City Name
Temperature

20 Houseplants that Can Survive the Cold

20 Houseplants that Can Survive the Cold

If Elsa from Frozen were a plant, which would she be? What plants are never bothered by the cold, anyway (pun intended)? 

In this article, we will lay down 20 Elsa-approved houseplants or those which can survive the cold weather. 

1. Snake Plant

Snake Plant
Image: Healthline
Scientific NameDracaena trifasciata
Common NameSnake plant, Saint George’s sword, mother-in-law’s tongue, viper’s bowstring hemp, Golden Birds Nest, Good Luck Plant
Temperature 60 to 75ºF (16-24ºC)
SunlightDirect sunlight only for 2-6 hours
WaterWater only when the soil is nearly dry
Unique CharacteristicReptilian-like leaves

A snake plant is most recognizable because of its thick reptilian-like leaves with a yellow- colored border. This plant thrives in a partially shady spot.

It is a perfect indoor plant, filling the room with a sweet floral scent. 

The snake plant is drought-resistant, so you should only water it when the soil is dry when touched. It is also best planted in well-drained sandy soil. 

2. Jade Plant

Jade Plant
Image: Gardener’s Path
Scientific NameCrassula ovata
Common NameFriendship plant, money plant, or silver dollar plant, Baby Jade, Chinese rubber plant, Dwarf rubber plant, Jade Plant, Jade tree, Japanese rubber plant
Temperature 65º to 75ºF (18 to 23ºC)
Sunlight6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day
WaterWatering once every 2 to 3 weeks
Unique CharacteristicFleshy leavesShaped like a mini tree

The jade plant possesses bright green fleshy leaves and wooden stems that take the shape of a mini tree once it matures. 

It can tolerate both hot and cold weather conditions. 

Because of its fleshy leaves, the jade plant can store water for the dry months. 

Jade plants are ideally placed in areas where they can get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. However, it can also tolerate low-light environments. 

It is best planted on well-drained soil. It does not require frequent watering; doing so once every 2 to 3 weeks is enough. 

To maintain the bright green color of its foliage, you may add a low-dose fertilizer from time to time. 

3. Ponytail Palm

Ponytail Palm
Image: Better Homes & Gardens
Scientific NameBeaucarnea recurvata
Common NameBottle Palm, Elephant-foot Tree, Ponytail Palm, Pony Tail Plant
Temperature  60 to 80ºF (15 to 26ºC)
Sunlight6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day
WaterAllow the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings
Unique CharacteristicElongated leaves that flow down to the ground

The ponytail palm is another great accent plant in your room that can tolerate the cold. It has long, bright green leaves that flow down like hair. 

This plant can survive dry air and soil, making it a low-maintenance plant. 

The Beaucarnea recurvata stores water on its thick, textured trunk in preparation for drought seasons. 

4. Christmas Cactus

Ponytail Palm
Image: Almanac
Scientific NameSchlumbergera russelliana
Common NameChristmas Cactus, Easter Cactus, Shrimp Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus
Temperature  60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C)
SunlightShade through upper canopy all day
WaterWater every 2 to 3 weeks when the top ⅓ of soil feels dry
Unique CharacteristicPink or purple orchid-shaped flowers

The Christmas cactus grows well in tropical and high humidity environments. 

It blooms with orchid-like flowers with shiny pink or purple petals. 

This plant requires little attention. You can leave it in a full shade location and water it every 2 to 3 weeks. 

5. ZZ Plant

Ponytail Palm
Image: Architectural Digest
Scientific NameZamioculcas zamiifolia
Common NameAroid Palm, Aroid Plant, Emerald Palm, Eternity Plant, Zanzibar Gem, Zuzu Plant, ZZ Plant, Arum Fern
Temperature  60 to 75ºF (15 to 23ºC)
SunlightLess than 2 hours to no direct sunlight
WaterWater every 2-3 weeks and allow the soil to dry out between waterings
Unique CharacteristicDeep green and shiny leaves

The ZZ plant is one of the most popular houseplants and is known for its shiny deep green foliage. 

It is easy to take care of, requiring only low light conditions and watering every 2 to 3 weeks. 

You can place the Zamioculcas zamiifolia in almost every corner of your home. It can survive in cold and damp environments and even in the dark. 

Do not expose your ZZ plant to direct sunlight, which can burn its shiny leaves. 

6. Clivia

Ponytail Palm
Image: White Flower Farm
Scientific NameClivia miniata
Common NameClivia, Clivia Lily, Flame Lily, September Lily
Temperature  80º to 85º F (26 to 29ºC)
SunlightShade through upper canopy all day
Waterwater once a week
Unique CharacteristicTrumpet-shaped red or orange flowers

Clivia is a versatile houseplant that is known for its trumpet-shaped flowers.

The Clivia miniata retains its foliage for the whole year, even during winter. 

It thrives in low-light and dry environments and well-drained soil. 

Watering it once a week is enough, while you can add fertilizers from time to time to enrich its foliage and flowers. 

