Toronto winters are long, cold, and often grey, making it easy to feel disconnected from nature. While the outside world might be covered in snow, your indoor space can still feel alive with the beauty of plants. The good news is that even during the harsh winter months, there are plenty of indoor plants that can thrive in your Toronto home without dying on you!

At Willem & Jools, we understand the challenges of keeping plants healthy during Toronto’s chilly winters. The lack of sunlight, dry indoor air, and lower temperatures can all pose challenges, but with the right plants, you can bring greenery into your home all year round. In this blog, we’ll explore the best indoor plants for Toronto winters. Plants that will survive and even thrive despite the season’s tough conditions.

How Indoor Plants Can Help Boost Mood in Toronto Winters

Toronto winters can feel long and isolating. With shorter days and fewer hours of sunshine, it’s easy to get caught up in the winter blues. But adding indoor plants to your space can help lift your mood, improve air quality, and give your home that cozy, vibrant feel all year long.

Here are just a few reasons why indoor plants are worth it during Toronto winters:

●      Air Quality: Plants purify the air, filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen, which can improve overall health and well-being.

●      Mood Boost: Studies show that being around plants can reduce stress and improve mood, which is especially important in the winter months when we’re all indoors more.

●      Natural Humidity: Plants naturally increase humidity in your home, which helps counteract the dry indoor air caused by heating systems.

●      Aesthetic Appeal: Plants add beauty, texture, and life to your indoor space, making it feel fresh and welcoming—even on the coldest days.

So, let’s dive into which indoor plants will thrive in Toronto’s winter climate!

Best Indoor Plants for Toronto Winters

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant is the ultimate low-maintenance plant, making it perfect for Toronto winters. It can survive on very little light, making it a great choice for homes with limited sun exposure. It’s also drought-tolerant, so you won’t have to worry about overwatering it. Simply let the soil dry out between waterings, and this hardy plant will thrive.

●      Light: Low to moderate indirect light

●      Water: Water every 2–3 weeks (let soil dry completely between waterings)

●      Why it’s great for winter: Super tough and can tolerate low light and dry conditions

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants are known for being nearly indestructible. They thrive in low light, making them perfect for the dark days of winter. They also need minimal watering, which means they won’t get stressed out if you forget about them for a week or two.

●      Light: Low to bright indirect light

●      Water: Water every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings

●      Why it’s great for winter: Extremely low-maintenance and thrives in the dry winter air

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is another easy-care favourite. It produces arching green leaves with white stripes and can tolerate low to moderate light. Plus, it’s a fantastic air purifier. During the winter, the spider plant will do well in Toronto’s cooler indoor temperatures and will continue to add greenery to your space.

●      Light: Bright, indirect light

●      Water: Water every 1–2 weeks (when soil feels dry)

●      Why it’s great for winter: Air-purifying and can handle colder temperatures

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is one of the most popular indoor plants, and for good reason. It’s easy to grow, fast-growing, and can survive in low light conditions—perfect for winter when the sun doesn’t shine as much. Pothos are ideal for hanging baskets or trailing down a shelf or bookshelf.

●      Light: Low to bright indirect light

●      Water: Water when the soil is dry

●      Why it’s great for winter: Thrives in low light and can tolerate less frequent watering

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are a bit more delicate than some of the other plants on this list, but they’re still a great choice for Toronto winters. With their beautiful white flowers and dark green leaves, they add a touch of elegance to your home. Peace lilies can handle lower light conditions, and they’re also known for purifying the air.

●      Light: Low to moderate light

●      Water: Keep soil moist, but not soggy (water every week)

●      Why it’s great for winter: They can tolerate low light and offer beautiful blooms throughout the season

6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

True to its name, the cast iron plant is incredibly tough and resilient, making it perfect for Toronto winters. It thrives in low light and can tolerate fluctuating temperatures, which is ideal for indoor environments with heating. Plus, it’s incredibly low-maintenance and doesn’t require frequent watering.

●      Light: Low to moderate light

●      Water: Water when the top of the soil feels dry

●      Why it’s great for winter: Extremely hardy and can survive in a variety of conditions

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a great winter plant, especially if you have a sunny spot in your home. This succulent doesn’t require a lot of attention and thrives in bright light, making it perfect for windowsills. Plus, its healing properties—such as soothing burns and skin irritation—make it even more useful during the dry winter months.

●      Light: Bright, indirect light or direct sunlight

●      Water: Water when the soil is dry (about every 3 weeks)

●      Why it’s great for winter: Aloe vera loves the sun, and it’s great for treating skin issues

8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Bamboo palms are an excellent choice for homes with low light. They grow slowly and don’t require much attention, making them perfect for busy Toronto winters. Bamboo palms also do well in the dry indoor air common in winter and will help improve the humidity in your home.

●      Light: Low to moderate light

●      Water: Keep soil slightly moist (water every 1–2 weeks)

●      Why it’s great for winter: Helps increase humidity and tolerates low light

Tips for Keeping Your Indoor Plants Healthy in Toronto Winters

●      Increase Humidity: Toronto winters are dry, and indoor heating can make it worse. Consider using a humidifier or placing plants in more humid areas of your home (like the bathroom or kitchen).

●      Water Less: During the winter, plants generally need less water due to lower growth rates. Always check the soil before watering to avoid overwatering.

●      Maximize Light: Toronto winters don’t offer a lot of natural light, so place your plants near the brightest windows possible. Consider using grow lights if needed.

●      Rotate Plants: Make sure your plants get equal exposure to light by rotating them regularly.

Final Thoughts

Just because it’s winter in Toronto doesn’t mean your home has to be devoid of life and greenery. The plants we’ve listed here are ideal for cold, dry winters, and they can help bring a touch of nature indoors to brighten those long, dark days. Whether you’re a plant novice or a seasoned green thumb, these hardy plants will thrive in your home all season long.

At Willem & Jools, we can help you choose the best indoor plants for your space. If you’re looking for advice, plants, or custom arrangements to brighten up your home during the winter, visit us today. We’d love to help!

FAQs: Indoor Plants for Toronto Winters

What plants can handle Toronto’s dry winter air?
 Plants like the snake plant, ZZ plant, and cast iron plant are perfect for Toronto’s dry winter air. They’re low-maintenance and can tolerate drier conditions.

Do indoor plants need more water in winter?
 No, indoor plants generally need less water in winter due to lower growth rates. Always check the soil before watering.

Can I grow herbs indoors during the winter in Toronto?
 Yes, herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme can grow indoors in winter, provided they get enough sunlight.

Are succulents a good choice for winter?
 Yes! Succulents like aloe vera and jade plants are great for winter due to their low water needs and ability to thrive in dry indoor air.