Nature has healing benefits, but many seniors in assisted living cannot get outside as much as they would like to. Plants make you feel better emotionally – they create a soothing and serene environment, add vibrancy and “life” to an indoor space, and inspire rest and relaxation. Because of the diversity of green indoor plants, they can be added to nearly any space successfully.

Green plants have air-purifying characteristics, and act to filter and release oxygen into a home. Research has shown that sick patients recover more quickly when surrounded by green plants. Additionally, green plants help with concentration and focus as they remove toxins from the air. Here is a list of some of our favorites.

Peace Lily: Not only is the peace lily (shown above) a powerful air purifier, but it is exceptionally easy to care for. All your senior needs to do is watch for the plant to begin to droop, signaling it is time for water. The peace lily filters carbon dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia, making it one of the best options to clean the air. The peace lily also releases oxygen all night long, so is perfect for a senior’s bedroom.
Parlor Palms: These air-purifying plants come in a wide range of sizes, so can easily work in any size room or apartment. The palms offer elegant-looking, tropical fronds that can add tall greenery to a corner of a room. Because of their size variety, a grouping of plants can be used together for architectural interest. Parlor palms prefer bright, indirect light and are great for pet owners – they are completely non-toxic to plants.
Anthurium: This beautiful plant is also known as a flamingo lily (shown above). It is one of the rare air-purifiers that offers more than lush green foliage, as it showcases strikingly colorful flowers in red, white, or yellow. Because they are native to tropical rain forests, they thrive in indirect, dappled sunlight – perfect for apartments and small residences. Anthurium is easy to care for and lasts a long time – but can be toxic to pets.
English Ivy: This traditional houseplant is familiar as an outdoor climbing species that grows rapidly and covers walls, fences, and buildings. But when cultivated as an indoor plant, the ivy thrives as a hanging variety with trailing vines. It is easy to care for, affordable to purchase and safe for your pets – not to mention a strong filter for carbon dioxide, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Variegated Snake Plant: This plant offers a striking silhouette of long, sharp leaves which may cause skin irritation if handled – meaning it is best kept slightly out of the way. Still, this beautiful plant is nearly indestructible, so is great for those who don’t have a green thumb – even if you forget to water it occasionally. Snake plants give off a lot of oxygen at night, making them perfect for the corner of a bedroom, especially as they require low lighting to thrive. The plant reduces significant amounts of all major household toxins.
Spider Plant: These easy-to-care-for plants (shown above) will clean your air and release a lot of oxygen. It is easy to cultivate and will thrive with basic care – although the leaves do prefer to be moist, so keep in a humid bathroom or mist occasionally. Spider plants look great hanging or in a tabletop pot, adding a graceful element to any space.

A Banyan Residence is committed to the overall health and wellness of our residents. If you are interested in finding a professional and compassionate assisted living facility for your loved one, call us today. Our facilities in The Villages are open for tours.