4 Indoor Plants That Thrive in Cool Temperatures

In the winter there are many indoor spaces that are a bit cooler than usual. For indoor landscaping clients this may include large foyers or hallways where there is less warm air circulating and more cool air entering through doors and windows. Very few plants can survive sudden blasts of cold air such as right next to a door, but there are some plants that tolerate steady cooler (between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures. You can use the following suggested plants in these chilly spaces.

 The Hoya

Hoyas have thick, leathery, elongated leaves that vine downward. They are ideal for hanging baskets. The flowers form in tight rounded clusters. They enjoy cooler temperatures and less water in the winter. According to Vegetable Gardener, hoyas like to be very pot-bound. They require very little attention to survive and can grow for many years. They will survive in shaded spaces, but may not flower. To encourage blooms hoyas need a few hours of bright, indirect light and warmer temperatures.

The Kangaroo Vine

The kangaroo vine is another plant that will do well in a hanging container. It can also climb as high as 10 feet making it ideal for use with trellises. Unlike the Hoya it does not like to be pot-bound and requires a larger container. eHow Home informs that the kangaroo vine is  related Virginia creeper and wild grape vines. It has an elongated heart shape leaf with a prominently serrated margin. It requires little care and tolerates shady, cool spaces. It does not like hot or dry air. In the summer allow the potting mix to dry before watering and in the winter water only occasionally.

The Aluminum Plant

Pilea cadierei, commonly known as the aluminum plant, has incredible foliage. It is dark green with bright silver markings on the center of the leaf between the veins. Better Homes and Gardens suggests bright, indirect light to encourage the most defined color on the foliage, but the plant will also survive in shaded areas. This plant likes to be kept moist but not soggy. Pinching it back occasionally will keep the plant looking bushy and healthy.

 The Piggyback Plant

The piggyback plant is native to moist northwestern climates and grows under tall canopies of trees according to Union County College Biology Department. As a result, the piggyback plant enjoys shade and cool temperatures indoors. This is a charming foliage plant that has lobed, light green leaves.  UCC Biology Department recommends the variety Tolmiea Menziesii variagata, also called ‘Taff’s Gold’, for its leaves mottled with light green and yellow. The foliage makes a full mounding plant and can also be used in hanging containers.

These four plants are just a few that will thrive easily in cooler spaces. When you are dealing with a colder space or if your client likes to keep the thermostat low in the winter consider using one of these no fuss indoor plants for your plantscapes. Spaces around 60 degrees will be prefect for these attractive foliage plants. Do you have a favorite cool temperature plant?

Photo “Double Stars” courtesy of Katie Brady

Photo “Aluminum Plant” courtesy of Tanaka Juuyoh

 Photo “Piggyback Plant” courtesy of Leslie Seaton