Your 2023 Guide to the Coolest Winter Houseplants

In Guelph, where winters can be particularly challenging for indoor plants, my winter houseplant guide is your go-to resource for picking the coolest plants for the season.

It’s pretty safe to say we’re done in the garden for a while, but don’t let that stop your green thumb from doing what it loves best! We have LOTS of fabulous houseplants at Royal City Nursery that I’m certain will make the perfect additions to your home this winter. This houseplant list strays a bit from my traditional favourites, but sometimes we need to shake things up a bit!

My Favourite Winter Houseplants for 2023

This year, I’ve brought in some really neat houseplants that are going to fly off the shelves for the holidays, so make sure you pop in and check these out before they’re all gone:

1. Philodendron – Fuzzy Petiole:

Philodendrons are classic houseplant picks known for their air-purifying qualities, but the fuzzy petiole, a rare climbing variety, is one of my particular favourites this year. It will ask for a lot of bright, indirect light, some humidity, and thorough waterings. This little guy is also toxic to pets, so be diligent when placing it in its new home!

2. Peperomia – Rosso

This peperomia variety is adorable and could easily be what you give to everyone you know this Christmas. With its own hanging basket, it makes the perfect plant for small spaces, or wherever curious pets are lurking. This variety happens to be pet-friendly, and could be put just about anywhere. Its vibrant green leaves with red undersides add a pop of colour to your winter decor, and keep you smiling while the temperatures in Guelph continue to plummet.

3. Hoya – Dark Margin and Variegata

I love Hoyas! Their interesting foliage and sweet-smelling blooms provide a much-needed pick-me-up during Guelph’s cold, dark winter months. The Dark Margin and Variegata varieties are stunning additions to your indoor garden that are sure to kickstart your winter houseplant obsession. Visit us in-store to see our curated collection today!

4. ZZ Plant or Snake Plant

For low-light conditions or basement apartments, you can’t go wrong with either the ZZ or snake plant. Because of their knack for thriving in minimal to no sunlight and being virtually indestructible, they’re the perfect houseplants for beginners. Water once the pot dries out.

5. Syngonium albo

We’re thrilled to introduce a new and rare houseplant to our collection—the syngonium albo! Often called arrowhead vines, these variegated beauties are sure to get your holiday guests talking and make any room feel tropical. This syngonium thrives in bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil dries out. Maintain moderate to high humidity for optimal growth. Note: this little gem is toxic to both people and pets when ingested, so proceed excitedly…but with caution.

Why These Are the Best Winter Houseplants for 2023

One of the biggest advantages of the plants on my list this year is their low-maintenance requirements. We all lead busy lives, so we need to be thinking about houseplants that can thrive with minimal attention. Here’s why these plants are perfect for busy Guelph folks this winter:

Watering: Most of these houseplants have a forgiving nature when it comes to watering, and will tolerate occasional forgetfulness. I consider this a super-must-have quality in a plant, especially over the holidays.

Light: While all plants need some light, the ZZ plant and snake plant can survive in no light conditions. This is why they ALWAYS make the list!

Air Quality: Many of these houseplants, such as philodendrons and hoyas, also help improve indoor air quality by filtering out toxins. This is really good for us Ontarians who might miss out on some fresh air during the colder spells of winter.

Benefits of Winter Houseplants

So, why do we need houseplants this winter? Let’s take a look:

Connection with Nature: Having houseplants allows you to establish a connection with nature, especially over the winter time!

Mood Enhancement: The presence of greenery and the act of nurturing plants can boost your mood and reduce stress, helping you combat the winter blues.

Humidity Control: Houseplants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, which can help combat the dryness that often accompanies winter heating.

Aesthetics: Plants add natural beauty and vitality to your indoor spaces. They can be used to decorate and enhance the visual appeal of your home.

How to Create a Winter Wonderland with Indoor Plants

The winter season can sometimes feel long and dreary here in Guelph, but with the right indoor plants, you can turn your home into a lush and vibrant oasis. Here are some tips on how to create a green winter wonderland with indoor plants from Royal City Nursery:

Mix and Match: Combine different types of houseplants to create a diverse and visually-appealing indoor garden. Different plants come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, which can add depth and contrast to your living space. The combination of foliage, flowers, and textures can make your home more visually interesting.

Grouping: Arrange your plants in clusters or groupings to make a statement that says “I’m really pretending to be someplace warm right now.” This works particularly well with tropicals! Place them near windows or under bright grow lamps to ensure they receive enough light during our darker winter months.

Accessorise: Adding decorative pots and planters to enhance the overall aesthetic of your indoor garden is a great move, and the right planters can really complement the style of your home. They also make the perfect holiday gifts paired with one of our favourite plants.

My winter houseplant guide is always changing, but I know I’ve picked some winners this year that you’ll love! We hope to see you soon at Royal City Nursery to get festive in our winter wonderland, where you can buy not just plants, but all things holiday, too.

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