Keeping houseplants in your home or office during the colder months is a great way to increase humidity and help you stay healthier during the cold and flu season. 

Here are our top picks for November. 

Ficus Burgundy

Also known as a Rubber Plant. This plant has large dark red or burgundy leaves. Available in a variety of sizes, “Burgundy” plants are great low-maintenance options for your home or office. 

Water

Ficus Burgundy plants like to dry out a bit between waterings. Water weekly during the growing season, and every few weeks during the winter. When watering, keep the foliage dry because water will stain the leaves. 

Light 

Keep your plant in the brightest light available. “Burgundy” plants can do well in lower lighting conditions, but the leaves will start to turn green. 

If your plant becomes leggy, slice through the main stem at the desired height. This will allow the remaining stem to grow sturdier and fuller. 

Spider Plant

The ultimate in low-maintenance plants, Spider Plants can thrive in almost any environment. They adapt well to many different conditions and can bounce back if neglected making them perfect for new plant parents. They are great in hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant. 

Water

Water your Spider Plant when the soil is dry. These plants prefer to dry out between waterings, but like a thorough soak when it’s time for a drink. If the tips turn brown, your plant may need water more often. 

Light 

Spider Plants like brightly lit areas, but will do well in low light as well. They will get scorched in direct sunlight, so filtered or indirect light is best.

Spider Plants grow “Spiderettes” on their tips. These can be removed and planted on their own to create new Spider Plants. 

Prayer Plant

Also called the Maranta, this easy houseplant with colorful, interesting foliage is great as a tabletop plant, or in hanging baskets. Marantas have green veining on top and deep purple underneath, making them a great plant if you’re looking to add a pop of color to your home. 

Water

Prayer Plants like moist soil and high humidity. Check the soil often to make sure it isn’t too dry. Less water more often is the best way to maintain proper moisture. Keeping them around other houseplants will help keep the humidity at the correct level for them to thrive. Misting the foliage regularly can also help with humidity levels. 

Light

Keep Prayer Plants in a brightly lit area, although they can still thrive in lower lighting conditions. 

This plant is named because its leaves fold in on themselves overnight and open again in the daytime. 

Christmas Cactus

These beautiful blooming succulent plants are popular during the holiday season when they are usually in bloom. A Christmas Cactus needs a specific regiment to keep them blooming year after year. Because these plants go dormant the light and water requirements vary depending on the time of year. 

Water

While in bloom, Christmas Cactus like moist soil and to be misted often. When dormant, water only enough to moisten the soil. 

Light

These plants like bright light and can even tolerate some levels of direct sunlight. When dormant, place your Christmas Cactus in a dark cool place to encourage reblooming. 

A Christmas Cactus can rebloom year after year. Some plants have continued to bloom for decades, with the oldest plant said to be 100 years old. 

For more plant care tips watch our video Houseplant Care and Houseplant Watering Tips. 

Visit any English Gardens location and our experts will help you select the perfect plant for your home.