Are you a Calgary resident looking to bring a touch of greenery into your home? Calgary’s unique climate—with its cold winters, dry air, and fluctuating seasons—can present challenges for indoor plant care. But fear not! With the right plants and care techniques, you can create a thriving indoor oasis that brightens your space and purifies the air.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a budding enthusiast, these tips will help you select and care for the best indoor plants for Calgary’s climate. 

Use our quick navigation guide below to jump to any point of our blog on The Best Indoor Plants for Calgary’s Climate:

Why Indoor Plants Thrive in Calgary

While Calgary's winters can be harsh and dry, the city offers abundant sunlight year-round, making it an excellent place for certain sun-loving indoor plants. Many plants also thrive in Calgary’s low humidity when given a little extra care and attention.

What Are the Best Indoor Plants for Calgary’s Climate?  

Low Maintenance, Sun Loving Plants

  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Thrives in bright light but tolerates low light. Requires minimal watering—perfect for Calgary’s dry air.
  • Aloe Vera: Loves direct sunlight, which Calgary has in abundance. Stores water in its leaves, making it drought-resistant.
  • Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Ideal for beginners; tolerates a variety of light conditions. Known for its air-purifying properties.

Humidity Loving Plants

  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Thrives in indirect light and prefers higher humidity. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to keep it happy.
  • Boston Fern: A humidity-loving plant that enjoys bright, indirect light. Mist regularly or place near a humidifier to replicate its natural environment.

Hardy, Versatile Plants

  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Adapts to various lighting conditions, from low light to bright indirect light. Tolerates occasional neglect—perfect for busy Calgarians.
  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Handles low light and dry conditions exceptionally well. Water sparingly and watch it thrive.

Tips for Thriving Indoor Plants in Calgary

Light is Key

Calgary’s long daylight hours during summer are perfect for sun-loving plants. Position plants near south- or west-facing windows for maximum sunlight exposure.

Combat Dry Air

Use a humidifier or mist your plants regularly, especially during the winter months. Group plants together to create a microclimate with higher humidity. 

Water Wisely

Overwatering is a common mistake. Let the soil dry out between waterings for most plants. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Choose the Right Soil

Use well-draining soil mixes, especially for drought-resistant plants like succulents and cacti. Add perlite or sand to your soil mix to improve drainage.

Watch the Temperature

Avoid placing plants near drafts, heaters, or vents, as sudden temperature changes can harm them. Maintain a consistent indoor temperature between 18°C and 24°C for most plants.

Calgary’s Best Indoor Plant Picks by Room

Living Room

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig: Loves bright light but needs consistent care.
  • Philodendron: Thrives in indirect light with moderate watering.

Bedroom 

  • Snake Plant: Releases oxygen at night, improving air quality as you sleep.
  • Lavender Plant: Provides a calming aroma and loves bright light.

Kitchen

  • Herbs (Basil, Thyme, Mint): Perfect for a sunny windowsill.
  • Aloe Vera: Handy for burns and needs minimal care.

Indoor Trees to Elevate Your Home Space

Indoor trees can transform a room, adding beauty, serenity, and a touch of nature. They not only serve as eye-catching focal points but also purify the air and contribute to a healthier environment. Here are some stunning indoor trees that can elevate your living space, with reasons why they’ll thrive in Calgary’s indoor environment:

Banyan Tree

Why It’s Special: With its expansive canopy and graceful aerial roots, the banyan tree can create a tropical oasis in your home. Its unique, bold presence makes it an excellent choice for larger spaces.

Benefits: Symbolizing strength and longevity, this tree can bring a sense of peace and grounding to your home.

Why It Grows Well in Calgary: The banyan tree thrives in warm, well-lit spaces, making it a perfect addition to Calgary homes with sunny windows. While Calgary’s outdoor climate is too harsh, growing it indoors provides the controlled environment it needs to flourish.

Cherry Blossom Tree

Why It’s Special: The delicate and vibrant pink blossoms of the cherry blossom tree can bring a touch of elegance and grace to any room. It’s a symbol of beauty and renewal.

Benefits: Aside from its stunning visual appeal, cherry blossoms also help add a calming atmosphere to your home.

Why It Grows Well in Calgary: Cherry blossom trees are well-suited for indoor growing in Calgary due to the city's cold winters. These trees can thrive in Calgary’s indoor conditions, where they can be placed near bright, south-facing windows to mimic the sunlight they would get in their native climates.

Kentia Palm

Why It’s Special: The Kentia palm is a sleek, modern tree with long, arching fronds that add sophistication and a tropical feel to your space.

Benefits: Known for being low maintenance, it’s perfect for anyone wanting to add a touch of greenery without the hassle of constant care.