7. Aloe

Aloe
Image: Garden Tabs
Scientific NameAloe vera
Common NameAloe, Aloe Vera, Barbados Aloe, Medicinal Aloe, Medicine Plant, True Aloe
Temperature  50 to 85ºF (10 to 29ºC)
Sunlight6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day
WaterWater every three weeks and sparingly during winter
Unique CharacteristicFleshy leaves with small white thorns

The aloe plant is an excellent choice for those who live in dry places during winter. 

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that can store water in its fleshy leaves. 

Although you can water it every three weeks, check the soil every now and then to check if it still has enough moisture. 

8. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Fig
Image: Houston Interior Plants
Scientific NameFicus lyrata
Common NameFiddle leaf fig
Temperature  60 to 80ºF (15 to 26ºC)
Sunlight6 or more hours of bright light 
WaterWater once a week or every ten days
Unique CharacteristicHuge fiddle-shaped leaves

The Ficus lyrata is easily recognizable from its huge fiddle-shaped leaves, hence, its namesake. 

The fiddle leaf fig not only brightens up a room but also absorbs foul odors in its surroundings. 

This is another low-maintenance plant that only requires watering once a week, especially during winter. 

9. Maidenhair Fern

Fiddle Leaf Fig
Image: The Spruce
Scientific NameAdiantum capillus-veneris
Common NameSouthern Maidenhair Fern, Venus’-hair Fern, Venus Maidenhair Fern
Temperature  70°F (21°C)
SunlightShade through upper canopy all day)
WaterWater daily or every other day
Unique CharacteristicSmall palm-shaped leaves

The maidenhair fern is known for its lacy palm-shaped foliage. It can tolerate humidity and cold temperatures. 

This plant commonly grows on forest floors and survives under low light conditions and shady environments. 

It grows best when it is watered or misted daily or every other day because it loves moist soil. 

10. Chinese Evergreen

Fiddle Leaf Fig
Image: Garden Design
Scientific NameAglaonema commutatum
Common NameChinese evergreen, golden evergreen, Philippine evergreen, Poison Dart Plant
Temperature  55 to 77°F (12 to 25ºC)
SunlightLess than 2 hours to no direct sunlight
WaterWater once a week during spring and summer, and once in two weeks during winter
Unique CharacteristicWaxy lance-shaped leaves with pink margins

The Chinese evergreen plant is known for its waxy lance-shaped leaves with pink margins. 

It is a slow-growing house plant that can tolerate cold and dry environments. 

This plant also thrives in low light conditions, needing only less than two hours of direct sunlight. 

Be sure not to overwater the Chinese evergreen and plant them in well-drained, moist soils. 

It is prone to pests like spider mites, mealy bugs, and aphids, so make sure to wipe its leaves regularly.

11. Philodendron

Philodendron
Image: House Beautiful
Scientific NamePhilodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum
Common NameHeart-leaf Philodendron, Parlor Ivy, Philodendron, Sweetheart Plant
Temperature  65 to 85°F (21 to 27°C)No lower than 59ºF (15°C)
SunlightLess than 2 hours to no direct sunlight
WaterWater every 5 to 7 days
Unique CharacteristicVivid green split leaves

You can spot a philodendron from afar with its large vivid gree split leaves. 

The philodendron is drought resistant and thrives in shady environments. It is best planted on well-drained potting soil. Keep its soil moist by watering it every 5 to 7 days. 

12. Hoya

Hoya
Image: The Indoor Nursery
Scientific NameHoya carnosa
Common NameHoney Plant, Porcelain flower, Porcelain Flower, Wax Plant
Temperature  60 to 85°F (15 to 29ºC)
SunlightDirect sunlight for 2-6 hours
WaterOnce every 14 days in the spring and summer, and once every 3 to 4 weeks in the winter
Unique CharacteristicClimbing plant with waxy leaves

The hoya is a trailing plant common in tropical forests. It has thick waxy leaves that adapt to different weather conditions. 

This plant needs direct sunlight for 2 to 6 hours but can also grow in partially shady locations. It is best planted in light soil. 

It also does not require frequent watering. Watering once every 14 days in the spring and summer and once every 3 to 4 weeks in the winter is enough for the hoya plant. 

13. Geraniums

Geraniums
Image: Garden Design
Scientific NamePelargonium
Common NameGeraniums, pelargoniums, storksbills
Temperature  65 to 75ºF (18 to 23ºC)
Sunlight6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day
WaterWatering the soil daily in the summer and less frequently in the winter 
Unique CharacteristicHand-shaped flowers with leaves emitting aromatic scent

Geraniums are great indoor plant that brightens up cold rooms with their bright white, red, pink, purple or even blue five-petaled flowers. 

The geranium has palmate leaves divided into narrow pointed segments.

Geranium foliage produces aromatic scent likened to that of roses, lemons and strawberries. They can also be used to flavor jelly, lemonade, pastries and salads.

They may be planted in pots, planters or garden beds. It is best planted on well-draining soil and is drought tolerant. 

It only needs direct sunlight for 6 or more hours and daily watering.

14. Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron Plant
Image: Houseplant Central
Scientific NameAspidistra elatior
Common NameBaran, Bar Room Plant, Barroom Plant, Cast Iron Plant, Haran, Iron Plant, Parlor Palm, Variegated Cast Iron Plant
Temperature  45 to 85°F (7 to 29ºC)
SunlightShade through upper canopy all day
WaterOnce a week
Unique CharacteristicLarge paddle-shaped leaves

The cast iron plant is a popular indoor houseplant native to China and Japan and commonly adorned in Victorian hallways. 

The Aspidistra elatior grows large arching paddle-shaped leaves that rise directly from its fleshy roots and long stems. 

This plant requires least attention as it grows well in shady areas and cold temperatures. 

Cast iron plants also has the ability to purify the air, making it a great indoor plant for homes in cold climates.  

15. Monstera

Monstera
Image: All About Gardening
Scientific NameMonstera deliciosa
Common NameCeriman, Cutleaf Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Mexican Breadfruit, Mother-in-Law, Split-leaf Philodendron, Swiss Cheese Plant
Temperature  60 to 80ºF (15 to 26ºC)
SunlightShade through upper canopy all day
WaterWater every 1 to 2 weeks and allow soil to dry out between waterings
Unique CharacteristicHoles in the leaves

The monstera grows up to 15 feet in height and 8 feet wide, and loves winter cold seasons. 

It is known for its signature holes on the leaves. It also has aerial roots that help support its large size. 

The monstera only needs indirect sunlight through shades and watering every 1 to 2 weeks. This plant can only be repotted once every 2 years. 

16. Dragon Tree

Dragon Tree
Image: Nature and Garden
Scientific NameDracaena marginata
Common NameDragon Tree, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Malaysian Dracaena, Pleomele, Red-marginated Dracaena, Song of India, Straight-marginated Dracaena
Temperature  65 to 75º F (18 to 23ºC)
SunlightShade through upper canopy all day
Waterwatering every 10 to 14 days will keep the soil with a nice even level of moisture
Unique CharacteristicSlender leaves with red edges

The dragon tree is a cold-tolerating indoor plant that is known for its long slender leaves with red edges. 

They are a great plant for beginners since they are drought-tolerant and low-light adapting houseplant. 

Native to Madagascar, the dragon tree can grown up to 20 feet high in the wild, and 6 feet tall indoors. 

This is a slow-growing plant that needs watering only every 10 to 14 days. 

17. Moth Orchid

Dragon Tree
Image: The Spruce
Scientific NamePhalaenopsis
Common NameMoon Orchid, Moon Orchids, Moth Orchid, Moth Orchids, Phalaenopsis Orchid, Phalaenopsis Orchids
Temperature  61 to 86°F (16 to 30ºC)
SunlightShade through upper canopy all day
WaterWatering the roots about 2 to 3 times a month
Unique CharacteristicBright white, purple or pink orchids

Moth orchids are low-maintenance plants that can tolerate the cold but also brighten up your room with its long-lasting white, purple or pink flowers.

They have short stems with broad oval leathery leaves. They are commonly sold as potted plants and can grow up to 3 feet in height.

Moth orchids only need dappled sunlight and watering of its roots for 2 to 3 times every month. 

18. Moss Terrarium

Moss Terrarium
Image: Tracy Walsh on The New York Times
Scientific NameBryophyta
Common NameMoss, Moss Terrarium
Temperature  55 to 80°F (12 to 26°C)
Sunlight6 hours of indirect sunlight
WaterLight water once a week
Unique CharacteristicDense green clumps

Moss terrariums, especially when they are kept inside a glass, are able to retain the required humidity and protect the plant from the winter cold. 

They can serve as an accent piece or decor in your living room, and can thrive along with other similar species. 

Moss terrariums are low maintenance plants that require only indirect sunlight and light watering or misting once a week.

19. Succulents

Succulents
Image: Insider
Scientific NameXerophytes
Common NameSucculent
Temperature  40 to 80°F (4 to 26ºC)
Sunlight4 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight 
WaterWater every 14 to 21 days 
Unique CharacteristicThick green fleshy stems

Succullents have thich fleshy stems that store water, enabling it to survive in extremely arid and cold conditions. 

It only needs 4 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight and watering every 14 to 21 days. 

Apart from being low maintenance and resilient, succulents provide a fresh vibrant look to office or study desks and rooms.

20. Sago palm

Sago palm
Image: Gardening Know How
Scientific NameCycas revoluta
Common NameCycad, Japanese Sago Palm, King Sago Palm, Sago Palm, Living fossil
Temperature  15 to 110ºF (-9 to 43ºC)
SunlightDirect sunlight for 2-6 hours
WaterWater once a week or less
Unique CharacteristicStiff yet shiny palm-like fronds

The sago palm is native to Japan and China and is known for being a tough houseplant that can tolerate cool temperatures. 

Also known as the living fossil, this cycad can have a lifespan of over 200 years. 

It is a great container plant that can provide a tropical vibe in your garden, room or hallway.

Although it is not a real palm tree, the sago palm ihas a thick trunk with a rosette of glossy stiff palm-like fronds. 

It only needs direct sunlight from 2 to 6 hours and watering once a week. 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *