10 Plants for Chilly Spaces
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If your bedroom feels more like a walk-in freezer or your guest room is a drafty dungeon, don't worry—you don't have to give up on your urban jungle dreams. While most tropical plants throw a tantrum the moment the temperature drops below 18°C, some botanical plants actually prefer the chill.
Here are 10 houseplants that won't just survive a cold room; they’ll thrive in it.
The Survivors: 10 Plants for Chilly Spaces
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The "indestructible" title isn't just marketing. Snake plants are tough as nails and can handle temperatures as low as 10°C. They’re also experts at air purification, making them perfect for a cool, fresh bedroom.
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2. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Living up to its name, this plant was a Victorian-era favorite because it could survive the dim, drafty hallways of 19th-century London. It’s virtually unkillable and thrives in low light and cool corners.
Fun fact: this plant is pet-friendly! Assuming your pets like the cold, too.
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3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is the ultimate "set it and forget it" companion. Its waxy, succulent-like leaves store water, and it’s remarkably tolerant of fluctuating temperatures and low-light environments.
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4. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Unlike many succulents that crave constant heat, the Jade plant is actually quite happy in cooler rooms (around 10-15°C) during the winter. This chill helps trigger their dormant cycle, which is essential if you want them to bloom.
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5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ever noticed ivy growing on the side of stone buildings in the dead of winter? It loves the cold. If you have a drafty window, English ivy will happily trail down your bookshelf without complaining about the breeze.
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6. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Here’s a fun fact: the Christmas Cactus actually needs cool temperatures and long nights to produce those iconic pink or red flowers. Keep it in a chilly room to ensure a spectacular winter show.
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7. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Most palms scream for the tropics, but the Parlor Palm is a bit more sophisticated. It prefers the temperate conditions of a typical indoor "cool room" and adds a lovely, feathery texture to your decor.
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8. Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
Hoyas are stunning, semi-succulent vines that are surprisingly resilient. While they don't want to be in a frost, they handle cooler indoor temperatures much better than their "diva" cousins, the Alocasias.
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9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The classic spider plant is a powerhouse. It’s tough, adaptable, and handles cooler air with ease. Plus, it produces "babies" (spiderettes) that you can clip off and gift to friends once they grow roots.
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10. Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)
Most ferns crisp up the second the humidity drops or the temperature dips. Not the Blue Star. It’s a hardier variety with a unique silvery-blue hue that handles cooler, less-than-perfect conditions like a champ.
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Quick Care Tips for Cold Rooms
Watering - Slow down. Cold air means slower evaporation. Always check the soil with a moisture meter before watering.
Light - Winter sun is weaker. Move plants closer to windows to maximize daylight.
Drafts - A cool room is fine; a blast of freezing air from a cracked window is not. Avoid direct ice-cold drafts.
Love our content and want to learn more about plant care? Call us for a chat to see how we can maintain your indoor jungle!
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