Houseplants for cool rooms

Houseplants that do well in cool rooms.

Just as some people like to keep their their houses very warm and others prefer cooler surroundings, various houseplants have their temperature likes and dislikes, too.

Earlier this month, we discussed temperatures and houseplants, specifically that some houseplants aren't going to be happy when you turned down the thermostat in winter. Fortunately, that doesn't apply to all indoor plants. Some are perfectly happy at temperatures that make humans shiver.

But if you're looking for plants that don't mind being at 60 to 65 degrees F. during the day and between 55 and 60 degrees F. at night, here's the promised list. Click on the name of the plant to see a photo (and sometimes to learn more about it).

However, do keep in mind that houseplants in cooler temperatures will need to be watered less frequently than those in warm rooms. Just like people, plants rarely enjoy cold feet!

Amaryllis
Asparagus fern
Begonia
Bird's nest fern
Bromeliads
Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus
Coleus
Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii var. splendens)
Flowering maple (Abutilon)
Fuchsia
Hibiscus
Hoya
Kalanchoe
Kangaroo vine (Cissus antarctica)
Palms
Pepperomia
Piggyback plant
Pilea
Pocketbook plant (Calceolaria)
Purple passion plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
Strawberry begonia
Schefflera
Shamrock (Oxalis)
Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana)
Snake plant (mother-in-law's tongue)
Staghorn fern

In a few days, look for one last list in this series -- plants that need warmth. These are recommended for nursing homes where temperatures are kept high and for apartments that stay hot because the heat can't be regulated.