Best indoor plants to keep you company this winter
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Many of us find ourselves entering another winter season, and that means spending even more time inside than we already were due to the ongoing pandemic. With that in mind, you might be thinking of things that could improve your indoor atmosphere – like plants. Over the course of the pandemic, with more time being spent inside and at home than in previous years, many people leaned into gardening and adopting the best indoor plants to refresh and enhance their home lives. If you haven’t already jumped on this bandwagon, then this winter is the perfect time to look for indoor plants to refresh your space.
The best indoor plants for your space
Adding plants not only brightens your space but having house plants is also good for your health. Plants release fresh oxygen into your air while eliminating harmful toxins at the same time, according to NASA. Indoor plants also help to regulate humidity and increase productivity, concentration and positivity.
With many people also facing the winter blues this time of year, plants can make a difference in your mood and also help give you something to take care of and to motivate you. Since there is less sunlight and the days are shorter in the winter, the best indoor plants do not require a lot of light. Here are some choices to get your new indoor garden started:
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Like the cast iron pan, which is popular in cooking for its versatility and durability, the cast iron plant is sturdy and willing to stick around even for the least attentive gardeners. It does well in areas that receive very little sunlight, so anywhere around your house works for this heavy-duty plant. As long as you don’t water it too much or set it in direct sunlight, this plant should stick with you for several years with a minimum of care.
Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
This is a plant that thrives when left untouched, so devil’s ivy is a perfect low-maintenance starter plant for anyone new to the horticulture game. It’s a vine that can grow in certain zones outdoors and even reach up to 40 feet, but indoors it sticks to the 6-8 feet range. This plant will do well with artificial light or partially filtered sunlight, and it only needs to be watered about once a week.
Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
Known as the sweetheart plant for its heart-shaped leaves, the heartleaf philodendron is also a sweetheart because it’s super easy to care for. It has long climbing tendrils that will trail nicely from a shelf or hanging pot. You can even let it go in a small pot for 2-3 years with little maintenance. It’s one of the best indoor plants for that climbing vine-type look to really add a touch of nature to your space.
Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana)
A little on the expensive side, but making up for its cost in giving you that tropical palm look that will help take your brain right to the warmth of summer is the kentia palm plant. For pet lovers, it’s great because it’s nontoxic to the curious dog or cat that may go for a nibble. It’s also perfect for the season as it does best between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit indoors. With just a little indirect sunlight and very occasional watering, this plant will stick around and make great company.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
If your home is pet-free, then the peace lily could be an excellent choice to start your indoor plant collection. These plants are easy to care for and produce delightful white flowers which are actually a special white leaf-hood that grows over the knobby flower. The more light you can provide your plant, the more white blooms you’ll get. Like many of the best indoor plants, as long as you don’t overwater the peace lily, it will thrive. About once a week is all it needs.
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
If you are worried that you will forget to water your plant, then the snake plant is one of the best indoor plants you can get. These plants are also very attractive and can be grown pretty easily from cuttings, so if you know someone with one, then you may be in luck to get your own snake plant started at home. The keys to their care are to not water too often and keep them in indirect sunlight.
To help make this winter better and make your time inside brighter, a new indoor plant could be just what you need. Take care of your indoor garden and your plants will take care of you – providing you with cleaner air and a calming effect on your space. If you’re looking to start your indoor plant collection this season, consider a selection from these best indoor plants to upgrade your indoors.
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