In Florida, we’re fortunate to enjoy nature year-round, but what if we could bring some healing power indoors—especially for loved ones in assisted living or memory care facilities? Every year, more studies find fantastic benefits of indoor green plants and their ability to improve air quality, reduce stress, and promote healing. If you also add other unique wellness features into the mix, any indoor space can become truly remarkable, assisting seniors who reside in assisted living to enjoy their days just a bit more.
Unique Green Plants for Indoor Health and Atmosphere
ZZ Plant: The ZZ plant isn’t named after the famous rock band, but this plant’s appeal is just as widespread. For many home gardeners, the ZZ plant is their go-to when they need something hardy and solid. Its thick, waxy leaves can withstand neglect, making it perfect for seniors who want greenery without the hassle. The plant doesn’t need frequent watering and can thrive in low light. Seniors at assisted living and memory care facilities can also get help caring for plants from staff. But, if seniors want to handle plant care on their own, small mistakes aren’t the end of the world.
Besides being easy to care for, the ZZ plant helps overall air purity by removing certain toxins, such as xylene and toluene. It’s a great plant for any low-light space, adding a touch of green where needed.
Bird’s Nest Fern: This fern’s unique, wavy leaves stand out from other indoor plants. Bird’s nest fern thrives in medium and indirect light and benefits from occasional misting to replicate its native tropical environment. It’s a great air purifier and works well in hanging baskets or as a striking table plant. Of all places in the USA, Florida is one of the premier places for this plant, mimicking the location where the Bird’s Nest Fern thrives.
Chinese Evergreen: Chinese evergreens are easily one of the most robust indoor plants, making them a great choice for seniors looking for low-maintenance greenery that still looks great. They’re known for filtering harmful chemicals from the air, like formaldehyde and benzene. Like many other plants on this list, low to medium light conditions are not a concern, making them adaptable to various indoor spaces. Plus, their variegated or “differently colored” leaves add color and interest to any room.
Bamboo Palm: The bamboo palm is excellent for filtering air pollutants such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Despite its name, this is not a full-size palm like you would see on the side of the road. At the same time, this plant can grow pretty large, with wide fronds that create a unique layout.
Additional Natural Elements to Enhance Wellness
Other natural elements can be incorporated into assisted living spaces to promote relaxation, healing, and overall well-being. At A Banyan Residence, residents can add unique features to their rooms as they see fit, and if you want to create indoor spaces that mimic the great outdoors, our staff can help.
Himalayan Salt Lamps
Himalayan salt lamps are aesthetically pleasing room additions that have been shown to produce negative ions that may help purify the air and promote a calming environment. While scientific claims about air purification are debated, many people find the gentle light soothing, and they add a wild element to plant features.
Water Features
Small indoor water fountains or tabletop water features can be incredibly calming without being invasive. The sound of flowing water from features creates a peaceful atmosphere without requiring a deep investment. They aren’t permanent, meaning residents can edit their layout or eliminate their sounds daily.
Aromatherapy with Essential Oils
For those who prefer low-maintenance wellness solutions, aromatherapy diffusers are a fantastic option. Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus and chamomile, are shown to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. In bedrooms, even small amounts of beloved oils and scents create a pleasant environment without requiring plant care.
If you’re looking for a compassionate assisted living or memory care facility in Florida, A Banyan Residence is dedicated to creating a healthy, nurturing environment for our residents. Contact us to learn more about what we offer and schedule a tour of our facility.
