Why cold windows are hard on plants
Most common houseplants are tropical or subtropical, so they do not like cold. A windowsill is also one of the coldest places in a room on a winter night. The glass cools quickly, and cold air can sink from the window into the space around the plant. Leaves that touch the glass can chill, and a plant that sits in a draft can drop leaves or turn black and mushy.
Chilling usually shows up as dark, water-soaked or blackened patches on leaves, sudden leaf drop, or limp growth. It is more likely in wet soil, because cold, soggy roots rot easily.
There is no single temperature that is safe for every plant. As a cautious rule, many tropical houseplants are happier when the air around them stays comfortably above about 10 C (50 F), and several are damaged well before frost. Temperatures at or near freezing can kill most of them.
Plants that cope with cooler windows
None of these likes frost. They are simply more tolerant of cool rooms than many tropical houseplants.
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Often described as tolerant of cool, shady rooms. It grows slowly. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Handles cooler rooms if the soil stays on the dry side, but cold wet soil is a problem. Keep it away from glass in a hard freeze. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Tolerates cooler rooms if watered sparingly, but it is not frost-hardy. Toxic if eaten.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Often grown happily in cool, bright rooms. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Jade plant (Crassula ovata) and other succulents
Many succulents like a cooler, drier winter rest, as long as they are kept dry and above freezing. See succulent plants care in winter for more. Jade is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. Echeveria is generally listed as non-toxic, but check the exact plant before buying.
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)
Often encouraged to bloom by cooler nights and longer darkness in autumn. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Avoid cold drafts, which can make buds drop. More flowering cacti are covered in flowering cactus houseplants.
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Often regarded as one of the cooler-tolerant houseplants, but it is toxic to pets and people if eaten, and sap may irritate skin. Ivy can also be prone to spider mites in warm, dry rooms.
Bromeliads and some aloe
Some tolerate cool rooms, but cold wet centres or wet soil can cause rot. Aloe is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, and is not frost-hardy.
Plants to move away from a cold sill
Pothos, philodendrons, peace lilies, calatheas, prayer plants, fiddle leaf figs, orchids and most tropical flowering plants tend to suffer if the sill gets cold. Move these back from the window at night in winter, or keep them in a warmer room. Calatheas are especially sensitive; see our calathea care guide for the temperatures they like.
How close should plants be to a window?
There is no universal distance. Light falls off quickly as you move away from glass, so plants that need bright light must sit near the window. In winter, the opposite risk is cold. Some practical habits:
- Keep leaves from touching the glass.
- Place your hand on the glass at night. If it feels very cold, leave a gap of a few inches, or put a sheet of cardboard or a curtain between plant and glass for the night.
- Move plants back a foot or so from single-pane windows during cold snaps, and bring them forward again by day if they need the light.
- Avoid placing plants directly above radiators or heating vents, which swing between hot and dry air, and then cold.
Can plants get light through frosted windows?
Yes. Frosted or textured glass lets light through but scatters it, so the light is softer and a bit weaker. Plants near frosted glass usually do best if they are close to it, and choose low-light tolerant types. It may be worth reading our guide to easy low-light houseplants for options.
Cold windows and watering
Plants use less water when it is cool and dim. Soil that stays wet in cold conditions is a common cause of root rot. Water only when the top of the soil feels dry, and use less than you would in summer. Empty saucers, and never leave a pot sitting in cold water on a sill.
What is the best plant for a windowsill?
It depends on how much sun the window gets. Succulents and snake plants are common sill picks for bright, dry spots. For shady north-facing sills, cast iron plants, ZZ plants and spider plants are common. See our guide to tall plants for a north-facing window for taller options, or plants for a north-west window if your light is mixed. If your window faces the other way and gets hot rather than cold, see indoor plants that can stand heat.
Common questions
What houseplants tolerate cold temperatures?
Cast iron plants, spider plants, some succulents and Christmas cactus are commonly mentioned. None tolerate frost.
Are cold-tolerant plants safe for pets?
Not all. Cast iron plant, spider plant and Christmas cactus are generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Jade, aloe, snake plant, ZZ plant and ivy are toxic if eaten. If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, contact a doctor, vet or poison control service.
Should I use plastic or a curtain to protect plants?
A curtain or cardboard barrier between plant and glass at night can help. Don’t let plastic touch leaves or trap moisture.