Your January guide to plants that thrive indoors when the days are short.

January always brings a pause. The decorations come down, the house feels still, and the winter light softens every corner. That is when the right houseplant can make a room feel warm again with calm, green, and a little more alive.

Many of the houseplants we reach for now do more than brighten a space. They naturally freshen and filter the air indoors, helping your home feel fresh during the winter months.

Our Fresh Start Foliage collection was created for this moment. These plants do well with the softer light winter brings, whether it is a shaded corner or a bright January window. All are resilient, beginner friendly, and chosen by our Garden Experts for Ohio homes.

Plants That Thrive in Low Light

(Offices, bathrooms, hallways, north facing rooms, winter corners)

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

• Why we recommend it: A true low maintenance classic.
• Ideal for: Rooms with minimal winter sun.
• Care level: Extremely easy; drought tolerant.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• Why we recommend it: Glossy leaves and incredible drought tolerance.
• Ideal for: Dim corners or spaces where watering is easy to forget.
• Care level: Very easy.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Why we recommend it: Fast growing, forgiving, and perfect for shelves.
• Ideal for: Low to medium light rooms.
• Care level: Easy.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Why we recommend it: Elegant white blooms even in lower light.
• Ideal for: Bathrooms, basements, shaded rooms.
• Care level: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

• Why we recommend it: Colorful foliage and reliable winter performance.
• Ideal for: Low light locations that need a pop of color.
• Care level: Easy.

Plants for Bright or Sunny Winter Spots

(South facing windows, bright living rooms, sunrooms)

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

• Why we recommend it: Bold, upright growth for bright rooms.
• Ideal for: Medium to bright indirect light.
• Care level: Moderate.

Aloe Vera

• Why we recommend it: Loves bright light and offers practical benefits.
• Ideal for: Sunny windowsills.
• Care level: Easy when not overwatered.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Why we recommend it: Incredibly adaptable.
• Ideal for: Medium to bright rooms and windows with filtered sun.
• Care level: Easy.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

• Why we recommend it: A statement plant that shines in winter light.
• Ideal for: Bright living rooms with indirect sun.
• Care level: Moderate; does best when kept in one spot.

Anthurium

• Why we recommend it: Long lasting red blooms that brighten winter spaces.
• Ideal for: Bright, filtered light.
• Care level: Moderate; loves humidity.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

• Why we recommend it: Dramatic height and a love of full sun.
• Ideal for: Strong winter sun and warm rooms.
• Care level: Moderate.

Quick Winter Care Tips for Indoor Plants

• Water less often. Soil stays wet longer in winter.
• Avoid drafts. Keep plants away from exterior doors and icy windows.
• Rotate every 1 to 2 weeks. Winter sun is directional and rotation keeps growth even.
• Increase humidity. Try a pebble tray, a small humidifier, or group plants together.
• Check light patterns. Winter sun shifts through the day, so adjust placement if needed.

Read more winter houseplant care tips →

Shop the Fresh Start Foliage Collection

If your home feels a little empty after the holidays or you are ready for a calmer start to the year, this is the perfect place to begin. Each plant in this collection thrives in Ohio winter conditions and brings instant warmth to your home.

Browse online or stop into the greenhouse and let our Garden Experts help you find the right match for your light and experience level.

Explore our full Houseplant Department →