Cold Tolerant Indoor Plants: Houseplants For Cold Drafty Rooms

Indoor Houseplant Potted In Square Container On Black Stand
cold tolerant hp
(Image credit: Sammy Jones)

Do you have any challenging indoor rooms that are a bit chilly and you’re wondering if any houseplants will survive these conditions? Fortunately, there are a number of cold tolerant houseplants that will be perfect for those spaces. Quite a few houseplants would languish in cold, drafty rooms, but here are some great choices for cold hardy houseplants. 

Cold Tolerant Indoor Plants

Here is a list of great cold hardy houseplants for your home. One thing to keep in mind is that the cooler your room, the longer you can go in between watering. 

Keeping plants too wet (and cold) will invite root rot, so be careful of this balance. 

  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): ZZ plant is a very tough houseplant that not only survives low light and very dry conditions, but is also a great choice for cooler rooms.
  • Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Like the name implies, cast iron plant is another very tough houseplant that will survive less than ideal conditions, including cold rooms. As long as it stays above freezing (32 F. or 0 C.), it will survive. 
  • Geraniums (Pelargonium): Geraniums can be a delightful indoor plant for colder rooms, as long as you make sure that they receive a few hours of direct sunshine every day. 
  • Jade Plant: Like the geranium, if you have enough sunshine, the jade plant will be a great plant for colder rooms. In colder temperatures they survive staying dry for a very long time as well. 
  • Maidenhair Ferns: Maidenhair ferns thrive in lower light situations, as well as in cooler temperatures. The most important point in growing this plant is to try and keep the soil consistently moist. 
  • Sago palm (Cycas revolute): Sago palm, which is not a palm at all, is a very tough houseplant that comes from the south part of Japan. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including very cool temperatures.
  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria): The ubiquitous snake plant is a tremendous houseplant that will survive almost anywhere. It will take low light, cool temperatures, and dry soil very well. 
  • Dracaena (Dracaena marginata): Dracaenacan also handle cooler temperatures with ease. It can withstand temperatures of 50 degrees F. (10 C.) and above with no concern. 

All of these winter houseplants mentioned have their limits, so be careful not to push those limits too much. 

Keep an eye on your plants to make sure they are responding favorably to the cooler conditions.