to any space.
This is the ultimate low-light plant for that dark hallway or north-facing room where nothing else seems to survive. Its water needs are minimal, especially in winter. Let the soil dry out significantly between waterings to avoid root rot, its only real enemy. This plant is a testament to the fact that you don't need a sunny window to have a beautiful green companion through the winter.
Pro-Tip: The Cast Iron Plant is a very slow grower. Don't be discouraged if you don't see new leaves unfurling every week. Its beauty lies in its steady, unchanging presence.
6. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera buckleyi)
What could be more "hibernation-proof" than a plant that bursts into bloom in the middle of winter? The Christmas Cactus is a holiday favourite, producing beautiful, tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple right when you need a pop of colour the most.
Unlike desert cacti, this is a tropical cactus that appreciates a bit more humidity and doesn't want to dry out completely. To encourage blooming, it needs the shorter days and cooler temperatures of fall and winter. Keep it in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It's a truly rewarding plant that flips the script on the gloomy season.
Pro-Tip: About 6-8 weeks before you want it to bloom (usually around October), you can encourage bud set by providing 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night and slightly cooler temperatures.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a picture of elegance, with its glossy, dark green leaves and iconic white spathes that look like delicate white flags. It’s a wonderful communicator, as its leaves will droop dramatically when it's thirsty, leaving no room for guesswork.
This plant is a fantastic choice for medium to low-light environments, making it a winter staple. It also helps to purify the air, removing toxins like ammonia and formaldehyde. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Because indoor air can be very dry in winter, your Peace Lily will appreciate an occasional misting or a spot in a more humid room like a bathroom.
Pro-Tip: If your Peace Lily isn't flowering, it likely needs a bit more indirect light. Move it to a slightly brighter spot, but avoid direct sun, which can scorch its lovely leaves.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
If you're a fan of fabulous foliage, look no further than the Chinese Evergreen. These plants come in an astonishing variety of colours and patterns, from deep greens to silvers, pinks, and reds. They are incredibly easy-going and can instantly brighten up a dimly lit corner.
Chinese Evergreens are renowned for their tolerance of low-light conditions. In fact, some of the darker green varieties can thrive in near-shade. The more colourful, variegated types will appreciate a bit more bright, indirect light to maintain their vibrancy. Let the top couple of inches of soil dry out before watering. They are slow-growing, steady, and reliable all winter long.
Pro-Tip: Rotate your Chinese Evergreen every so often to ensure all sides of the plant get some light. This encourages even, full growth instead of having it lean in one direction.
9. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Much like its cousin the Pothos, the Heartleaf Philodendron is a fast-growing, trailing plant with lovely heart-shaped leaves. It's incredibly adaptable and works beautifully in a hanging basket or trained to climb a trellis. Its lush, deep green foliage provides a wonderful sense of jungle-like abundance.
This plant is not fussy about light and will happily grow in low to medium indirect sunlight. It's a great choice for a bookshelf or the top of a cabinet. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. It's a forgiving plant that will bounce back if you occasionally forget to water it. During winter, its growth will naturally slow down, so you'll need to water it less frequently.
Pro-Tip: The Heartleaf Philodendron's vines can get very long. Pruning them back not only controls the size but also encourages the plant to become bushier and fuller at the base.
10. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
The Dracaena family is huge and diverse, including popular varieties like the Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) and the Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata). They often have a tree-like appearance with woody stems and crowns of arching, strap-like leaves, bringing a sense of height and structure to your indoor garden.
Most Dracaena species are quite tolerant of lower light levels and are relatively low-maintenance. They are sensitive to overwatering, so it's crucial to let the soil dry out between waterings, especially in winter. They also dislike the fluoride in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips. Using filtered or distilled water can help keep them looking their best.
Pro-Tip: The popular Corn Plant variety is known for being very fragrant if it happens to flower, though this is rare indoors. They are steady, reliable growers that add a tropical feel.
11. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Want to add a touch of lush, tropical elegance to your home without needing a greenhouse? The Parlor Palm is your answer. This classic houseplant has been popular since Victorian times for its ability to thrive indoors. Its feathery, arching fronds create a graceful silhouette that's both airy and impactful.
The Parlor Palm is one of the best palms for lower-light conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt well to shadier spots. Keep its soil evenly moist but not soggy. It's a slow grower, so you don't need to worry about it quickly outgrowing its space. Plus, it's non-toxic to pets, making it a great choice for homes with furry friends.
Pro-Tip: Parlor Palms can be sensitive to dry air. Grouping them with other plants or placing them on a pebble tray with water can help increase the ambient humidity.
12. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
For an explosion of tropical colour in the dead of winter, a Bromeliad is an unbeatable choice. These unique plants have a striking, rosette-like form and produce a spectacular, long-lasting flower bract in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, or pink. The flower can last for months, providing a much-needed dose of brightness.
Bromeliads need bright, indirect light to thrive. In their natural habitat, many grow on trees and collect water in their central "cup" or "tank." When watering, it's best to keep this cup filled with fresh water (flush it out weekly to prevent stagnation) and lightly moisten the soil. They are a fantastic, low-maintenance way to get a floral display that outlasts any cut bouquet.
Pro-Tip: After the main plant flowers, it will slowly begin to die back, but it will produce "pups," or baby plants, at its base. These can be separated and repotted to start the cycle all over again.
13. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air Plants are the ultimate minimalist greenery. These fascinating plants don't require any soil to live, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air through their leaves. This makes them incredibly versatile—you can place them in terrariums, mount them on wood, or simply arrange them in a decorative bowl.
To care for them, simply soak the entire plant in room-temperature water for about 20-30 minutes every 1-2 weeks. After soaking, shake off any excess water and let them dry upside down in a well-ventilated spot for a few hours before returning them to their display. They need bright, indirect light, so a spot near a window is ideal.
Pro-Tip: During dry winter months with the heating on, your air plants may appreciate a light misting every few days in between their regular soaks to keep them hydrated.
14. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant is a showstopper, known for its stunningly patterned leaves and a fascinating habit called "nyctinasty." During the day, its leaves lie flat, but at night, they fold upwards as if in prayer. Watching this daily movement is a gentle, calming reminder of the life thriving in your home.
Prayer Plants prefer medium to bright indirect light and consistently moist soil. They are native to the forest floors of Brazil, so they appreciate higher humidity. Placing them in a bathroom or kitchen, or near a humidifier, will make them very happy during the dry winter. Their unique beauty makes the extra attention well worth it.
Pro-Tip: The Prayer Plant’s leaves will tell you what it needs. Curling leaves can mean the air is too dry, while yellowing leaves often point to overwatering.
15. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)
If you want to make a bold, dramatic statement, the Bird of Paradise is the plant for you. Its massive, banana-like leaves create an instant tropical jungle vibe. While it won't typically flower indoors, its magnificent foliage is more than enough to make it a stunning focal point.
This plant loves light, so give it the brightest spot you have, ideally near a south-facing window. While it loves sun, it's surprisingly resilient and can handle the lower light intensity of winter better than many other large tropicals. Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are dry. Wiping down its large leaves will keep them glossy and help them maximize light absorption.
Pro-Tip: The splits in its leaves are a natural feature that allows wind to pass through in its native environment. Don't worry if your leaves split; it’s a sign of a healthy, mature plant.
16. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is a modern classic, beloved for its large, glossy, deep green or burgundy leaves. It has a robust, upright growth habit that adds a touch of sophisticated drama to a room. It's easier to care for than its fussy cousin, the Fiddle Leaf Fig, making it a great alternative.
Rubber Plants prefer bright, indirect light but are quite tolerant of medium-light conditions, especially the darker-leaved varieties. Allow the top portion of the soil to dry out before watering. Like many on this list, its water needs will decrease in the winter. Pruning the top will encourage it to grow bushier.
Pro-Tip: The milky white sap can be irritating to the skin, so it’s a good idea to wear gloves if you decide to prune your Rubber Plant.
17. Monstera Deliciosa
No houseplant list is complete without the iconic Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. Its huge, fenestrated (split and holey) leaves are instantly recognizable and have become a symbol of the modern indoor jungle. It brings an untamed, vibrant energy to any space it inhabits.
Monstera thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate medium light levels quite well. As a climbing plant, it will be happiest if given a moss pole or trellis to support its upward growth. Water it when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. It's a relatively fast grower, even in winter, so you'll still get the satisfaction of seeing new leaves unfurl.
Pro-Tip: The holes and splits, called fenestrations, typically only appear on mature leaves. To encourage more fenestrations, ensure your plant is getting enough bright, indirect light.
18. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
For long-lasting, elegant blooms during the darkest months, nothing beats a Moth Orchid. These are the most common and easiest orchids to grow indoors. A single flower spike can provide a continuous display of stunning blossoms for two to three months, making them a far better investment than a bouquet of flowers.
Moth Orchids don't grow in soil but in a chunky bark mix that allows for excellent air circulation around their roots. They need bright, indirect light (an east-facing window is perfect). Water them thoroughly about once a week, letting the water drain completely out of the bottom. Never let them sit in standing water.
Pro-Tip: After the last flower has fallen off, you can encourage a new flower spike by cutting the old one back to just above a node (one of the little bumps on the stem).
19. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite its name, the Ponytail Palm is not a true palm but a succulent. It’s a wonderfully quirky and low-maintenance plant, characterized by a swollen, bulbous trunk (which stores water) and a cascade of long, curly leaves that resemble a ponytail. It adds a playful, sculptural element to a room.
As a succulent, the Ponytail Palm thrives on neglect. It needs a spot with bright light and requires very little water, especially during winter. Water it thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again—this could be every 3-4 weeks or even longer in the winter. Its water-storing trunk makes it incredibly resilient.
Pro-Tip: The Ponytail Palm is a very slow grower, so it's an excellent choice for a tabletop or shelf, as it won't outgrow its spot for many, many years.
Bring on the Green!
Beating the winter blues doesn't require a plane ticket to a sunny destination. By curating your own indoor oasis with these hibernation-proof houseplants, you can create a vibrant, life-affirming sanctuary right in your own home. These 19 plants are more than just decoration; they are living companions that clean your air, improve your focus, and provide a vital connection to nature when the world outside is cold and grey. As we at the Goh Ling Yong blog always say, a little bit of green can make a world of difference.
Don't feel like you need to create an entire jungle overnight. Start with one or two that catch your eye. You’ll be amazed at how much warmth and life they can bring to a room.
Which of these winter warriors is your favourite? Do you have another go-to houseplant that thrives during the winter? Share your top picks and tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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