If you’re like me, then you don’t like winter at all. I know that we get the holidays, and Christmas is lovely, but I truly dislike cold weather, snow and ice. For one, it’s dangerous for driving. But, even aside from having to drive in it, I just absolutely love warm weather, sunshine, beaches and sunsets on warm summer nights. I’m not big on freezing in the evening. Sometimes, even with all my warm pajamas and socks on in bed, I’m still cold.

In that spirit, one way to kind of trick your mind into thinking it’s springtime is to stock up on plants you can grow indoors. Now, I love trying to grow plants, but I have to admit that I’m not great at it. The soil where I live is very clay-like, so it’s difficult to grow anything. Plus, you have to remember to water plants on a regular basis, and since I have so much already going on, that sometimes slips my mind. But, these plants are pretty hassle-free and can brighten up your area during the cold winter months. Is it spring yet?

Plants You Can Grow Indoors in the Wintertime

African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)

For all of these plants, I’m making sure to verify with experts that they’re good picks for indoor growing. According to the National Garden Bureau, the African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is the perfect plant for growing indoors while you’re waiting for spring. “While these lovely houseplants originally hailed from eastern Africa, the multitude of hybrids available today for your indoor gardening pleasure surpasses 20,000 varieties,” they note.

For the best growing, they suggest to use “filtered light, not full sun” and say that the plants need “14 to 16 hours of light and 8 to 10 hours of darkness daily to flower.” Use “well-drained soilless potting mix with a pH between 5.8 to 6.2,” and put the plant in a “container with drainage holes and repot in fresh potting mix annually.” Also, “Keep soil moist but not soggy. Use room temperature distilled water or rainwater and avoid softened or chlorinated water.” For more tips, head to the National Garden Bureau‘s website.

Anthuriums (Anthurium scherzerianum)

The Anthuriums (Anthurium scherzerianum) is a plant that truly looks like love. This plant has a heart shape, and it’s so pretty. Martha Stewart’s website describes them as “cheery, exotic flowering houseplants with glossy, green heart-shaped leaves topped by heart-shaped pink, red, or white long-lasting blooms.”

For the best growing conditions, Martha Stewart’s page suggests “bright light” and “well-draining soilless mix.”

Oxalis (Oxalis spp.)

Another suggestion from the experts at Martha Stewart’s site is the beautiful Oxalis (Oxalis spp.) plant. According to the site, this plant, “also known as shamrock, has clover-shaped leaves that fold up at night or in low light.” They add that the plant will bloom for several months during winter. Perfect.

For the best growing conditions, Martha Stewart’s page says to use “bright light” and “well-draining soil.”

So, there you have it with three very unique plants that you can grow indoors this winter. I hope these plants you can grow indoors make you feel a bit more spring-like while we’re waiting for the days to get longer again.

Aside from plants you can grow indoors, you can also check out easy flowers to grow from seed.