November can be a challenging month for many people. Shorter days, cooler temperatures, and limited natural light often leave us feeling sluggish, low in energy, or simply a little blue. But there’s a simple way to brighten your home and lift your mood: houseplants.
Indoor plants aren’t just decorative – they can improve mental health, increase productivity, and even purify the air. In this guide, we explore how houseplants can help you combat the November blues and provide practical tips for keeping your indoor greenery thriving during the darker months.
Why Houseplants Boost Mental Health
Research shows that interacting with plants can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase overall feelings of well-being. Houseplants provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose as you nurture them, giving your day a positive focus.
Key benefits of houseplants in autumn and winter:
- Stress reduction: Caring for plants can create a calming routine and reduce anxiety.
- Mood enhancement: Greenery and foliage bring a sense of life into dim indoor spaces.
- Improved air quality: Many indoor plants absorb toxins and increase oxygen levels, contributing to better breathing and overall comfort.
- Increased productivity: Studies show that having plants in your workspace can improve concentration and creativity.
Best Plants for Low-Light November Days
As sunlight dwindles, some houseplants are better suited to indoor conditions. Choosing the right plants will ensure success and make it easier to maintain a connection with nature throughout the month.
Top low-light, low-maintenance plants for November:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Tolerates low light and infrequent watering.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Virtually indestructible, thrives in shaded corners.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Easy trailing plant, perfect for shelves or hanging baskets.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii): Loves shade and humidity, produces elegant white blooms.
- Calathea: Adds vibrant foliage colours to brighten dim rooms.
Choosing plants that thrive in your indoor environment reduces frustration and ensures that caring for them remains a pleasant activity rather than a chore.
Creating a Cosy Indoor Plant Space
November is the perfect month to make your plant spaces feel warm and inviting. Try these tips to design a plant-friendly home:
- Natural light maximisation: Place plants near south- or west-facing windows to make the most of daylight. Rotate plants weekly so all sides receive light.
- Humidity considerations: Central heating can dry indoor air. Use pebble trays, group plants together, or lightly mist foliage to keep them healthy.
- Layering and styling: Arrange plants of different heights to create visual interest. Add warm décor elements like woven baskets, wooden stands, and autumn-toned accessories.
- Maintenance routine: Dedicate 10–15 minutes a few times a week to watering, pruning, and leaf cleaning. This mindful care can become a calming ritual for yourself.
Nurturing Yourself While Nurturing Your Plants
Houseplants encourage mindfulness. As you water, trim, or repot them, you engage in a focused, calming activity that keeps you present. This routine can counteract the restlessness or low mood that often accompanies shorter days.
Tips for mindful plant care:
- Listen to calming music while tending to your plants.
- Keep a small journal to track watering schedules and growth progress.
- Take note of your favourite moments, like the first leaf of a new growth or flower bloom.
Bringing Nature Indoors for Winter Wellbeing
Even if you don’t have a large space, small plants on windowsills, desks, or kitchen counters can make a noticeable difference. Adding a touch of greenery to every room invites nature into your daily life and can boost energy and mood.
Extra ideas for November:
- Rotate houseplants to different rooms to refresh your environment.
- Consider adding an air-purifying plant to bedrooms for a healthier sleep environment.
- Introduce small indoor herb plants for cooking – caring for and using them provides an additional sensory connection.
Final Thoughts
November doesn’t have to mean grey skies and low spirits. By introducing houseplants into your indoor spaces, you can create a healthier, happier, and more vibrant environment. Caring for plants not only supports their growth but also encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and combats seasonal blues.
At Riverside Plants, we offer a wide selection of low-light, easy-care houseplants perfect for November. Visit us in-store or online to discover plants that will help brighten your home and lift your mood during the darker months.
Beat the November blues – one leaf at a time.
