Why Winter is the “make-or-break” Season for Houseplants
If you’re looking for the best houseplants for winter, you’re not alone—especially during an Iowan cold snap. Between low light and dry indoor air, the winter can be the hardest season for indoor plants. The good news is… some plants are built for this. These winter houseplant staff picks are chosen for low-light indoor spaces along with simple care; which makes them realistic for everyday homes.
Jump right to our cheat sheet 1
The Staff Picks
Chosen by the Del’s experts – Explore the staff members who selected these plants → Meet Our Staff
1. Nicole Craig — Sansevieria
- Why we’d take it home: “I love the Sansevieria because they require low maintenance. You can put them anywhere in your home and they thrive. Great beginner plant” – Nicole Craig. Our staff notes the color and shape really make a non-negotiable winter plant!
- Best winter placement: Sanservierias can thrive in bright indirect light or medium-low direct light. We recommend placing your Sanservieria to the side of a window.
- Watering rule: Water your plant every two weeks, and keep watering until water emerges from the bottom.
- Winter warning: Do not overwater, keep from cold drafts and keep out of large pots.
- Who this plant is great for: This plant is great for all of the above, whether you’re a beginner or a long time plant lover!
Learn more about Sansevieria care from the Missouri Botanical Garden
2. Todd Brockshus — ‘Northwind’ Hybrid Korean Maple
“Looking out my kitchen window, I have a ‘Northwind’ Hybrid Korean Maple, and it truly takes center stage during the winter months. The lacy, olive-green foliage adds texture during the growing season, emerging bronze-red in spring and continuing with bronze-red new growth throughout summer. In fall, the leaves shift from orange to deep red before dropping to reveal golden-green twigs that slowly deepen into a rich brown-red, bringing color and structure to the winter landscape.” – Todd B
- Why we’d take it home: At Del’s Garden Center, the ‘Northwind’ Korean Maple continues to grow in popularity. These trees are successfully growing in landscapes throughout Spirit Lake, Okoboji, Storm Lake, and Cherokee, and we frequently sell out by late spring or early summer.
- Best winter placement: This smaller maple works beautifully as a focal point near a home, along landscape borders, or anywhere it can be enjoyed up close. Its winter twigs and branching structure make it especially impactful when viewed from inside during colder months.
- Watering rule: Water weekly during the growing season, especially in summer, to encourage healthy growth. Maintain evenly moist soil and apply mulch to help retain moisture and protect the root zone.
- Winter warning: Young trees have thin bark and should be protected from rabbits and winter sunscald. Use a rabbit guard and avoid planting in exposed locations prone to winter splitting.
- Who this plant is great for: Best for homeowners in northern climates, landscape enthusiasts, and anyone looking for four-season interest. A great choice for residential yards, businesses, and farm landscapes in Zone 4 areas.
Order one online at delsgarden.com to reserve one of these incredible hybrid maple trees for your home, business, or farm
3. Sunde — Meyer Lemon Tree
- Why we’d take it home: “Mine usually gets a really heavy bloom in December. This year, there are hundreds of blooms and they smell wonderful. It takes ten months to a year from bloom to fruit. They are cold tolerant to at least 27℉, so leave it outside well into fall! ” – Sunde
- Best winter placement: Meyer Lemon Trees need bright indirect sunlight OR exposure to a grow light.
- Watering rule: During the winter months, water your plant every two weeks… Spring, Summer and Fall, 1-2 times per week (outside).
- Winter warning: Do not overwater or overfertilize
- Who this plant is great for: This plant is best for experienced plant owners
See the Food Garden Life guide to Meyer Lemon Trees!
4. Ross Brockshus — Begonia Maculata
- Why we’d take it home: We think the polka dot leaves with a unique texture make this plant an instant standout during winter. The contrast between the spotted leaves and rich green tones adds visual interest when most plants slow down.
- Best winter placement: Polka Dot Begonia does best in medium, bright-indirect light and should be rotated regularly as it naturally reaches toward the light source. Rotating helps keep the plant balanced and prevents leaning.
