There are many reasons why people choose to grow plants indoors during the cold months or any other time. Some enjoy having greenery around them even when it isn’t springtime. Others want to save money on gardening supplies and seeds. And some like seeing what’s growing outside every morning. Whatever your reason, certain plants you can grow in your home won’t require much space, light, or water. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Table of Contents
Here are the 10 best plants for your windowsill
1. Oregano
Growing what you like to eat is some of the best gardening advice. Anyone who has tasted oregano knows how delicious it is when used to season things like pot roast and poultry. In addition to making a stunning addition to any kitchen, these hardy little plants will also produce a bounty of delicious leaves that will be perfect for any home cook looking to grow a bounty of fresh vegetables.
Clipping leaves as often as possible helps the plant regrow more, so cropping leaves as often as possible will help it grow more.
2. Succulents
Plants such as aloes, agaves, echeverias, and crassulas thrive on a windowsill due to their low growth rates and ability to adjust to various lighting levels. It is recommended that they are planted in full sun and watered infrequently.
A dappled shade, however, is what Haworthia truncata prefers, as demonstrated in the photo. If you have a small patio area where you can place one or two pots, you’ll benefit from the plants most. They do need to be repotted once per year and should be given plenty of fertilizer.
3. Peace Lilies
If you’re looking for a way to bring a touch of nature into your home, consider planting a peace lily. These tropical flowers look great hanging in baskets or on a shelf, and their long stems make them easy to care for. You might not think about planting a peace lily until you see how beautiful they are when they bloom, but once you’ve seen them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t plant them years ago.
4. Monstera obliqua
This tropical vine is easy to care for and grows quickly. Its small size makes it ideal for indoor use. This variety has large, heart-shaped leaves on a short stem. They look like little holes cut into the leaf. They are called “fenestrate” because they resemble the openings in the roof of a cathedral.
The flowers are white or cream-colored and bloom throughout summer. The fruits ripen in late fall and winter.
5. Cacti
The humble cactus is one of nature’s most resilient plants. It can survive without water for up to five months. And while you might think that makes them great candidates for indoor planting, there are some drawbacks to having them indoors. They don’t like planting too deeply into pots – just a few centimeters deep is enough. If you plant them too deeply, they won’t grow properly.
They also prefer to live in dry conditions, so keep them well watered. You can use regular tap water, distilled water, or rainwater. But remember that rainwater contains minerals that could leach out over time, so choose bottled water if possible.
And finally, you shouldn’t put them near heating vents because the heat can damage their roots. Instead, place them somewhere where they receive plenty of natural light.
| Plant Name | Light Requirements | Watering Frequency | Special Care Tips | Growth Height | Common Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider Plant | Bright, indirect | Moderate | Prune brown tips, remove offsets | 12-24 inches | Variegated, Curly |
| Jade Plant | Bright, direct | Low | Well-draining soil, avoid overwatering | 12-18 inches | Crassula ovata |
| Aloe Vera | Bright, indirect | Low | Let soil dry between watering | 12-24 inches | Aloe barbadensis |
| Peace Lily | Low to moderate | Moderate | Keep soil consistently moist | 16-24 inches | Spathiphyllum |
| Pothos | Low to bright | Low | Tolerant of occasional neglect | Varies | Golden, Marble Queen |
| Snake Plant | Low to bright | Low | Minimal watering, tolerate low light | 18-36 inches | Sansevieria |
| Succulents | Bright, direct | Low | Well-draining soil, infrequent watering | Varies | Echeveria, Sedum |
| Basil | Bright, direct | Moderate | Regular pruning for bushier growth | 12-24 inches | Sweet, Thai, Genovese |
| Lavender | Bright, direct | Low | Well-draining soil, avoid overwatering | 12-18 inches | English, French |
| Rosemary | Bright, direct | Low | Allow soil to dry between watering | 18-24 inches | Prostrate, Upright |
6. Monstera obliqua
The Monstera genus includes about 150 species, including popular houseplants such as Monstera deliciosa and Monstera spp., commonly known as “Christmas cactus.” Monsteras are native to tropical regions throughout Central America, Mexico, and South America. They often grow along streams and riversides where humidity levels are high.
Monsteras are easy to care for and require little attention once established. They do well indoors during winter, but many prefer to spend summer outdoors. Some species of Monstera can survive temperatures down into the low 20s Fahrenheit.
7. Streptocarpus
Low-growing and tolerant of bright and shady conditions, many succulent plants make great window gardeners. They require minimal care and grow well indoors under artificial lighting. Succulents include aloes, agaves, and echeverias, among others.
Most thrive in full sun and require very little water once established. Some prefer partial shade, while others like it in full sunlight. Haworthia truncata is one example of a succulent that likes dappled shade. Its leaves are heart-shaped and green, while its flowers are white.
8. Thyme
Thyme is one of the most versatile herbs out there. This little plant grows easily indoors or outdoors, and it doesn’t require much maintenance. Plus, it’s easy to grow and requires very few resources.
Look no further than thyme if you want something to add flavor to your dishes. Many types of thyme include lemon, purple, and rosemary. Some people prefer to use dried thyme over fresh because it lasts longer. However, fresh thyme is easier to work with.
You’ll find that thyme is best used in soups, stews, salads, bread, and sauces. It pairs well with fish, chicken, lamb, pork, beef, vegetables, and pasta.
9. Sage
Sage is a great option if you want something quick to grow. This perennial herb grows quickly, reaching about 2 feet tall within six months. You’ll find it thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
While this classic herb won’t go crazy like others on our list, it grows quickly. Choose a dwarf variety and regularly trim the leaves to keep it under control.
You’ll be able to enjoy fresh sage throughout the holiday season. You can even use sage in place of dried basil in recipes.
10. Pelargoniums
The pelargonium is one of the most popular flowering shrubs for indoor use. These easy-to-grow plants come in various colors and sizes and are ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and patio containers. Pelargoniums are best planted in spring or early autumn and enjoy a sunny position in a sheltered spot.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What Are The Benefits Of Indoor Plants?
Additionally, studies have shown that plants in indoor spaces can significantly reduce the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemical gases can negatively impact your health in the long run.
2. Can Orchids Be Tolerant Of Direct Sunlight?
No, they can’t. If orchids are near windows or fluorescent lights, do not expose them to temperatures higher than 85°F (30°C) for long periods. Orchids will suffer heat stress if exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.
3. How Should I Maintain My Houseplants During Winter?
Houseplants need to be watered during the coldest part of the year. Watering should occur every other day instead of daily, encouraging roots to develop more evenly distributed branches. Houseplants also benefit from a change in their light cycle at this time of year. During the winter, houseplants should receive 6 hours of morning light exposure followed by 12 hours of darkness.
4. Why Does My Houseplant Wilt After Blooming?
When your houseplant begins to bloom, the stems become tender and die back. This is because the plant’s energy has been spent on growing flowers. To prevent this from happening, cut off the dead parts of the stem before new growth starts.
5. Which Type Of Houseplant Is Suitable For All Seasons?
All houseplants require consistent watering throughout the year but will thrive in any environment. Most houseplants are hardy and can survive without water for prolonged periods. Regarding how much water each plant needs, this depends on the size of the pot and whether or not its container was designed to allow excess moisture to drain properly.
Conclusion
Many different types of plants are suitable for indoor use. However, some may be too challenging to care for and manage, while others may take up too much space. It’s important to consider your personal preferences and what space you have available before deciding which plants to include in your home. However, the above plants are best for your windowsill garden.
