The Best Indoor Plants for Dry Climates

Growing houseplants in dry climates can be challenging. These areas have low humidity and dry air, factors that accelerate wilting. However, with hardy varieties, you can beautify your space with healthy-looking greenery.

Nick’s Garden Center highlights top ideas for choosing the best houseplants for dry climates. We have also suggested various houseplants that flourish in Denver’s dry weather.

Factors to Consider For Indoor Houseplants in Dry Climates

Not every drought-resistant houseplant survives in Denver. So before you buy, make sure the plants you are considering are adapted to this region’s specific humidity, temperature and light conditions.

Light requirements. Denver gets over 300 days of sunshine. For this reason, sun-loving houseplants thrive better than low-light varieties.
Watering Needs. The dry air in Denver makes soil lose a lot of moisture in a short time. So you need a houseplant adapted to drought.
Humidity Preferences. As in most arid areas, humidity is often low in Denver. Thus, the right plants should probably have succulent, waxy leaves to reduce moisture loss.
Temperature Tolerance. Summer temperatures are often high, while winters are cold. A good houseplant should be able to withstand these fluctuations.

Best Indoor Houseplants For Dry Climates

Denver’s seemingly harsh climate might make you think you have fewer options for hardy houseplants. However, that’s not the case. There are plenty of options, including succulents, low-maintenance and air-purifying varieties.

Here are the top plants you’d want to add to your collection:

1. Drought-tolerant Succulents

Drought-resistant succulents have fleshy leaves and stems that store water for later use. These plants can go for several days without watering. Some of the leading succulents that do well in Denver homes are:

Aloe Vera
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Zebra Cactus (Haworthia)
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

2. Low-Maintenance Cacti

Low-maintenance cacti have thick, fleshy stems and leaves that retain water. This variety is very resistant to neglect and drought. With their distinctive shapes, cacti will also add a touch of natural elegance to your space.

Some great low-maintenance cacti for your home include:

Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Ball Cactus (Parodia magnifica)
Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)

3. Resilient Desert Plants

Desert plants are a great choice if you want to bring a touch of dry wilderness into your home. Since they are adapted to the desert climate, these plants save you the trouble of regular watering.

Some of the most popular desert plants at Nick’s Garden are:

Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
Yucca (Yucca spp.)
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)

4. Air-Purifying Plants

You have many hardy varieties to choose from if you are a fan of air-purifying houseplants. These plants help filter pollutants, allergens, and toxins, promoting respiratory health. Some of the best air-purifying plants available at our Denver garden include:

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)

5. Aesthetic Foliage Plants

From plants with lush foliage to those with intricate patterns, you can always find a variety that fits your aesthetic. The foliage plants can tolerate Denver’s low humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and dry air well. The top varieties in this category include:

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

Caring For Indoor Houseplants in Dry Climates

Many houseplants for dry climates are often low maintenance. However, you’ll still have to maintain the plants occasionally. Assuming you don’t know how to keep these plants in top shape, use the following ideas:

Watering Techniques. When watering your plants, be sure to soak the entire root zone. Water the plants whenever the top 1 inch of soil dries out.
Choosing the Right Soil. Houseplant compost is the best soil for your hardy plants. It contains essential nutrients that promote healthy and vigorous growth.
Providing Adequate Drainage. Use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Furthermore, you can improve drainage by mixing your soil with coarse sand.
Controlling Temperature and Humidity. Do not place your houseplants near windows or heating vents. You can also use a humidifier to increase your indoor humidity levels.
Fertilizing. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to nourish your houseplants. Before fertilizing, moisten the soil to avoid burning the roots.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When caring for your houseplants, you should do so with care. Otherwise, you could expose the plants to problems like root rot, wilting, and fungal infections. In particular, try to avoid the following common mistakes:

Overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.
Under watering. Like many other plants, your houseplants need adequate water. Otherwise, your plants may wither and eventually dry up.
Pest Infestations. Uncontrolled pests will damage the plant’s foliage, stems, and roots.
Nutritional Deficiencies. Nutrient deficiency results in stunted growth, browning of leaves, and reduced flowering or fruiting.

Learn More About the Best Indoor Plants in Denver

A variety of hardy houseplants flourish in Denver’s semi-arid conditions. These include succulents, cacti, air cleaners, and ornamentals. You can get all these varieties at Nick’s Garden Center, Denver’s premier nursery.