Why the Houseplants You Grow Help Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Greenhouse Grower staff|February 3, 2026

Dark winter storm clouds over a large urban city. | via Adobe Stock

Leading up to and throughout the beginning of each new year, many Americans experience symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal and winter-related depression. To learn more about how Americans are affected by SAD, including methods of relief and the top U.S. cities affected, Rapid Garden POS conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults. Among the findings, one that stood out is how indoor environments, and particularly houseplants, are being used as a method for mental wellness.

Cities Searching the Most for SAD Support

Rapid Garden POS looked at SAD-related search terms to identify metro areas across the U.S. that appeared to be struggling with SAD and winter depression symptoms. The top 10 are as follows:

Minneapolis, MN
Cleveland, OH
Seattle, WA
Atlanta, GA
Pittsburgh, PA
St. Paul, MN
Cincinnati, OH
Portland, OR
Orlando, FL
Boston, MA

How Houseplants Contribute toward Winter Wellness

Indoor plants were found to play a large role in emotional support improvement during the wintertime. Nearly 60% found houseplants to improve their emotional well-being, with Gen Z being found to be the most likely generation to purchase a houseplant with the intention of improving their mood during the winter months. Using search terms during winter to isolate interest and behavior, Rapid Garden POS identified the following cities as the top locations for winter garden shopping, otherwise known as America’s Houseplant Hotspots:

Atlanta, GA
Minneapolis, MN
Cleveland, OH
Orlando, FL
Seattle, WA
St. Paul, MN
Cincinnati, OH
Pittsburgh, PA
Denver, CO
Miami, FL

Other Key Findings from the Seasonal Affective Disorder Survey

31% of respondents suffer from SAD or winter depression.
61% of respondents say their mood worsens after the holidays.
57% of respondents say houseplants reduce stress or boost wellbeing during winter.
19% of respondents have purchased a plant to improve their mood during winter.
Women (36%) are more likely to experience SAD-related symptoms than men (23%).
Other popular SAD coping methods include talking with friends and family (46%), exercising (45%), spending time outdoors (41%), taking vitamins (37%), and home projects (30%).