Winter in Kansas City can feel long, gray, and chilly—but bringing a little life indoors can make a world of difference. Adding colorful, air-purifying houseplants is one of the easiest ways to lift your mood, refresh the air in your home, and keep a touch of nature close during the cold months. Whether you’re looking for vibrant foliage, low-maintenance greenery, or plants that thrive in indoor winter conditions, we’ve curated our favorite picks for winter houseplants Missouri homeowners love.
Why Add Houseplants in Winter?
When temperatures drop, we spend more time indoors—and that means the quality of your indoor air matters more than ever. Many popular houseplants naturally filter airborne toxins and boost humidity levels, helping your home feel fresher and more comfortable. Plus, winter is the perfect time to introduce color through unique foliage, flowers, and textures that warm up your home décor.
Top Winter Houseplants for Color & Air Purification
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
A must-have for anyone exploring indoor plants Kansas City gardeners swear by. Snake plants thrive in low light, tolerate irregular watering, and help purify indoor air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
Color appeal: Bold, upright leaves with striking green and yellow striping.
Great for: Bedrooms, offices, and low-light corners.
2. Pothos (Golden, Marble Queen, or Neon)
Pothos vines bring lush greenery and come in a range of variegated patterns. They’re one of the easiest houseplants to care for, making them ideal winter companions.
Color appeal: Chartreuse greens (Neon Pothos), creamy variegation (Marble Queen), or classic marbled leaves.
Bonus: Excellent natural air purifiers and great for shelf styling.
3. ZZ Plant
Perfect for darker rooms or anyone building a low-maintenance plant collection. ZZ plants store water in their roots, making them incredibly drought-tolerant.
Color appeal: Deep, glossy green leaves that stay vibrant year-round.
Great for: Low-light spaces and busy plant parents.
4. Peace Lily
A wonderful choice if you want winter houseplants Missouri homes love for both beauty and function. Peace lilies produce elegant white blooms even in lower light conditions.
Color appeal: Bright white flowers against dark, glossy foliage.
Air benefits: Known for filtering several common household pollutants.
Great for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
5. Colorful Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
If winter has you craving bold color, this plant delivers. Aglaonema varieties range from rich emerald greens to pops of pink, red, and silver.
Color appeal: Vibrant, patterned foliage that stands out in any room.
Great for: Adding statement color to entryways and living spaces.
Winter Houseplant Care Tips
Keep your plants looking their best during the cold months with these simple care reminders:
1. Watch Your Watering
Plants grow more slowly in winter, so they don’t need as much water. Always check soil moisture before watering.
Pro tip: A moisture meter (available in-store) gives accurate readings and prevents overwatering.
2. Increase Humidity
Indoor heating can dry out the air, which many houseplants dislike.
You can help by:
-
Using a small room humidifier
-
Grouping plants together
-
Placing trays filled with pebbles and water under pots
3. Give Them Light
Short winter days mean your plants may need extra support.
-
Move them closer to windows (but avoid cold drafts)
-
Rotate plants weekly for even growth
-
Add a grow light to help low-light rooms thrive (we carry a variety of styles!)
4. Dust the Leaves
Clean leaves absorb more light and look healthier. Wipe with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks.
5. Hold Off on Repotting
Winter is a rest period for most houseplants—save major repotting for spring unless absolutely necessary.
Visit Colonial Gardens for Your Winter Houseplants
Whether you're just beginning your indoor plant journey or looking to expand your collection, Colonial Gardens has a wide selection of winter-friendly indoor plants Kansas City plant lovers adore. Our team is here to help you choose the perfect greenery for color, style, and air purification this season.
Stop by Colonial Gardens to shop fresh, vibrant houseplants—and bring a little winter cheer indoors!