16 Perennials That You Can Actually Grow as Houseplants This Winter

16 Perennials That You Can Actually Grow as Houseplants This Winter

Winter is often associated with cold, dark days, and for many gardeners, the idea of growing plants indoors can be a bit daunting. However, winter doesn't have to mean the end of your gardening adventures. Many beautiful and hardy perennial plants can thrive indoors, even during the chilly months. These long-lasting plants bring color, texture, and life to your home, brightening up those dreary winter days.

If you're looking to bring some greenery into your home this winter, we’ve got a list of 16 perennials that make excellent houseplants. They’re not only beautiful, but they also require relatively low maintenance and can thrive in indoor conditions.

1. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

African violets are beloved for their stunning, soft, colorful blooms that come in shades of purple, pink, and white. These small plants are perfect for bright windowsills. They thrive in moderate light and appreciate a little humidity, making them a great choice for winter months when indoor air tends to be drier.

Care Tips:

Place in bright, indirect light.
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent spots.

2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a versatile and resilient houseplant that can be used as a trailing or climbing plant. It’s great for adding greenery to hanging baskets or trailing down shelves and mantels.

Care Tips:

Thrives in bright, indirect light.
Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering.
Prune regularly to maintain shape and size.

3. Hosta

Hostas are known for their lush, broad leaves, which come in a variety of colors and textures. While typically grown outdoors, they can also thrive indoors with the right conditions. They add a rich, leafy texture to your indoor garden.

Care Tips:

Place in a location with bright, indirect light.
Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Keep the room temperature moderate and avoid drafts.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are known for their unique, arching green and white striped leaves and their easy care. They're great at purifying the air, making them a popular indoor choice.

Care Tips:

Keep in bright, indirect light.
Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
Keep humidity moderate.

5. Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Ferns like Boston ferns are perfect indoor perennials for adding texture and greenery to your home. Ferns do well in areas with moderate light and humidity, which makes them ideal for winter months.

Care Tips:

Prefers bright, indirect light or low light.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Increase humidity with a pebble tray or a humidifier.

6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a popular choice for beginners because it’s virtually indestructible. Its heart-shaped leaves come in various shades of green and gold, and it can thrive in low light, making it ideal for indoor winter conditions.

Care Tips:

Grow in medium to low light.
Let the soil dry out between waterings.
It’s forgiving if you forget to water occasionally.

7. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

The Christmas cactus is known for its vibrant, tubular flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, and white. These plants are perfect for adding a pop of color to your home in winter when other flowers may be scarce.

Care Tips:

Place in bright, indirect light.
Water when the soil is dry.
Avoid placing it near drafts or in direct hot air from heaters.

8. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

Amaryllis is a popular winter-blooming plant that produces large, striking flowers in red, pink, and white. They are easy to grow indoors and can brighten up your living space during the colder months.

Care Tips:

Keep in bright, indirect light.
Water regularly while the plant is actively growing.
After blooming, reduce watering and allow the plant to rest.

9. Calathea

Calatheas are known for their beautiful, decorative leaves, which can be green, purple, or striped with various patterns. These plants are perfect for indoor environments with lower light and higher humidity.

Care Tips:

Prefers medium to low light.
Keep the soil consistently moist.
Mist the leaves regularly or place the plant on a humidity tray.

10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are one of the best indoor plants for cleaning the air. With their elegant white blooms and dark green leaves, they add a touch of sophistication to your home while purifying the air.

Care Tips:

Place in low to medium light.
Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Keep humidity levels moderate to high.

11. Begonias

Begonias are another great option for winter houseplants, known for their colorful flowers and ornamental leaves. They are perfect for adding vibrant color and texture to your indoor garden.

Care Tips:

Grow in bright, indirect light.
Water when the soil feels dry.
Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

12. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing perennial with trailing green or golden leaves that can thrive in a pot indoors. It works well in a hanging basket or as a decorative plant on a shelf.

Care Tips:

Grow in bright, indirect light.
Water when the soil feels dry.
Keep humidity moderate.

13. Lavender (Lavandula)

While lavender is typically thought of as an outdoor herb, it can also grow indoors as a perennial, especially if given enough sunlight. Its aromatic leaves and flowers are soothing and can add a lovely fragrance to your indoor garden.

Care Tips:

Place in a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of light per day.
Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Avoid placing in humid environments; it prefers dry conditions.

14. Cyclamen

Cyclamen are stunning perennial plants that bloom in winter and early spring, producing bright flowers in red, white, or pink. These beauties thrive indoors and can provide much-needed color during the drearier months.

Care Tips:

Place in bright, indirect light.
Water from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.
Keep the room cool, ideally around 50-60°F (10-15°C).

15. Geraniums (Pelargonium)

While often grown as annuals, geraniums can be grown as perennials indoors with proper care. They bloom in bright colors like red, pink, and white and are known for their hearty flowers.

Care Tips:

Place in bright, indirect light.
Water when the soil is dry, but don’t let them sit in excess water.
Deadhead regularly to encourage new blooms.

16. Herbs (Thyme, Oregano, Mint, Rosemary)

Many perennial herbs can be successfully grown indoors in winter. These plants don’t just add beauty; they provide fresh, flavorful herbs for cooking all season long.

Care Tips:

Place in a sunny windowsill with 6+ hours of sunlight per day.
Water when the soil feels dry, but don’t overwater.
Harvest regularly to encourage growth.

Conclusion

While winter may not be the ideal season for outdoor gardening, it offers a unique opportunity to bring the beauty of perennials indoors. From colorful blooms like Christmas cactus and amaryllis to the rich green foliage of ferns and ivy, there’s a perennial plant that can thrive in your home, providing joy, color, and a connection to nature throughout the colder months.

By choosing the right plants and giving them the proper care, you can create an indoor garden that not only survives but thrives all winter long. Happy planting!