12 of the Most Cold Tolerant Houseplants

Cold tolerant houseplants are a smart choice for homes with cooler rooms, drafty windowsills, enclosed porches, and homes where the thermostat dips during winter. While most indoor plants dislike freezing conditions there are some hardier houseplants that can tolerate cooler conditions.

Houseplants with some cold tolerance are also of interest to the growers who produce houseplants on a grand scale. These are folks that put considerable time into understanding which popular houseplants are most likely to survive a drafty greenhouse or a chilly journey to the retail store in winter. This can affect decisions on what to grow in different seasons.

Reasons to Choose Cold Tolerant Houseplants

There are a number of reasons why you would want cold-tolerant houseplants, especially for those who live in regions with cold winters. Those reasons include:

• Homes that have chilly indoor spaces like drafty windowsills, basements, sunrooms, porches, or older homes with uneven heating.
• They can be easier to care for because they are generally hardier and less sensitive to temperature changes.
• They can help save energy and money since you do not have to keep every room extra warm just to protect your plants.
• They’re good choices for people who bring plants indoors and outdoors in the spring and fall. Cold tolerant houseplants have a better chance of surviving if they’re outside and subjected to an unexpected cold snap.
• Cold tolerant houseplants are useful for beginners because they can handle less-than-perfect conditions.
• They help keep greenery indoors during winter, adding life, color, and a sense of calm when outdoor gardens are dormant.
• They’re good for people who move their plants a lot, such as college students who frequently move between home and their dorm through the year.

Care Tips for Houseplants in Cold Locations

Water

You should water plants less often when they are in a cool location. The combination of water and cool temperatures can make them more vulnerable to developing root rot. Cool soil doesn’t dry out as fast as warm soil, so allow the top 2-3” (5-8cm) of soil to dry between waterings. On that note, when repotting houseplants, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix to improve drainage.

Feed

Since your chilly plants are probably growing slowly, if at all, don’t feed them when they’re experiencing long periods of cool temperatures. Resume feeding when the plant is actively growing again.

Keep Some Distance from Window Glass

Even cold-hardy indoor plants can suffer if pressed against a freezing windowpane. Avoid placing plants on a ledge right next to a window where they may come in direct contact with the glass as they grow.

Drafty Locations

Plants that are close to an exterior door can be exposed to frequent blasts of cold air as people come and go into the house. Especially frigid days can be a special challenge.

Plants near an air vent or air purifier can get chilled in the summer and overly dry in winter when the furnace is running. The constant air movement can lead to reduced humidity and dehydration of the plant foliage. It’s best to locate plants 2-3’ (60-75cm) from air vents if possible.

Keep Plants Clean

Locations with cool temperatures often go along with low light levels. If this is the case for your plant, be sure to clean the leaves occasionally so they can more efficiently absorb the maximum amount of available light. Consider adding artificial lighting to give plants a boost, especially through the winter months.

Protect Plants When Transporting Them

Do your best to keep your houseplants safe by keeping, or bringing, them indoors when cold weather threatens. Research When to Move Houseplants Outdoors and Tips for Bringing Potted Plants Inside at the end of the summer for more information.

Signs that a Houseplant Needs a Warmer Location

If you have a houseplant that is in a cool location and displays any of the following symptoms, it may be an indication that you have the wrong plant in that space. Move the plant to a warmer spot and replace it with a more cold tolerant houseplant.

• Growth slows or stops.
• Foliage color starts to fade.
• Leaves start to look injured with blackened tips or leaf edges.
• Mushy stems indicating root rot or freeze damage.
• Leaf drop – the shock of a sudden drop in temperature can cause some plants to drop leaves.

The Best Temperature for Houseplants

Ideally a houseplant would never be subjected to temperatures below 60°F (15°C) for any prolonged period. The optimal temperature range for houseplants, especially tropicals, is 70°F to 80°F (21° to 26°C) during the day and no lower than 60°F to 68°F (15° to 20°C) at night.

You can expect most houseplants to deteriorate if exposed to temperatures of 50°F (10°C) or below for an extended period of time. On the other hand, some flowering houseplants do better if kept on the cool side. A temperature range between 55° to 75°F (13° to 24°C) can improve the longevity of the blooms for plants like primrose, tulips, and cyclamen.

List of Some of the Most Cold Tolerant Houseplants

This list of cold tolerant houseplants is not meant to suggest that these plants prefer cold temperatures. Just because a plant can survive a brief period at a low temperature doesn’t mean that’s it’s ideal situation, it’s just that death is less likely for these plants if exposed to a serious cold snap.

