The Top 11 Best Houseplants for Older Adults

Having indoor plants can bring numerous benefits, such as improving indoor air quality, reducing stress, providing a sense of purpose, and bringing joy to your daily life. Taking care of houseplants can also be a meaningful and enjoyable activity that helps you stay active.

If you're looking for low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for and improve indoor air quality, here are some of the best houseplants to choose from. These plants are not only visually pleasing but also provide numerous health benefits, making them the perfect addition to your home to add a touch of greenery and enhance your well-being.

Indoor Plants for a Healthier, Happier Home Life

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law's tongues, are perfect if you're looking for low-maintenance plants. They are easy to care for because they can survive in low light and with infrequent watering. Plus, they remove toxins from the air and release oxygen at night, making them an excellent choice for improving the air quality in your sleeping area. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your style and space.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are known for their air-purifying qualities as they help remove pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. They are also easy to care for, with a preference for indirect light and regular watering. And they produce beautiful white flowers that bloom throughout the year, adding a bit of color and beauty to your home. 

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos are a popular plant for seniors due to their low maintenance and adaptability to different environments. They are tolerant of low light and thrive in a range of temperatures, making them ideal if you don't have access to a lot of natural light. Additionally, pothos are known for their ability to remove toxins from the air. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can choose one that fits your style and space.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

Spider plants are easy to care for and adapt well to low-light environments. They are also great for improving indoor humidity levels, which can be beneficial if you struggle with dry skin or respiratory issues. And like all the other plants mentioned, spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, helping to remove toxins from the air and improve indoor air quality. Spider plants also produce small white or yellow flowers that add beauty to your home.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera plants not only look great, but they also have skin-soothing properties that can improve your overall health and well-being. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil and are easy to care for. Plus, aloe vera plants can help improve air quality by removing toxins from the air. You can even use the gel from the aloe vera plant to soothe skin irritations and sunburns!

6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber plants are attractive, easy to care for, and can improve air quality by removing toxins from the air. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, so they can be a great option if you're looking for a low-maintenance plant. Rubber plants also have large, glossy leaves that will look great in your home. They can grow quite tall, so they're a great choice if you have high ceilings or a spacious room.

7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea)

Bamboo palms are a terrific houseplant for improving indoor air quality due to their ability to remove toxins from the air. They also prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making them a low-maintenance option. Bamboo palms are also known for their ability to improve indoor humidity levels, which makes them a great option if you struggle with dry skin or respiratory issues. They can grow quite tall, so they're a great choice if you have high ceilings or a spacious room.

8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a popular plant for improving indoor air quality due to its ability to remove toxins from the air. It's also easy to care for, with a preference for bright, indirect light and regular watering. English ivy is a climbing plant, so it's great if you have a trellis or a wall to hang it on. Plus, it produces lovely small, delicate flowers.

9. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Gerbera daisies are beautiful, low-maintenance houseplants. They prefer bright, direct light and well-draining soil, so they are easy to care for. Gerbera daisies are also known for their air-purifying qualities, helping to remove toxins from the air and improving indoor air quality. And their large, brightly colored flowers add beauty to your home.

10. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are a popular choice for improving indoor air quality due to their ability to remove toxins from the air. They prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity, which is ideal if you struggle with dry skin or respiratory issues. Boston ferns are also easy to care for, with a preference for well-draining soil and regular watering. And their lush, feathery fronds look great in any home.

11. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Jade plants are a low-maintenance choice, with a preference for bright, direct light and well-draining soil. They are also known for their ability to remove toxins from the air. Jade plants are also believed to bring good luck and prosperity, making them a great choice if you want to bring positive energy to your home.

In conclusion, houseplants are a great addition to any home, especially for seniors. They offer numerous health benefits, including improving indoor air quality, reducing stress and anxiety, and providing a sense of purpose. Caring for houseplants can also be a meaningful and enjoyable activity that helps seniors stay active. From peace lilies to jade plants, there are plenty of options. When selecting a houseplant, consider your individual needs and preferences, such as the amount of light your home receives, and select a plant that's easy to care for. With the right plant, you'll enjoy all the benefits that indoor plants offer and bring a touch of nature into your home.

Keep reading! Click here for The Magic of Houseplants: 7 Reasons To Keep Them in Your Home! 

Let us know in the comments below - What is your favorite houseplant, and why?