Paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceous)

Paperwhites bloom throughout the colder months and thrive indoors when placed in a bright, sunny window. The blooms denote purity and innocence due to their delicate white petals. They also often represent renewal since the plant is associated with the beginning of spring. Paperwhites don’t require soil, so you can grow them in a glass bowl or vase filled with gravel, marbles, or polished glass. If you do use soil, good drainage is key. Use a lightweight potting mix with excellent drainage, and be careful not to overwater.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

With heart-shaped leaves and sweetly scented flowers, cyclamens produce the perfect bloom to brighten up the home in midwinter. A sign of sincere, lasting affection, they are often given to loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The blooms come in various colors, including white, pink, red, magenta, or lavender. Known for being hardy and easy to grow, cyclamens typically bloom from early winter to early spring and then go dormant during the summer. The plant prefers rich, well-drained soil and bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid watering the crown of the plant, which can result in the tubers rotting. Water it only when the soil feels dry.
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum ‘Exotic Star’)

This amaryllis cultivar is a showstopper with its striped red-and-chartreuse petals that look almost like an orchid. The plant symbolizes strength, beauty, pride, and love. It often produces two to three stems per bulb, with each stem producing four huge, trumpet-like flowers. Plant the bulb with at least the top quarter or third of it above the surface of the soil to avoid water collection in the sprout. Amaryllis tend to produce the best blooms when their roots are kept cozy in a small pot. They are one of the most long-lasting cut flowers.
Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Despite the orchid’s reputation for being fussy, the moth orchid is easy to grow and care for—some might even say it thrives on mild neglect! It often bears multiple flower buds on arching stems that can last for two to three months throughout the winter. Choose a location with plenty of bright, indirect light, and use a special orchid-growing medium instead of potting soil. Water about once a week, allowing the growing medium to dry out between waterings. The root system needs air circulation and benefits from a light misting only at the roots in between waterings. Once the blooming cycle is complete, you can prune the stems back to one inch above a node to encourage a new stem section and even more lush blooms for the future. With proper care, Phalaenopsis orchids can live for 15 to 20 years in your home.
Primrose (Primula)

These brightly colored blooms showcase a variety of colors. They will bring sunny cheer to the dreariest winter day. Sometimes called “first rose,” they are among the first flowers to bloom in the spring, but they will bloom even earlier when cultivated indoors. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, plenty of humidity, and well-draining soil. Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity, but don’t allow the roots to sit in water.
Note: Some of these winter flowers can be toxic to pets if ingested.