With bare trees, frost-covered grass, and plummeting temperatures, winter may seem like the enemy of all things green. But the indoors don’t have to be as bleak as you may think.

Transport yourself back to that tropical summery oasis with the natural aesthetics and benefits of indoor plants. These six hardy plants are perfect for purifying the air and adding greenery to your classroom or home during these next few frosty months (and beyond). 

Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Snake plants are low-light plants that will survive with minimal attention. These plants not only filter common air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene, but are also unique in that they emit oxygen at night rather than during the day, making them perfect for your bedroom, where they will help you get a good night’s sleep. Water only when soil is dry and keep them in an area with indirect sunlight.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): These stunning flowering plants are ideal for improving air quality and removing benzene and mold spores. Peace lilies prefer medium to low light and can even survive with artificial light in windowless rooms. They are great for bathrooms, where there are often no windows and high humidity. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, but be careful not to overwater.

Bromeliad: The colorful blooms of bromeliads instantly brighten up any space. They can survive in a variety of light levels but are more likely to bloom with more light, such as next to a classroom or bedroom window. During winter, water thoroughly once soil is completely dry, and avoid overwatering. 

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The hardy ZZ plant is built to tolerate neglect and survive in low-light situations, making it the perfect plant for beginners or frequent travelers. Water this plant only when completely dry.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Aglaonemas are gorgeous foliage plants that are excellent at filtering air due to their large leaves which take in gaseous pollutants and use them to make food once they are neutralized by microorganisms in the soil. They can survive low-light and artificial light situations and don’t require much water. The leaves also come in variegated varieties, with colors including dark green, silver, red, and pink.

Succulents: Succulents are desert plants that prefer dry air, which is common during the winter season. They come in many different varieties and will thrive in areas with bright light, such as a windowsill. During the winter they require little watering, but need more in the warmer months.

As the days get shorter and the snow begins to arrive, it is easy to feel trapped indoors. These indoor plants are sure to improve your mood as well as your health, so cure your winter blues with green and get planting!

Most of these plants can be purchased from home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes or local gardening shops and nurseries such as Terrain.