Winter flowering plants indoors need steady warmth and light to keep going strong. A south window or grow lamp does the trick for most, coaxing buds open even as snow piles up. The key lies in consistent moisture without sogginess – roots rot fast in cold pots.
There is a little more involved than basic houseplant care for these winter performers, but the payoff is worth it. Filtered water and occasional feeds sustain the show through short days. Winter flowering houseplants reward patience with weeks of color that feel like a secret edge against the season.
Having winter flowers indoors shifts the whole mood, drawing eyes to bright spots amid the dull. Stalks stretch tall or cascade soft, filling corners with life that lingers. It can even help to keep up mental health. It takes a bit to dial in their needs, but once set they bloom reliably year after year.
1. Hyacinths
Hyacinth bulbs, one of several plants that flower in winter forced indoors, bloom in December with dense spikes of fragrant flowers in blue, pink, or white. Growing indoor hyacinths for Christmas is a lovely tradition. The scent fills the room sweet and strong, pushing through the cold like a promise. Frilly 'Pink Pearl' hyacinth bulbs are available from the Home Depot and will make you dream of spring.
Plant hyacinth bulbs in shallow vases with water covering just the base – no soil needed for the quickest show. Change water weekly to avoid stink; a charcoal piece helps purify. Blooms will last two weeks. You can cut back the stem and let the leaves continue on their own, but forced bulbs are unlikely to bloom again. Find a gorgeous handmade blown glass bulb vase from East Fork.
2. Paperwhites
Paperwhites sprout fast in December bowls, tall stems topped with white stars that smell clean and crisp. The clusters open one by one, lighting up desks or mantels without fuss. Bulbs sit crowded in pebbles, roots diving down quickly in the damp.
Group five or six bulbs per container for fuller displays. Add water to the base and set in a cool spot. Stems lean sometimes; tie loosely with ribbon to hold upright. (Another trick is to actually water paperwhites with a dilution of alcohol.) Flowers will fade in three weeks, but the green lingers. Discard after as they rarely rebloom indoors. Find a bag of 15 paperwhite flower bulbs from the Home Depot.
3. Tulips and Crocuses
Tulips and crocus forced indoors bloom in early winter with cupped petals in reds or purples that feel velvety soft. The colors pop against snowy views, stems short and sturdy from chilled bulbs. Plant in a gritty mix that drains well – like this bulb potting soil from Amazon. Crocus open first, tulips follow with taller displays.
Chill bulbs for 12 weeks in the fridge first, then pot up in cool rooms with bright light. Water when the top inch dries; overwatering leads to rot. Blooms open wide in days, lasting a week or two. The foliage yellows after so you cut back and compost when they are done. Forcing tulips and crocuses takes a bit of planning to time the chill properly, but the payoff brightens gray mornings.
Early tulip varieties like 'Flair' ensure blooms align with the holidays. Group colors for mixed pots that feel even more vibrant. 'Flair' single early tulip bulbs can be found at Walmart, as well as a multicolor crocus mix.
4. Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus drapes with pink or red blooms in December, segments arching over the pot edges. The flowers dangle like bells, opening at night for a quiet show. The plant is fleshy and resilient and thrives in indirect light. Hybrids offer white or orange options too. Considered low-toxicity but can still cause mild stomach upset in pets.
Water when the top soil dries. Soggy roots will cause tips to yellow. Feed lightly post-bloom with diluted houseplant mix. Buds drop from drafts so be sure to keep away from doors and drafty windows. Flowers will last weeks, and new growth follows in spring. With proper care, the cactus cascades will grow fuller each year. Cool nights around 55°F trigger more buds. Hang your Christmas cactus in pots for a cascading effect that feels extra festive. Lively Root offers a red Christmas cactus that is sure to brighten your holidays and welcome the New Year.
5. Amaryllis
Amaryllis bulbs pop to life in December, topped with huge trumpet flowers in red or white that feel waxy to touch. The blooms unfold and command attention in any room with their bold look. Bulbs sit half-exposed in pots which makes for an appealing display. 'Apple Blossom' amaryllis is a great choice that has pink streaks for variety. Amaryllis can rebloom if cared for properly. Find 'Apple Blossom' amaryllis bulbs at the Home Depot.
Plant in a well-draining mix, watering sparingly until growth starts. A bloom booster fertilizer like this from Amazon nudges flowers open stronger. Stems can reach two feet. Be sure to stake them if they lean. Petals will last a month and then you can cut the stalk but keep leaves to recharge the bulb for next year. Rotate for even sun exposure.
Summer dormancy outdoors in warm zones lets bulbs rest fully. Using multiple bulbs per pot creates clustered displays that feel abundant and perfect for the holidays.
6. Cyclamen
Cyclamen flowers nod with upswept petals in pink or white through December, leaves marbled silver below. Persian cyclamen offer large blooms that are sure to stun. It's toxic if ingested, so handle carefully.
Keep in cool rooms with bright, indirect light as heat wilts them fast. Water from the bottom to avoid crown rot and let dry slightly between. A low-nitrogen feed monthly sustains the display. Blooms persist for months and dormancy follows in summer. The plant feels compact and charming, tucking into small spaces. 50–60°F (10-15.5 C) is ideal for longevity.
Revive dormant tubers with fall watering to restart the cycle. Pair with ferns for textured arrangements that feel layered. Find vibrant red cyclamen at the Home Depot.
7. Moth Orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids, or moth orchids, spike with cascading blooms in December, petals wide in purples or whites that feel silky smooth. The spikes arch gracefully, lasting months indoors. Roots cling aerial, visible through clear pots that feel light in hand.
Mist roots weekly and water when they silver. It is important to use an orchid mix that drains quickly. Feed with orchid formula diluted half every two weeks – like this specialized orchid feed from Amazon. East windows suit orchids best; low light stretches the stems and makes them weak. Flowers will rebloom on old spikes sometimes, extending the show. Adding humidity is the secret to keeping your orchids happy in the dry winter months and a pebble tray will do the trick. Orchids need 40-70% humidity to thrive. Purchase a fabulous bundle of moth orchids from Lively Root.
8. Star Jasmine
Star jasmine vines with white stars bloom in December. They add a heavenly scent through the house, and these steam-loving plants make your bathroom feel like a spa.
Prune lightly post-bloom to shape and water when the top inch dries without sogginess. A balanced feed quarterly keeps vigor up. Train jasmine on trellises and mist leaves for better humidity in heated homes. Full sun encourages denser blooms. Find star jasmine vines for sale from Fast Growing Trees. Note: Jasmine is mildly toxic so be sure to keep it from pets.
Try some of these gorgeous winter flowers this year. When you see blooms while it’s snowing outside, winter doesn’t feel quite so long.
