Benefits of indoor plants for seniors

Plants have many benefits that can be easily overlooked, most notably, how they improve indoor air quality, mood and overall well-being.

Indoor plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, which may help people sleep better. Being around plants makes the environment more relaxing and improves concentration and memory.

Plants in a home also tend to help people heal faster after surgery, while caring for plants can give a sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading to lower anxiety and a more positive outlook on life.

But, if you’re a senior, you may have concerns about caring for them due to decreased mobility or limited living space. Fortunately, there are low-maintenance options available.

We have practical tips to help you enjoy indoor plants and reap the health benefits.

What to consider when choosing plants

Selecting low-maintenance plants that require minimal care and attention is important. Keep these things in mind when buying plants:

• Light requirements
• Water needs
• Space considerations

If you own a pet, choose plants that are safe for your furry companion.

Best plants for seniors

Several plants are well-suited for seniors living in smaller spaces because they are easy to care for and adapt well to their environment:

• Snake plant (Sansevieria)
  This plant has air-purifying properties and thrives in low light conditions.
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
  The elegant appearance of this plant makes it a good choice. It tolerates low light and infrequent watering.
• ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
  It is resilient and able to thrive in low light and drought conditions, but may not be safe for pets.
• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
  This plant is low maintenance and a good air purifier. It also grows well, allowing you to divide and root more spider plants if that’s something you enjoy.
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
  It has attractive trailing vines and can thrive in various light conditions.

Caring for indoor plants

Maintaining indoor plants doesn’t have to be a chore when you choose the best ones for you.

Tips for healthy plants

• Choose a pot that drains well.
• Stick to a watering schedule and water the soil rather than the leaves.
• Make sure not to overwater.
• Place your plant in proper lighting.
• Occasionally use fertilizer.
• Be on the lookout for pests.

Troubleshooting plant pests

• Thoroughly check the plant before purchasing it.
• If you’ve owned the plant for a while and see pests on a few leaves, prune them.
• If there are a few large or small insects, use a small tool to remove them.
• If there are too many pests, consider throwing the plant away.

If your plant gets too large or has pests in the soil, you may need to re-pot it. Enlist help from a family member or friend, if necessary.

How to re-pot a plant

1. Don’t water for a few days so the soil can dry.
2. Have a new, well-draining pot and a bag of potting soil ready. The new pot should be 1-2 inches larger than the current one.
3. Pull the plant out of the current pot and loosen the roots. You can remove a quarter of the roots with a scissor, if desired.
4. Add fresh potting soil to the bottom of the new pot so the plant is at its previous height.
5. Add more soil and pack it down to prevent air pockets in the root system.
6. Tap the pot to help it settle.
7. Trim any brown or yellow leaves.
8. Water your plant.

If you’ve never owned plants or it’s been a while since you’ve had them, consider adding one to your home soon.