Here is a list of 11 Easy Houseplants for Seniors. All of these are pretty forgiving, super easy to grow, and thrive on neglect.
Check out some awesome hacks for senior gardeners here
Easy Houseplants for Seniors
1. Ponytail Palm
Botanical Name: Beaucarnea recurvata
Why is it Good for Seniors?
It looks good, needs low light, requires less watering and maintenance! All these attributes make it perfect for seniors who cannot look after a plant daily.
Check out the best indoor plants that don’t need water before a month here
2. Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Why is it Good for Seniors?
It is easy to maintain and is also one of the best air purifiers! An abstract of the study published in Harvard University Extension rates it as one of the most oxygen-producing houseplants, making it excellent for aged people.
Check out the fantastic benefits of growing snake plants here
3. Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
Why is it Good for Seniors?
According to a Japanese study, it has a high air purification capacity when it comes to removing formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene, making it a good pick for seniors for the bedroom as it will help them to sleep better.
Pothos can thrive in both sun and shade with minimal requirements.
Read how indoor plants help you sleep better here
4. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Why is it Good for Seniors?
Spider plant is hard to kill, thrives on neglect, and adapts to various conditions easily. It helps to breathe better, remove pollutants, and looks great!
See more spider plant benefits here
5. Aloe Vera
Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
Why is it Good for Seniors?
Aloe vera is an excellent choice for older people as it has minimalistic needs and stays green for the entire year without too much maintenence. Also, this plant has numerous benefits—check here.
MUST read the benefits of consuming raw aloe vera here
6. Lucky Bamboo
Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana
Why is it Good for Seniors?
This good luck houseplant is admired for its indestructible nature. It will be fun for seniors to grow lucky bamboo in homes as it doesn’t ask for attention and grows without the mess of soil. It also has many benefits. Check here.
Find out famous lucky bamboo styles and varieties here
7. Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
Why is it Good for Seniors?
According to the NASA Clean Air Study, some houseplants absorb indoor air pollutants, and the rubber plant is one of them. It also has no allergic properties and is safe for seniors. Read more about rubber plant benefits here.
Check out the houseplants that reduce dust and particulate matter here
8. Jade Plant
Botanical Name: Crassula ovata
Why is it Good for Seniors?
With Jade plants, the seniors will have their own little ‘tree’ that looks like bonsai! It will be more than happy to dwell in any bright corner of the room without asking for much maintenance, other than watering once in a few days.
Here’s all you need to know about growing JadeÂ
9. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Why is it Good for Seniors?
This versatile plant with minimalistic needs is an apt choice for elderly people! It not only removes pollutants but also improves cognitive function. The ZZ plant is also a great feng shui option that brings purifying and protective energy to the home.
Have a look at the benefits of growing ZZ Plant here
10. Air Plants
Botanical Name: Tillandsia
Why is it Good for Seniors?
Air plants are easy to propagate and maintain, hence are a good option for seniors. This decorative plant grows on other surfaces that improve creativity in elderly people. It also reduces stress and purifies air in the home.
Check out the benefits of growing Air Plants here
11. Syngonium
Botanical Name: Syngonium
Why is it Good for Seniors?
This feng shui plant cleans the air and reduces stress and anxiety, which makes it a good choice for seniors. Also, Syngonium is easy to grow, and aged people can also grow this versatile plant in water without the mess of soil.
Here are the top benefits of growing Arrowhead plants indoors
Plants Not Suitable for Seniors Suffering from Dementia
In the later stage of dementia, some older people can unintentionally put things in their mouth, hence popular houseplants that are toxic like Dieffenbachia, Caladium, Peace Lily, Hyacinth, and English Ivy are not suggested.
Houseplants that are suitable for such people must include the given benefits:
- Mood enhancer
- Dust and allergens reducing
- Air purifying
- Low maintenance