Why It Grows Well in Calgary: Kentia palms adapt well to indoor environments and are highly tolerant of dry air, which makes them a perfect choice for Calgary's chilly winters when indoor heating can dry out the air. The palm's love for indirect light also suits Calgary's variable natural lighting.

Banana Tree

Why It’s Special: The banana tree adds a vibrant, exotic vibe with its large, glossy leaves. It’s a great choice for creating a lush, tropical ambiance in your home.

Benefits: Not only does it look beautiful, but it’s also an easy-care plant that can thrive indoors if given the right conditions.

Why It Grows Well in Calgary: While banana trees are typically seen in tropical climates, they can grow indoors year-round in Calgary with the right amount of warmth and sunlight. They thrive in spaces with plenty of natural light, and Calgary's cold winters make it a perfect place for these tropical beauties to be kept inside.

Cactus Tree

Why It’s Special: The cactus tree brings an element of the desert to your home. Its unique, sculptural form works well in minimalist or modern interiors.

Benefits: With minimal watering and care, the cactus tree is perfect for busy individuals looking for a low-maintenance plant option that still makes a statement.

Why It Grows Well in Calgary: Cactus trees are ideal for Calgary's dry air and sun-filled days, especially when placed near windows with full sun exposure. Calgary's winter months provide a dry environment that cacti naturally thrive in, while the cold outdoors keeps them from getting too much moisture.

Orange Tree

Why It’s Special: Bring a refreshing burst of citrus to your space with a small indoor orange tree. The sight of vibrant oranges ripening on the tree is an instant mood booster.

Benefits: Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, an indoor orange tree offers the satisfaction of growing your own fruit, providing both beauty and a reward.

Why It Grows Well in Calgary: Orange trees require plenty of sunlight, making them a great choice for Calgary’s sunny winter days. Placing them by south-facing windows ensures they get the sunlight they need to thrive. Since Calgary’s winters are cold, keeping an orange tree indoors helps protect it from frost while still benefiting from natural sunlight.

Common Indoor Plant Challenges in Calgary

Dealing with Low Humidity

Mist your plants, especially tropical varieties like Peace Lily and Boston Fern. Group plants or use a pebble tray to boost humidity. 

Adjusting to Seasonal Light Changes

Move plants closer to windows during winter to maximize natural light. Use grow lights during the darker months for plants needing more consistent brightness.

Handling Pests

Inspect plants regularly for pests like spider mites or aphids. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Why is it Important to Have Plants in Your Home?

Indoor plants are more than just a stylish addition to your living space—they provide numerous benefits that positively impact your well-being and the environment of your home. Here’s why every Calgary home should embrace indoor greenery:

Boosts Mental Health

Indoor plants can significantly improve your mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Studies have shown that spending time around greenery can help lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote a sense of calm. The act of caring for plants can also be a therapeutic and rewarding hobby that fosters mindfulness.

Improves Air Quality

Certain plants act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. This is especially valuable in Calgary's dry climate, where heating systems can sometimes lead to stale indoor air. Plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and Boston ferns are great for refreshing your home’s air.

Regulates Humidity

Calgary’s dry air can affect your skin, respiratory system, and overall comfort. Many indoor plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, helping to maintain healthier humidity levels in your home. Plants like areca palms and rubber trees are particularly effective at adding moisture to the air.

Enhances Productivity and Focus

If you work or study from home, adding plants to your space can boost concentration, creativity, and productivity. The presence of greenery has been linked to improved cognitive function and focus, making your home office or study area more inspiring and efficient.

Adds a Touch of Style and Personality

Aesthetic appeal is an undeniable benefit of having indoor plants. They add a pop of color, texture, and vibrancy to any room, helping to transform plain interiors into inviting, cozy spaces. From minimalist succulents to lush trailing vines, plants can complement any design style.

Encourages a Healthier Lifestyle

Surrounding yourself with plants can encourage a deeper connection to nature, even indoors. This connection can inspire healthier habits, such as spending more time outdoors, being mindful of the environment, and prioritizing self-care.

With these incredible benefits, it’s clear that indoor plants are more than just a decorative choice—they're a lifestyle upgrade! Whether you're new to plant care or a seasoned green thumb, integrating greenery into your home is an investment in your physical, mental, and environmental health.

Helping Plants Thrive

With a bit of care and attention, you can create a lush, green indoor paradise in Calgary. Choose plants that thrive in low humidity and abundant sunlight, and adapt your care routine to suit Calgary’s unique climate.

Are you ready to bring life to your home with indoor plants? Let us know your favorite picks, and start building your indoor jungle today! If you’re looking for expert advice or tips on where to find the best plants and supplies in Calgary, contact us—we’d love to help!

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