The best indoor plants don’t just decorate a room—they change how a space feels, how it breathes, and how it holds you at the end of a long day. 

In Alberta, where winters linger and daylight feels precious, houseplants become quiet companions. They soften the sharp edges of cold months, bring movement into still rooms, and remind us that growth doesn’t stop just because the ground outside is frozen.

At Salisbury, houseplants aren’t just products on a bench—they’re part of daily life. They sit on desks, spill over shelves, and quietly thrive in staff homes across the region. Each plant has a story, shaped by the person who chose it and the home it lives in. This blog opens the door to those stories, blending personal favourites with practical guidance so you can discover plants that truly belong in Alberta homes—and learn how to help them flourish.

Spotlight: Amie & Monstera Lechleriana Variegated

Amie is drawn to the unusual. You’ll see it in her design choices, the way she notices small details, and the way she talks about plants—not as trends, but as living art. Her favourite houseplant, the Monstera lechleriana variegated, reflects that sensibility perfectly.

This isn’t a plant you stumble across accidentally. It’s a collector’s piece—rare, expressive, and always changing. Amie loves that no two leaves are ever quite the same. As the plant matures, its leaves begin to form natural holes, allowing air to pass through more freely, a quiet adaptation that feels almost poetic.

Plant Profile: Monstera Lechleriana Variegated

This Monstera is elegant rather than bold, with elongated leaves streaked in creamy variegation. As it grows, fenestrations appear gradually, giving the plant a sense of evolution. It thrives indoors when given consistency, making it well-suited to Alberta homes where stable indoor temperatures are key.

Practical Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light keeps variegation strong and balanced.
• Water: Water once the top layer of soil has dried. Avoid soggy roots.
• Soil: A chunky, well-draining mix allows oxygen to reach the roots.
• Common Mistake: Too little light—this can cause variegation to fade.

Staff Recommendation

Amie recommends letting this plant be the focal point. “It doesn’t need competition,” she says. “Give it space to show off.”

Spotlight: Michelle & Snake Plants (Sansevieria – All Types!)

Michelle appreciates plants that know how to take care of themselves. Her love for Snake Plants runs deep—and wide. She doesn’t choose just one variety; she loves them all!

What fascinates her most is their independence. Snake Plants thrive with minimal input, quietly growing stronger without demanding attention. Michelle also loves their sense of humour. When they’ve outgrown their pot, they don’t whisper, they break free.

Plant Profile: Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

With upright, architectural leaves and endless variations in colour, height, and pattern, Snake Plants are timeless. They handle low light, dry air, and missed waterings with ease, earning their place among the best houseplants for Alberta living.

Practical Care Tips

• Light: Adaptable—from low light to bright indirect sun.
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely before watering again.
• Soil: Fast-draining soil prevents root rot.
• Common Mistake: Watering on a schedule instead of by feel.

Staff Recommendation

Michelle suggests grouping different varieties together. “They’re stronger as a collection,” she says—much like the people who love them.

Spotlight: Jacey & Hoya

Jacey describes Hoyas as friendly, and it’s hard to argue with her. These plants have a gentle presence, growing slowly, steadily, and with quiet charm. For Jacey, Hoyas feel approachable and forgiving, ideal for anyone building confidence with houseplants.

She loves that Hoyas come in many forms—thick leaves, slender vines, subtle patterns—yet all share the same easygoing nature.

Plant Profile: The Hoya

Hoyas are epiphytic plants with waxy leaves that store moisture efficiently. They’re happiest in bright, indirect light and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Their slow growth makes them easy to manage, especially in Alberta homes where light changes dramatically through the seasons.

Practical Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light keeps growth compact and healthy.
• Water: Let soil dry partially before watering.
• Soil: Well-draining mixes are essential.
• Common Mistake: Overwatering—Hoyas prefer restraint!

Staff Recommendation

Jacey encourages patience. “They reward consistency,” she says, “not rushing.”

