Not every houseplant needs a warm, cozy spot to thrive. In fact, some plants actually prefer cooler temperatures and don’t mind a little draft. If you have a chilly hallway, an unheated sunroom, or a drafty windowsill, these cold-tolerant indoor plants might be exactly what you’re looking for.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 16 indoor plants that can handle (and even thrive in) cooler, less insulated spaces. These varieties are hardy, low-maintenance, and ideal for homes where the thermostat doesn’t always stay high.
Whether you’re working with a breezy entryway or just want to add some greenery to the cooler corners of your home, these cold-loving plants will stay happy—without the need for constant warmth.
Spider Plant
Long, arching leaves that cascade beautifully over the sides of a pot make the spider plant a favorite. This resilient plant thrives even when placed near windows that let in cold drafts. Its air-purifying qualities are an added bonus. Known for shooting out baby plantlets, it adds a lively touch to any room while being low-maintenance. If you often forget to water your plants, don’t worry—the spider plant is forgiving and easy-going. Whether hung in baskets or potted, it makes an elegant statement.
Peace Lily
Grace and resilience define the peace lily. This plant’s glossy leaves and striking white flowers brighten up any space, especially those that are a bit on the cooler side. While it enjoys moderate light, it can tolerate the chill, making it ideal for drafty rooms. Peace lilies are also known for their air-cleaning abilities. With minimal watering needs, they offer beauty without the fuss. Just place it where it can get some indirect sunlight, and watch it thrive.
English Ivy
English ivy brings the charm of an English cottage indoors. Its trailing vines add a touch of whimsy to any indoor setting. What makes it perfect for drafty rooms is its hardiness and love for cooler temperatures. This classic plant can climb or hang, offering versatile decoration options. Known for its ability to filter toxins from the air, English ivy is more than just a pretty face. Regular trimming keeps it looking neat, making it an easy-care addition to your indoor garden.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant stands as a testament to resilience. Broad, dark green leaves stand upright, effortlessly handling neglect and chilly conditions. This plant is aptly named for its toughness, enduring low light and infrequent watering. It’s a perfect choice for those less attentive to plant care. Despite its hardy nature, it adds a splash of elegance to indoor spaces. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned plant owner, the cast iron plant is a reliable companion.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are like the superheroes of the plant world, thriving on neglect and low light. Their glossy, dark green leaves bring a modern touch to any room. Resilient to drafts, this plant is perfect for those who can’t keep a regular watering schedule. It grows slowly, so patience is key, but the wait is worth the stunning outcome. If you’re looking for a plant that’s both stylish and low-maintenance, the ZZ plant fits the bill perfectly.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreens offer a splash of color with their variegated leaves, making them a favorite among indoor gardeners. These plants are particularly suited to cooler, drafty environments, flourishing where others might falter. Easy-going and forgiving, they require little more than basic care. A bit of indirect sunlight keeps them happy, while their ability to remove toxins from the air makes them a healthy addition to your home. Whether in an office or living room, they adapt and thrive beautifully.
Snake Plant
The snake plant, with its tall, sword-like leaves, defines elegance and resilience. Perfect for drafty spaces, it thrives where other plants might struggle. This plant is a champion of air purification, making it not just a visual delight but beneficial for your indoor atmosphere. The snake plant’s low water needs and ability to tolerate neglect make it a favorite for busy individuals. Its architectural form adds a modern vibe to any room.
Pothos
Pothos is a popular choice for its trailing vines and ability to thrive with minimal care. Its variegated leaves add a pop of color, and it endures cooler, drafty spots with ease. This plant is ideal for hanging baskets or shelves, where its vines can dangle and create a lush look. Pothos is known for its air-purifying properties, making it a healthy choice for indoor spaces. Even if you forget to water it now and then, pothos soldier on without complaint.
Fern
Ferns bring a touch of the outdoors in, with their feathery fronds and rich green hues. They thrive in cooler, drafty environments, making them ideal for less-than-perfect spots in your home. While they enjoy humidity, they’re also quite adaptable, enduring periods of neglect with grace. Position your fern away from direct sunlight and watch it flourish. Their gentle presence adds a soft, natural element to any room, inviting a sense of tranquility.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera offers more than just its soothing gel. This succulent thrives in cooler, drafty spaces, enjoying the chill as long as there’s some sunlight. Its thick leaves store water, allowing it to survive longer between watering sessions. Perfect for windowsills or countertops, aloe vera is both decorative and practical. While it doesn’t require much attention, its presence can serve as a reminder of the calming, healing powers of nature.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant stands out with its broad, glossy leaves that add a touch of tropical flair to indoor spaces. Thriving in cooler environments, it’s perfectly suited for drafty rooms where others might wilt. A bit of indirect light helps it maintain its lush appearance. Low-maintenance and robust, it requires occasional watering and a dusting of its leaves to keep them shiny. The rubber plant’s commanding presence makes it an eye-catching addition to any setting.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are beloved for their adaptability and heart-shaped leaves that bring warmth to indoor settings. They flourish in cooler, drafty areas, making them ideal for such conditions. With minimal care and indirect light, they grow vigorously, adding a lively presence to any space. Their climbing nature allows for creative decorating options, whether cascading from a shelf or climbing a trellis. A philodendron makes a delightful, easy-care companion for any indoor garden.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs are known for their dramatic, large leaves that can transform a room. Despite their reputation for fussiness, they can thrive in cool, drafty rooms with the right care. Indirect light and a stable environment keep them happy. While they require a bit more attention in terms of watering and humidity, their striking appearance is worth the effort. A fiddle leaf fig brings a bold, sculptural element to any space.
Jade Plant
The jade plant offers timeless charm with its thick, round leaves that symbolize prosperity and good luck. This succulent thrives in cooler, drafty conditions, especially when placed in a spot with some sunlight. Its low water needs make it perfect for busy individuals. Over time, the jade plant grows into an attractive, tree-like form that enhances any room. It’s a classic choice for those who appreciate both beauty and simplicity.
Asparagus Fern
Don’t let its name fool you—an asparagus fern isn’t a true fern, but its feathery fronds certainly look the part. This plant loves the cool, drafty corners of your home and thrives in indirect light. Its delicate appearance adds a whimsical touch to any space. Easy to care for, it requires occasional misting to keep its fronds lush. An asparagus fern is a delightful addition to your indoor plant collection, offering elegance without the fuss.
The Himalayan Snow Lily
Imagine a plant that echoes the serene beauty of snow-capped mountains right in your living room. The Himalayan Snow Lily does just that. Its delicate white petals shimmer in any light, casting an ethereal glow that brightens even the gloomiest corners. Perfectly attuned to cooler climates, this lily thrives in drafty rooms, bringing a touch of the Himalayas indoors.
Place it near a window where cold air seeps in, and watch it blossom into its full glory. Surprisingly low-maintenance, this plant demands little more than a splash of water now and then, making it ideal for busy plant lovers.
Fun fact: In its natural habitat, the Snow Lily can endure temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius, showcasing its remarkable adaptability. Add this resilient beauty to your collection, and let it transform your home with its fresh, alpine charm.