Easy-to-care-for houseplants for winter: tips from experts

Many studies show that environments with live plants have positive effects on well-being, health and concentration. Houseplants bring freshness and color to living spaces, especially in the dark season.

Between the equator and the poles there are hundreds of thousands of plant species from a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts, each with optimally adapted species. There are also many green plants that are suitable for use indoors.

Enclosed spaces offer very different conditions for plants than in their natural location. Especially in summer, the air is often very dry, lack of lighting due to short days and the low position of the sun, as well as heating or strong winds can make it difficult to provide water.

But don’t worry: there is something for every location – whether in a bright or dark apartment, or rather cool or cozy and warm. There are also many options for those who forget to water, but also for those who want to take care of their plants every day.

And last but not least, there are large solitary green plants as well as species that remain small throughout their lives on the windowsill.

Bow hemp, also called mother-in-law’s tongue by some, is very easy to care for. It is not for nothing that it is on the windowsills of many bars. It can handle beer residue or cigarette butts as well as weeks of dryness.

The cobbler’s palm from Japan and the lucky feather from Africa are also indestructible. Coleus also causes quite a bit of trouble.

However, for experienced indoor gardeners, representatives of the Marantaceae family are recommended. More than 500 species of beautiful leafy plants from the South American rainforest thrive on the forest floor and are accustomed to a constant, warm and humid climate. They compensate for the lack of light in the soil with special dyes and attractive leaf patterns.

However, dry or stagnant water is just as dangerous as hard water. This requires sensitivity in care.

Maranta, Calathea, Ctenanthe and other genera provide some of the most beautiful foliage plants in the range. However, the arrowleaf representative (Alocasia) from Asia also contributes an interesting species, although with very high care requirements.

Tropical vines such as Monstera or Baumfreund (Philodendron), which can climb tree trunks on their own using special adhesive roots, need more space. Monstera in particular is very popular due to its very large leaves with sometimes oddly perforated leaves.

Representatives of philodendron, on the other hand, are in demand primarily because of their different leaf shapes and leaf patterns in different sizes. Maintenance is quite simple.

If you want to accent a room, you should consider Schefflera, Kentia palm, Croton, various rubber trees, or dragon trees. But don’t put it too far indoors, because everyone likes a bright place without direct summer sunlight.

Almost all ornamental plants cannot tolerate waterlogging or drought. Some species take it less seriously than others. Anyone who “talks to their plants” will quickly notice if something is growing abnormally. Therefore, you should check your plants regularly.

Dry room air or drafts generally cause problems, not only for us, but also for our foster children. Therefore, pay close attention to pests and diseases. Brown leaf tips in particular indicate discomfort in the plant. Spraying or moisturizing may help.

Elmar Mai is a garden expert on the ZDF show “Full pot– Service every day”.

ZDFheute on WhatsApp

Do you want to stay up to date? Then the ZDFheute WhatsApp channel is the right place for you. Here you will receive the most important news on your smartphone. Take part in surveys or get inspired by our podcast “Short Breaks”. To register: ZDFheute WhatsApp channel.