- Watering rule: Minimal maintenance—this plant has survived in Del’s studio for two years with very little attention. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Winter warning: Failing to rotate the plant can lead to uneven growth. Cutting it back in early spring helps encourage fuller, healthier regrowth after winter.
- Who this plant is great for: Great for plant owners who want something visually interesting without a high-maintenance routine—especially those comfortable with basic plant care.
The Royal Horticultural Society shares helpful begonia care tips
5. Samantha — “ZZ Plant” or Zamiifolia
- Why we’d take it home: “One of the most reliable plants for an Iowa winter. It tolerates low light, dry indoor air & irregular watering – things we all deal with when the heat is running nonstop – It’s a true “Set It & Forget It” Plant!” — Sam. With its thick, glossy leaves and strong upright growth, the ZZ plant is a perfect winter confidence-booster plant—reliable, forgiving, and always polished-looking when other plants struggle.
- Best winter placement: Place a few feet back from a window where it receives indirect light. The ZZ plant handles low winter light exceptionally well and doesn’t need prime window real estate.
- Watering rule: Less is more! Water only when the soil is completely dry — every 1-2 weeks during the winter is typically sufficient.
- Winter warning: Avoid placing too close to cold windows or directly next to heat vents, as temperature swings can stress the plant.
- Who this plant is great for: Beginners, busy or forgetful waterers, low-light homes, experienced plant lovers, gift-giving, office or desk spaces, and small apartments.
The Spruce shares their thoughts on the wonderful Zanzibar Gem, or, the ZZ Plant
Honorable Mentions — Still Winter Winners
These didn’t quite make the top staff picks list, but we’d be lying if we said we don’t recommend them constantly during winter. If you’re looking to expand your plant collection beyond the basics, these honorable mentions are reliable, good-looking, and winter-tough.
African Milk Tree
- Why we still love it: The African Milk Tree is a bold, sculptural plant that thrives in dry indoor air—making it a strong winter survivor. Its upright growth and cactus-like appearance bring visual interest without requiring constant care.
- Best winter placement: Bright, indirect light near a window. It can tolerate lower light, but growth will slow.
- Watering rule: Water sparingly—about once every 2–3 weeks in winter. Let the soil dry completely between waterings.
- Winter warning: Overwatering is the biggest risk. Cold drafts and soggy soil can cause root issues.
- Who this plant is great for: Perfect for busy plant owners or anyone who prefers low-maintenance, statement plants.
Mostera (swiss cheese plant)
- Why we still love it: Monstera remains a favorite year-round thanks to its large, glossy leaves and tropical feel—even in the middle of winter. While growth slows, it stays healthy with minimal adjustments.
- Best winter placement: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun from south-facing windows in winter.
- Watering rule: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry— typically every 10-14 days in the winter.
- Winter warning: Avoid any cold drafts and don’t overwater during the low-light months.
- Who this plant is great for: Great for intermediate plant owners or anyone wanting a bold, modern houseplant.
- Best for low light: Polka Dot Begonia
- Best for beginners: Sansevieria
- Best if you forget to water: African Milk Tree
- Best statement plant: ‘Northwind’ Hybrid Korean Maple
- Best for small spaces: Polka Dot Begonia
Ready to Bring One Home?
- Not sure which plant fits your space? Tell us which direction your windows face (north, south, east, or west), and we’ll match you with the right pick.
- Have a question or want to talk it through? Reach out anytime → Contact Us
- Want it ready to go? Grab a pot and we’ll help you build the perfect combo in our full-service potting area with guidance from our horticulture pros.
Houseplants are available year-round at Del’s Garden Center, and winter is actually one of the best times to focus on indoor plants. While the outdoors slow down, our Winter Market helps with fresh houseplants, tropicals, and everything you need to keep your space green all season long.
Know What You Want? Contact Us Here:
Have a question about any of these staff picks or need help choosing the right plant for your space? Our team is happy to help—whether you’re shopping in person or planning ahead.
Address: 1808 11th Street Southeast
Phone: (712) 262 – 4912
Email: counter@delsgardencenter.com
Stop in, call, or reach out anytime—we’re here to help you grow with confidence, all year long.