Low-water indoor plants that do not quit in winter

Indoor air gets dry in winter, and we’re all guilty of missing a watering or two. These plants handle neglect, low humidity, and shorter days without throwing a fit. Set them up right once, and they’ll keep your rooms feeling alive until spring windows can open again.

Snake plant is the set-and-forget standby

Snake plants tolerate low light and thrive on occasional water. Their upright leaves bring structure to corners that need presence without maintenance.

Pot in a gritty mix and water only when the soil is fully dry. In winter that might be every three to four weeks, which is exactly why they’re so easy to live with.

ZZ plant handles dim rooms and busy seasons

ZZ plants store water in thick roots, so they don’t pout if you skip a week. The glossy leaves bounce light around and make dark corners feel intentional.

Give them bright indirect light if you can, but they’ll survive in less. Water sparingly in winter and wipe leaves with a damp cloth now and then so they can keep doing their quiet shine.

Cast iron plant sails through cold, dry air

Cast iron plant lives up to its name. It’s slow-growing and unfussy about drafts, making it perfect near entryways where the door opens all day.

It prefers low to medium light but appreciates a brighter spot in winter. Water when the top few inches dry out, and resist the urge to fuss—this one likes to be left alone.

Pothos keeps trailing when others stall

Pothos tolerates a wide range of light and still creeps along in winter. The vines fill shelves and soften hard edges in a way that feels warm when daylight is scarce.

Let the top inch or two of soil dry before watering. If stems stretch toward the window, rotate the pot every couple of weeks to keep the plant even.

Rubber plant brings height without hard work

Rubber plants give you that “small indoor tree” feel with thick leaves that don’t crisp in low humidity. They look polished without needing a humidifier.

Bright indirect light is best, and they like to dry a bit between drinks. Dust the leaves to keep them glossy—it’s the fastest five-minute upgrade you can give a winter room.

Hoya survives on neglect and rewards patience

Hoyas store water in their leaves, so they’re drought tolerant and surprisingly tough in heated homes. The vines drape beautifully from a high shelf or hanger.

They prefer brighter spots, and you should water only when the pot feels light. With time, they’ll even bloom indoors—sweet little clusters that feel like a winter bonus.

Basic setup keeps all of them happier

Use pots with drainage, a light mix, and trays that you can empty so roots aren’t sitting in water. Group plants loosely to raise local humidity a notch without gadgets.

If you want a simple routine, set a calendar reminder for a monthly check. Touch the soil, water the ones that need it, wipe a few leaves, and you’re done until the next round.