Having easy-to-grow houseplants indoors can bring the joy of nature into a home, which is
particularly uplifting for the elderly.
Filling a space with greenery not only beautifies the
environment but also helps filter the air, making it healthier for breathing both day and night.
Seniors living in assisted facilities usually have their own rooms with enough space for a few
potted plants, whether it’s just one or two or a whole collection on a windowsill. Since older
adults tend to spend most of their time indoors, especially during extreme weather, air quality
becomes crucial.
The air inside can be polluted by dust, cleaning products, airborne particles,
and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing harmful
chemicals and releasing oxygen.
Taking care of houseplants can also be a form of activities of
daily living help, offering a simple yet meaningful way to engage and nurture something, which
can be both therapeutic and rewarding.
1. Caring for Christmas Cacti:
Christmas cacti typically bloom with long, tubular flowers from late November to December,
with the blossoms sometimes lasting longer. These cacti can grow up to 24 inches tall and 36inches wide. They look great in hanging baskets or on plant stands, adding beauty to your space
year-round. While liquid fertilizer can boost their growth, plain tap water is also sufficient.
These cacti thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.
Christmas Cactus Care:
● Position in indirect light
● Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry
● Use plant food after blooming
● Lightly prune to maintain shape
2. Snake Plant Care Guide:
Snake plants, also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” feature sturdy, pointed fronds and are
known for their resilience. They require minimal water and light, making them ideal for
bedrooms as they help remove carbon dioxide from the air. Snake plants flourish in direct
sunlight but can also thrive in filtered light. A popular variety for home use is ‘Sansevieria.’
Care Instructions:
● Place in low or indirect light
● Water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry
● Use plant food if necessary
● Re-pot if the roots outgrow the container
3. Aloe Vera Plant Care:
Aloe Vera is effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon dioxide from the air
while producing oxygen.
This plant is very low-maintenance, often producing numerous
offshoots. Although aloe plants are prickly and should be handled with care, their gel is useful
for treating burns and scratches. Aloe Vera thrives in sunny windows.
Care Instructions:
● Use a pot with drainage holes (aloes dislike excess water)
● Plant in cactus potting soil mix or standard soil with added perlite
● Water only when the soil is dry
● Separate and re-pot the “babies,” which are offshoots from the main plant
4. Creating an Indoor Succulent Garden:
While succulent plants are typically favored for outdoor gardens, especially in southwestern
regions, you can also create a vibrant indoor succulent garden. Consider incorporating plants
like snake plants, aloe vera, Christmas cacti, and rubber plants. These indoor-friendly varieties
can bring the charm of succulents inside your home.
5. Rubber Plant Care:
Rubber plants are effective at removing mold spores, bacteria, and formaldehyde from the air.
They feature large, glossy leaves and are quite resilient, potentially growing up to 10 feet tall
indoors, though they can be pruned to a more manageable size. The ‘Rubra’ variety is especially
popular, known for its pink to red foliage with green edges. Rubber plants thrive in indirect
light.
Care Instructions:
● Use a mix of potting soil, peat moss, and coconut coir.
● Position near a window but avoid direct sunlight.
● Water carefully, ensuring roots don’t become oversaturated.
● Prune as necessary.
6. Peace Lily Care:
Peace lilies help purify the air by removing chemicals like ammonia, benzene, acetone,
formaldehyde, and xylene. They feature attractive, glossy leaves and white floral spikes, but be
cautious as they are toxic to pets that may chew on them. Place peace lilies on a high window
ledge to keep them safe.
Care Instructions:
● Use well-draining all-purpose potting soil.
● Position in indirect light (east-facing windows provide morning sun).
● Water as needed without overhydrating (brown tips and drooping indicate thirst).
● Maintain temperatures above 60 degrees for optimal growth.
7. Spider Plant Care:
Spider plants are among the simplest houseplants to maintain. They are highly resilient and can
thrive under various light and water conditions. Additionally, spider plants generate numerous
offsets, or baby plants, which can be potted and shared with friends.
8. Ponytail Palm Care:
Ponytail palms are drought-tolerant and can go for extended periods without water. They
thrive in bright, indirect light but can also adapt to lower light conditions. These plants grow
slowly, remaining small and requiring infrequent re-potting.
9. Chinese Evergreen Care:
The Chinese evergreen is a slow-growing, low-maintenance plant. It thrives in low light
conditions and can tolerate extended periods without water.
10. The Warneckii Dracaena:
The Warneckii Dracaena is an excellent choice for busy seniors due to its resilience and low
maintenance needs. It thrives in various conditions, which makes it perfect for those who might
struggle to provide ideal care. Additionally, it helps enhance indoor air quality through its air-
purifying properties.
Conclusion
Potted plants offer seniors a way to enjoy the health benefits of greenery and enhance their
the indoor environment with minimal effort, which supports their activities of daily living help.