Spotlight: Rayna & Philodendron White Knight

Rayna loves contrast. That’s what draws her to the Philodendron White Knight—a plant that balances deep green with crisp white variegation. It adds drama without being demanding.

She appreciates how adaptable it is, thriving in various light conditions while still looking intentional and styled. It’s a plant that elevates a room without overpowering it.

Plant Profile: Philodendron White Knight

The White Knight features bold, variegated leaves with occasional white stems, making it visually striking. It’s surprisingly low-maintenance, thriving in Alberta homes where flexibility is often essential.

Practical Care Tips

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light maintains variegation.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Soil: Light, airy soil prevents compaction.
• Common Mistake: Too little light can reduce contrast.

Staff Recommendation

Rayna loves pairing it with neutral décor to let the foliage stand out naturally.

Spotlight: Ellen & Parlor Palm (Neanthe Bella Palm)

Ellen is drawn to plants that bring calm without clutter. Her Parlor Palm does exactly that; graceful, restrained, and quietly dependable. It’s the kind of plant that doesn’t shout for attention, yet subtly changes how a room feels the moment it’s there.

What Ellen appreciates most is its tidy nature. These palms stay compact and well-mannered, making them ideal for shelves, side tables, and corners that need softness without sprawl. And for households with curious paws, there’s an added layer of comfort: Parlor Palms are pet safe.

Plant Profile: Parlor Palm (Neanthe Bella Palm)

With delicate, arching fronds and a naturally compact habit, the Parlor Palm has long been a favourite for indoor spaces. It adapts well to lower light and handles Alberta’s indoor conditions with ease, maintaining its shape and charm year-round.

Practical Care Tips

• Light: Low to medium indirect light keeps growth even and controlled.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; avoid letting it sit soggy.
• Soil: Standard indoor potting mix works well.
• Common Mistake: Overwatering—steady moisture is better than saturation.

Staff Recommendation

Ellen recommends Parlor Palms for shared spaces. “They’re neat, calm, and safe,” she says. “They just fit.”

Spotlight: Rob & Rabbit’s Foot Fern

Rob has always been fascinated by plants with a story, especially ones that connect us to deep time. His favourite, the Rabbit’s Foot Fern, does exactly that. Ancient in lineage yet playful in appearance, it feels both prehistoric and whimsical all at once.

Ferns, Rob explains, thrive in warmth and humidity, making them natural air cleaners in indoor spaces. Millions of years ago, ancient fern relatives helped form the fossil fuels we rely on today—a quiet reminder of just how powerful plants have always been.

What sets the Rabbit’s Foot Fern apart, though, is its personality. As it grows, fuzzy rhizomes creep over the edge of the pot, resembling little spider legs or—you guessed it—rabbit’s feet!

Plant Profile: Rabbit’s Foot Fern

Soft, feathery fronds emerge from creeping, textured rhizomes that grow above the soil line. This fern thrives in warm indoor environments and brings movement and intrigue to Alberta homes, especially during winter when air can feel stagnant.

Practical Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light keeps fronds lush and full.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
• Humidity: Loves humidity—bathrooms or kitchens are ideal.
• Common Mistake: Letting soil dry out completely.

Staff Recommendation

Rob suggests letting the rhizomes roam. “Don’t bury them,” he says. “That’s where the character lives.”

Growing Connection, One Plant at a Time

Houseplants are more than décor—they’re relationships built leaf by leaf, season by season. The stories shared here reflect what we see every day at Salisbury: plants chosen not just for how they look, but for how they live alongside us. If you’re curious about how indoor greenery is becoming the new heartbeat of modern homes, explore why so many are embracing leafy companions over traditional pets.

If you’re exploring the best indoor plants for your own space, let these staff favourites guide you. Visit our team at Salisbury Greenhouse, discover what speaks to you, and begin cultivating an indoor oasis that grows with you—through winter light, spring renewal, and every quiet moment in between!