Cold window drafts can be a silent killer for houseplants — especially during winter. While a windowsill may seem like the perfect place for greenery, many plants struggle when exposed to chilly air leaking through frames or glass. Fortunately, some tough, resilient plants can not only survive cold window drafts, but continue to grow with minimal fuss.
In this guide, you’ll discover hardy houseplants that tolerate cool temperatures, drafty windows, and inconsistent indoor conditions — along with care tips to keep them healthy throughout the seasons.
Why Cold Drafts Are Dangerous for Most Plants
Most indoor plants are tropical by nature. They’re used to stable warmth and humidity, not fluctuating temperatures or sudden cold air.
Common symptoms of cold stress:
- Drooping or curling leaves
- Leaf discoloration (especially browning or blackening)
- Slow or halted growth
- Sudden leaf drop
Cold window drafts typically happen in:
- Older homes with poorly sealed windows
- Winter months when outside air seeps through glass
- Nights when heat is reduced indoors
The key is choosing plants that can handle cooler, drier air and adapting your care accordingly.
10 Tough Plants That Tolerate Cold Window Drafts
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Why it survives: Extremely adaptable and tolerant of cool, dry air
- Ideal temps: Down to 45°F (7°C)
- Care tip: Let soil dry fully between waterings
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Why it survives: Tolerates neglect, low light, and cool temperatures
- Ideal temps: As low as 50°F (10°C)
- Care tip: Avoid overwatering in cold months
3. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Why it survives: Named for its toughness — slow-growing but extremely hardy
- Ideal temps: Can survive down to 40°F (4°C)
- Care tip: Prefers low light and evenly moist soil
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Why it survives: Durable and flexible; tolerates dry air and light chills
- Ideal temps: Down to 45°F (7°C)
- Care tip: Mist occasionally in dry winter air
5. Philodendron (Heartleaf)
- Why it survives: Versatile vine that adapts well to various temperatures
- Ideal temps: Minimum around 50°F (10°C)
- Care tip: Avoid cold, wet soil; keep slightly drier in winter
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Why it survives: Naturally adapted to cooler environments
- Ideal temps: 40–60°F (4–15°C)
- Care tip: Provide bright indirect light and good airflow
7. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Why it survives: A cold-tolerant palm suitable for lower-light, cooler areas
- Ideal temps: 50°F (10°C) and above
- Care tip: Water sparingly and avoid soggy soil
8. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Why it survives: Incredibly forgiving, adaptable, and low-maintenance
- Ideal temps: Withstands temps as low as 50°F (10°C)
- Care tip: Keep away from glass if frost forms on windows
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Why it survives: Can tolerate cooler temps and poor humidity
- Ideal temps: Around 50°F (10°C), but not below 45°F (7°C)
- Care tip: Keep soil slightly moist and avoid drafts that drop below 40°F
10. Ferns (Certain Types Like Boston Fern)
- Why it survives: Some fern types tolerate lower humidity and moderate cold
- Ideal temps: 50–60°F (10–15°C)
- Care tip: Mist regularly to combat dry air
Placement Tips for Drafty Windows
Even tough plants need smart positioning to avoid damage.
Do:
- Place plants a few inches away from the window glass
- Use window insulation film or weatherstripping to reduce cold air
- Move plants at night if your windows frost over
- Choose double-paned glass areas for the most stable temperatures
Don’t:
- Let leaves touch cold glass
- Place plants directly above heating vents as a cold-hot cycle can shock roots
- Water too frequently — cold air + wet soil = root rot
How to Protect Window Plants from Cold Drafts
If your home gets especially drafty in winter, take these extra precautions:
- Use ceramic or terra cotta pots — they buffer temperature swings better than plastic
- Raise pots off the sill using trays, cork pads, or small plant stands
- Install a thermal curtain and close it at night
- Place a humidifier nearby to counteract dry air from heaters
- Group plants together to create a humidity bubble and shared warmth
Signs Your Plant Isn’t Handling the Cold Well
Even hardy plants have their limits. Watch for:
- Wilting despite proper watering
- Brown leaf edges
- Slow or no new growth during the growing season
- Blackened stems or spots (a sign of cold damage)
If these appear, move the plant farther from the window or use a space heater nearby (not directly on the plant).
FAQs
What temperature is too cold for most window plants?
Anything below 45°F (7°C) is risky for most common houseplants. Some tropical plants start to suffer even below 55°F (13°C).
Can I leave my plants on the windowsill overnight in winter?
Yes — if the window is well-sealed and double-glazed. Otherwise, move them a few inches away at night.
Should I still mist plants near cold windows?
Yes — but only if the room is dry and warm during the day. Avoid misting at night or in freezing conditions.
Are there any flowering plants that tolerate drafts?
African violets and some varieties of anthurium can handle moderate drafts, but most bloomers prefer warmer, stable air.
Can I use heat mats for drafty windows?
Yes — gentle root-zone heating can help protect tropical plants in colder areas.
Final Thoughts
Cold drafts don’t have to spell disaster for your indoor garden. With the right plant choices and a few strategic adjustments, you can keep your window area lush and green — even when the temperature dips. The plants listed above are resilient, beautiful, and capable of enduring the chill of a drafty window. Choose them wisely, care for them thoughtfully, and your home will stay full of life year-round.