While some houseplants fold at the first hint of a chill, a few tough ones take cold rooms in stride. They stand firm through drafty windows, nighttime dips, and rooms that never quite warm up.
These hardy plants keep their color, hold their shape, and stay alive without any extra pampering. For anyone living in a home that runs cold, these quiet survivors can make winter feel a little greener and a lot less fussy.
1. Snake Plant
Snake plants are practically indestructible, making them perfect for beginners or anyone who forgets to water. Their thick, sword-like leaves store moisture, so they can handle neglect and cold drafts without batting an eye.
Place one in a chilly bedroom or unheated hallway, and it’ll keep looking sharp all winter long. They need very little light and even less attention, which is why so many people love them for tricky spots around the house.
2. Spider Plant
With arching green and white striped leaves, spider plants bring a cheerful vibe to any space. They’re famous for producing little baby plantlets that dangle from long stems, almost like tiny green spiders hanging around.
Cold rooms don’t faze them one bit. They adapt quickly and keep growing even when temperatures drop. Water them when the soil feels dry, and they’ll reward you with lush, cascading foliage that brightens up even the dullest corner.
3. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns love humidity and cool air, which makes them ideal for bathrooms or chilly sunrooms. Their feathery, delicate fronds add a soft, romantic touch to any room.
Keep the soil slightly moist and mist the leaves occasionally to keep them looking fresh. They prefer indirect light and temperatures on the cooler side, so don’t worry if your room feels more like a cave than a greenhouse. These ferns are happiest when things stay a bit brisk.
4. English Ivy
This plant has a classic, timeless look that works in just about any home. Its trailing vines and glossy leaves can climb up a trellis or spill over the edge of a shelf with ease.
This plant actually prefers cooler temperatures and will struggle if things get too warm. Give it bright, indirect light and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. It’s a great choice for drafty windows or unheated entryways where other plants might complain.
5. Aspidistra
Sometimes called the cast iron plant, aspidistra earns its nickname by surviving just about anything. Low light, cold drafts, irregular watering? No problem. Its broad, dark green leaves stay strong and healthy even in less-than-ideal conditions.
If you have a dim hallway or a chilly corner that needs some life, this is your plant. It grows slowly but steadily, asking for almost nothing in return. Just water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and it’ll keep on trucking.
6. Jade Plant
Jade plants are succulents with thick, glossy leaves that look like little green coins. They’re often considered symbols of good luck, which is a nice bonus on top of their easygoing nature.
These plants actually prefer cooler nights, especially in winter, which can help them bloom. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and keep them in a bright spot if possible. They’re tough, slow-growing, and perfectly content in a chilly room that doesn’t get too much heat.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is more than just a pretty plant. Its thick, spiky leaves are filled with soothing gel that’s great for minor burns and skin irritations. But beyond its practical uses, aloe is incredibly hardy and handles cold rooms with ease.
It needs bright light and infrequent watering, making it perfect for sunny but chilly spots. Just don’t let it sit in soggy soil, or the roots might rot. Otherwise, it’s a low-maintenance friend that keeps giving.
8. Peace Lily
This plant is known for its elegant white blooms and glossy green leaves. They’re also famous for being forgiving and adaptable, thriving in low light and cooler temperatures without much complaint.
Water them when the leaves start to droop slightly, and they’ll perk right back up. They prefer indirect light and can handle a bit of chill, making them a solid choice for bedrooms or offices that don’t get much warmth. Plus, they help clean the air, which is always a bonus.
9. Pothos
Pothos is one of those plants that just won’t quit. Its heart-shaped leaves come in shades of green, yellow, and white, and they trail beautifully from shelves or hanging baskets.
Cold rooms don’t bother pothos at all. It grows quickly, tolerates low light, and forgives occasional neglect. Water it when the soil feels dry, and trim back any leggy vines to keep it looking full. It’s an ideal pick for anyone who wants greenery without the hassle or worry.
10. Cyclamen
Cyclamen brings a pop of color to cold rooms with its bright pink, red, or white flowers that bloom in winter. The heart-shaped leaves have pretty silver patterns, adding extra visual interest even when the flowers fade.
This plant actually prefers cooler temperatures and will bloom longer if kept in a chilly spot. Water it from the bottom to avoid getting the leaves wet, and give it bright, indirect light. It’s a cheerful companion during the darker, colder months.
11. Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus is a holiday favorite, but it’s happy year-round in cooler rooms. Its segmented, fleshy leaves cascade over the sides of pots, and it bursts into bloom with bright tubular flowers when the conditions are right.
To encourage blooming, give it cooler nights and shorter daylight hours in fall. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry, and keep it in indirect light. It’s a long-lived plant that can become a cherished part of your home for years.
12. Rubber Plant
With big, glossy leaves, Rubber Plant makes a bold statement in any room. They’re sturdy, forgiving, and surprisingly tolerant of cooler temperatures, especially compared to other tropical houseplants.
Place yours in bright, indirect light and water when the top couple inches of soil feel dry. They grow tall over time, so they’re great for filling empty corners or adding height to a plant collection. Even in a chilly room, a rubber plant will stand strong and keep looking impressive.