As the new year unfolds and winter deepens, houseplants take on a special role in brightening our homes and spirits. Here at Inhabit Real Estate, we love our houseplant babies not only in our own homes but also when staging client spaces. As South Orange County's sunny charm transitions to a cozy, cooler vibe, it's the perfect time to nurture our leafy friends through the colder months. With the right care, houseplants can not only survive but thrive, bringing life and vibrancy to our interiors when nature outside slows down.
Here are top tips to keep your houseplants happy this winter, along with insights into trending greenery and troubleshooting common seasonal challenges.
The Green Stars of Winter: Trending Houseplants
This season, the design world is abuzz with houseplants that double as living art. Plants can fit any room, but it's important to see what works best for your space. Here’s what’s trending:
- Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): Beloved for its bold, perforated leaves, Monstera brings a tropical touch to modern interiors.
- Calathea Varieties: Their intricate patterns and jewel-tone foliage make these plants natural showstoppers.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig: Still a classic, its sculptural form makes it a staple in curated living spaces.
- Hoya Plants (Wax Plants): Perfect for trailing or climbing, Hoyas thrive in bright spots and add a whimsical element.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): A minimalist’s dream, this low-maintenance beauty brings structure and clean lines to any room.
- Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum): A resilient choice, Pothos thrives in low light and tolerates irregular watering.
- Peperomia: Compact and colorful, Peperomia varieties love bright, indirect light.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia): Nearly indestructible, this plant thrives in low to bright indirect light.
South OC’s Winter Plant Challenges and Solutions
1. Low Humidity
The cooler months often bring drier air, which can lead to crispy leaves and unhappy plants.
Solution:
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Group your plants together to create a microclimate of higher humidity.
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Use a pebble tray or invest in a small humidifier for rooms with multiple plants.
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Mist foliage sparingly for plants that appreciate it, like ferns and Calatheas.
2. Overwatering Woes
Shorter days mean slower growth, and many plants need less water than usual.
Solution:
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Always check the top inch of soil before watering—if it’s dry, your plant is thirsty.
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Reduce your watering schedule by half compared to summer months.
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Opt for pots with drainage holes to avoid waterlogged roots.
3. Light Limitations
Winter’s shorter days and angled sunlight can leave plants craving brightness.
Solution:
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Rotate plants weekly to ensure even light exposure.
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Move sun-loving plants like succulents closer to south- or west-facing windows.
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Consider supplementing with a grow light for darker corners.
4. Temperature Fluctuations
Drafty windows and blasts of hot air from heaters can stress plants.
Solution:
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Keep plants away from vents, fireplaces, and drafty windows.
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Maintain a consistent room temperature between 65°F and 75°F.
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Use curtains to buffer plants from cold night air near windows.
Design-Inspired Plant Styling
Elevate your home’s aesthetic with thoughtful plant placement. Try grouping plants of varying heights and textures to create visual interest. Incorporate statement planters in ceramic, wicker, or metallic finishes to complement your home’s style. For a playful twist, consider hanging planters or wall-mounted greenery to draw the eye upward.
Trending palettes this winter lean toward earthy neutrals, deep greens, and warm terracotta tones—perfect for blending houseplants seamlessly into your decor.
Care Tips for Popular Picks
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Monstera Deliciosa: Wipe down leaves regularly to keep them dust-free and able to photosynthesize efficiently. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
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Calathea: Loves consistent moisture but hates soggy roots. Use filtered water or let tap water sit overnight to avoid browning leaf edges.
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Fiddle Leaf Fig: Rotate weekly to prevent leaning and water sparingly in winter, ensuring its soil stays just slightly damp.
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Hoya: Thrives on neglect. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and give it bright, indirect light.
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Snake Plant: Practically indestructible. Water monthly and place in low to bright indirect light.
Why Houseplants Are More Than Decor
Beyond their undeniable aesthetic appeal, houseplants bring emotional and physical benefits to our homes. They purify the air, boost mood, and create a sense of connection to nature, even when we’re indoors. During the winter months, they’re a gentle reminder of growth and renewal, infusing spaces with calm and comfort. As part of the biophilic interior design movement, houseplants contribute to a sense of tranquility and wellness by mimicking natural environments indoors—a key benefit during the long, gray days of winter.
South Orange County’s Perfect Plant Pairings
Here in South OC, where homes blend coastal elegance with relaxed sophistication, houseplants are the perfect complement. Whether you’re enhancing a sunlit kitchen nook or adding warmth to a mid-century modern living room, the right greenery adds depth and personality to your space. Embrace the art of plant care this winter, and watch your home—and your plants—flourish.
Let’s Grow Together
Do you have a go-to houseplant tip or a favorite winter care ritual? Share it with us in the comments or tag us on Instagram @Inhabit_RealEstate. Let’s celebrate the beauty of thriving homes and the plants that make them feel alive.