The following twelve plants can survive brief bouts in the range of 35° to 40°F (2° to 4°C). Ideally the exposure would be no more than 2-4 hours. Perhaps enough time to transport a houseplant purchase home from the store, or move a plant to a new location, or bring plants indoors if outdoor temperatures dip. Temperatures below that, even for just a couple of hours, will almost surely result in damage, or even death, to sensitive tropical plants. However, their resilience to cold makes them durable choices for locations in your home that may be on the cool side.

Fishtail Palm Indoors, Burmese Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis)

Fishtail palm, also known as the Burmese fishtail palm, is a tropical palm grown indoors for its bold, deeply divided leaflets that resemble the ragged tail fin of a fish. This species is native to warm, humid forests of tropical Southeast Asia. The plant naturally forms multiple upright stems from the base, giving it a full, layered look.

Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis)

Swedish ivy is one of the easiest of all plants to grow! Prized for its cascading stems of shiny, round leaves. Plant may occasionally produce white or purple flowers. Looks great spilling over container edges. Very decorative on a small table or in a hanging basket. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.

Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ (Dracaena deremensis)

‘Janet Craig’ is a popular variety that is more tolerant of lower light levels and drier soil than other Dracaena. Its abundance of narrow, glossy green leaves makes it a top choice among houseplants for those seeking their air cleaning benefits. Perfect for all kinds of containers as a corner or entry accent.

Bush Schefflera, Arboricola, Hawaiian Umbrella Tree Indoors (Schefflera arboricola)

A shrubby or tree-like houseplant often called Umbrella Tree for the way the leaves are clustered in umbrella-like arrangement. Schefflera may initially drop leaves as they adjust to a new setting, but they really are vigorous and easy-care plants. They may be pruned to control height or shape. A good choice for a large containers.

Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Aspidistra’s bold, glossy foliage brings life to shaded areas. This is a reliable and versatile plant; slow-growing, easy to maintain, and excellent for growing in containers indoors or out. Aspidistra has been a popular houseplant ever since it was introduced from Asia to England during the mid-1800’s. A reliable groundcover or potted plant for shade.

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

The sculptural effect of Adenium’s flared trunk and thick stems add an instant touch of artistry to the garden. The flowers are spectacular, nearly covering the plant at peak bloom times. As it’s common name suggests, Desert Rose is native to dry areas of Northern Africa and Arabia. A good choice for a succulent border or a planter on the patio or deck.

Spider Plant Indoors (Chlorophytum comosum)

One of the most carefree plants around! Spider plants easily adapt to indoor conditions and the soft, gently arched blades of foliage add a lush, relaxed feeling to any room. Looks great grown in containers and hanging baskets. Potted plants can be grown outdoors in the summer and brought back inside for the winter.

ZZ Plant, Aroid Palm, Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

An amazingly tough, yet attractive houseplant! The ZZ plant is perfectly at home in low light situations allowing for greenery and clean air benefits in any room! The dark green foliage complements any décor. This is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention. Perfect for growing in containers. May be displayed outdoors in a shady area during warmer weather.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum hybrid)

Peace lilies make easy-care houseplants. The leaves will begin to droop very obviously when the plant is thirsty, then quickly perk back up once it is watered. The smooth glossy leaves compliment any décor and they group well with other houseplants. Interesting, spoon-like white blooms add to the peace lily’s appeal. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.

Dracaena, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Marginata Bush (Dracaena marginata)

A Dracaena species that does best in bright light, marginata has narrow leaves set off by intense red edges. Eye-catching on its own, this selection also looks great paired with green or silver leaved plant companions. Perfect for all kinds of containers. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather. Makes a breathtaking potted specimen plant.

Ivy Indoors (Hedera helix)

A trailing houseplant popular for its beauty, toughness and adaptability. Foliage shape varies among varieties from the traditional to cross-like or even bird foot shapes. Many varieties also have variegation of white to gold, perfect for brightening corners and shelves. Ideal for hanging baskets and mixed containers where the foliage can trail over the sides.

Pony Tail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Contrary to its common name, Pony Tail Palm is not a true palm. This plant is a native to dry regions of Mexico and its large stem base and root zone are specially adapted to storing water. A fun combination of unusual form and texture! A carefree houseplant for a sunny location or in a container outdoors during warm weather.

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Keeping Houseplants Safe During a Move

No matter the time of year, it’s a good idea to protect your houseplants when transporting them, whether it’s just a trip from the garden center or a move to a new home. For additional tips on preparing plants for a move, see our article, How to Successfully Move Plants to a New Home.