Best Winter Plants for Des Moines Homes
Winter in Des Moines can be challenging for indoor plants, but choosing the right varieties can bring life and color to your home even during the coldest months. Here are our top recommendations for thriving winter houseplants perfect for Iowa's climate.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
One of the most resilient indoor plants, snake plants thrive in the dry indoor air common during Des Moines winters.
Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
Watering: Every 2-4 weeks; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
Water Preference: Prefers to dry out completely; drought-tolerant
Pot Size: Likes to be slightly rootbound; repot only when roots are very crowded
Light: Low to bright indirect light; very adaptable
Pothos
This trailing plant is incredibly forgiving and adapts well to indoor heating systems. Pothos purifies the air and adds a beautiful cascading element to any room.
Soil: Standard well-draining potting mix
Watering: Every 1-2 weeks; water when top 2 inches of soil are dry
Water Preference: Prefers to dry out slightly between waterings
Pot Size: Prefers some extra space; repot when roots fill the pot
Light: Low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sun
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is drought-tolerant and thrives on neglect, making it ideal for busy winter schedules. Its glossy leaves add a touch of elegance and it handles the temperature fluctuations common in Iowa homes.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand
Watering: Every 2-3 weeks; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
Water Preference: Extremely drought-tolerant; prefers to stay on the dry side
Pot Size: Likes to be slightly rootbound; slow-growing
Light: Low to bright indirect light; very adaptable
Heart-Leaf Philodendron
With its charming heart-shaped leaves and easy-going nature, the heart-leaf philodendron is perfect for Des Moines winters. It's a fast grower that adds lush greenery even during the darkest months.
Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix with peat moss
Watering: Every 1-2 weeks; water when top inch of soil is dry
Water Preference: Likes consistent moisture but not soggy soil
Pot Size: Prefers some room to grow; repot annually in spring
Light: Medium to bright indirect light; tolerates lower light
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
One of the best air-purifying plants for Des Moines homes, spider plants are champions at removing mold spores, formaldehyde, and other airborne toxins from indoor air. Their cascading variegated leaves add visual interest and they're incredibly easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners. Spider plants also produce adorable "babies" (plantlets) that you can propagate and share with friends!
Soil: Well-draining standard potting mix Watering: Every 1-2 weeks; water when top inch of soil is dry Water Preference: Prefers to dry out slightly between waterings; sensitive to fluoride in tap water (use filtered or distilled water if leaf tips brown) Pot Size: Prefers to be slightly rootbound; produces more babies when roots are snug Light: Medium to bright indirect light; tolerates lower light but grows slower
Winter Care Tips for Des Moines Plant Parents
- Reduce watering frequency - plants need less water in winter
- Keep plants away from heating vents and cold drafts
- Consider a humidifier to combat dry indoor air
- Rotate plants regularly to ensure even light exposure
- Hold off on fertilizing until spring when growth resumes
Plant Care Glossary
Understanding these common plant care terms will help you become a more confident plant parent:
Soil Types
Well-Draining Mix: Soil that allows excess water to flow through quickly, preventing root rot. Often contains perlite, sand, or bark.
Standard Potting Mix: General-purpose soil blend suitable for most houseplants, typically contains peat moss, vermiculite, and nutrients.
Cactus/Succulent Mix: Extra-fast draining soil with high sand or perlite content, designed for drought-tolerant plants.
Lighting Requirements
Low Light: Areas away from windows or north-facing windows; can read comfortably but not ideal for sun-loving plants.
Medium/Indirect Light: Bright room without direct sun rays; typically near east or west-facing windows with filtered light.
Bright Indirect Light: Very bright space near a window but protected from direct sun; ideal for most tropical plants.
Direct Light: Unfiltered sunlight directly on the plant; typically south-facing windows (use caution as this can burn many houseplants).
Water Preferences
Dry Out Completely: Allow all soil to become dry before watering again; stick your finger 2-3 inches down to check.
Dry Out Slightly: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; maintains some moisture in lower soil.
Consistent Moisture: Keep soil lightly moist at all times, never soggy or bone dry.
Drought-Tolerant: Can survive extended periods without water; prefers infrequent, deep watering.
Pot Size Preferences
Rootbound: When roots fill the entire pot and circle around; some plants (like snake plants) actually prefer this.
Extra Space: Room for roots to grow and expand; typically 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the root ball.
Repotting: Moving a plant to a larger container when it outgrows its current pot; best done in spring.
Visit Stella J Designs to find the perfect winter plants for your Des Moines home. We'll help you select varieties that will thrive through Iowa's winter and bring lasting beauty to your space.