November Tips for Caring for Houseplants

As days shorten and temperatures drop, houseplants face a real test in November. Lower light, dry indoor air, radiators, and overwatering are the main challenges that can turn lush summer greens into pale, struggling plants. Here’s your essential checklist for keeping houseplants healthy, vibrant, and growing through November’s gloom.

1. Move Plants to Brighter Spots

• Give prized houseplants a spot near the brightest window—ideally east or south facing.
• Clean dust from leaves with a damp cloth to let in more light.
• Rotate pots a quarter turn each week for even growth.

2. Reduce Watering

• Growth slows when daylight fades.
• Test soil before watering—wait until the top 2–3cm (1 inch) is dry.
• Never let pots sit in a saucer of water; empty drainage trays after 10–15 minutes.

3. Hold Off on Feeding

• Most houseplants are dormant or semidormant—stop or halve fertilizer for the winter.
• Resume regular feeding in spring when brighter days return.

4. Beat Dry Air

• Group plants together to create a humidity pocket, especially near radiators.
• Stand pots in trays filled with pebbles and water—raise humidity by evaporation.
• Mist foliage weekly for ferns, calatheas, and orchids (avoid over-spraying cacti/succulents).

5. Check for Pests

• Lower light and dry air attract red spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats.
• Wipe leaves and check under them. Remove any pests by hand, rinse in the sink, or use gentle insecticidal soap.

6. Mind the Temperature

• Keep plants away from icy windows, draughts, and direct blasts of hot air from radiators.
• Most houseplants do best between 12–22°C (55–72°F).

7. Prune and Clean

• Remove yellowing or dead leaves to prevent fungal problems and promote airflow.
• Repot only if roots are truly congested—otherwise, wait for spring.

8. Give Tender Plants Extra Care

• Move citrus, tender succulents, and orchids well away from night chills on window ledges.
• Consider supplemental grow lights if your room is especially dim.

With gentle care and close observation, your houseplants will not just survive, but even thrive through November until brighter days return!