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4 Great Houseplants for Senior Living Apartments

Houseplants are a cheerful addition to any room. Not only do they add a burst of color, some studies have shown that plants can actually purify the air inside your home. When you’re living in a senior living apartment, however, the thought of caring for a difficult plant can feel like a lot.

If you want the benefits of a houseplant without all the maintenance, there are several easy-to-care-for varieties available. These houseplants are low maintenance, flourish in lower light settings and still look great – making them perfect for a smaller home or apartment. Looking to add a little greenery to brighten up your space? Here are four great houseplants for senior living apartments.

1. Cactus (Cactaceae)

Cacti are considered classic indoor plants for a reason. These prickly, unique plants come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are also one of the most low-maintenance choices out there, making them the ideal houseplants for senior living apartments. Because they require so little maintenance, they can be left alone for days or even weeks at a time.

Caring for a Cactus:

– Cacti love spending time in sunlight. Place them in a bright, sunny spot for the best results.

– Most of the year, your cactus will only need to be watered every few weeks. Check the soil every two to three weeks – if the first few inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water it.

– Cacti go dormant in the winter, so you will likely only need to water yours once every month in the cooler seasons.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

A pothos plant has lush, beautiful green leaves and a reputation for being easy to grow. It flourishes in a variety of lighting conditions, which is helpful when it comes to houseplants for senior living apartments. Some people grow pothos plants in potted soil, but they can also thrive in nothing but a vase of water. They’re considered one of the best choices for air purification and can bounce back quickly from being under (or over) watered.

Caring for a Pothos:

– If your pothos is growing in water, it’s good to go! As long as it’s getting adequate sunlight and plenty of water, there’s nothing else you need to do to care for it.

– If your pothos is growing in potting soil, it only needs to be watered every one to two weeks. Just check the soil every week and, if it’s completely dry, it’s time to water it.

– If the leaves begin to droop, it’s a warning sign that your plant needs to be watered.

–  Make sure the pot has a drainage tray underneath, as sitting in water can cause many plants to rot.

3. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

As the name might suggest, snake plants are some of the toughest houseplants available. In appearance, they are striking and angular. When choosing houseplants for senior living apartments, it’s helpful to choose one that will live for many years so you don’t have to replace it. Lucky for you, snake plants fit the bill, and can thrive in medium or low lighting conditions.

Caring for a Snake Plant:

– A snake plant only needs to be watered every two to eight weeks and does not like to be overwatered. Check the soil every several weeks and only water it if several inches of the soil are completely dry.

– Like many houseplants, your snake plant will need to be watered even less often in the cold winter months.

– A snake plant prefers moderate to low lighting conditions, so don’t place it directly in a window for the best results.

4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

In addition to having a fun name, ZZ plants have beautiful, shiny leaves. Over the years, their leaves change from a lime green to a darker emerald color. They are known for being dependable and can thrive in many different conditions. They also don’t attract bugs or other pests, making them great houseplants for senior living apartments.

Caring for a ZZ Plant:

– Your ZZ plant will do best if you don’t put it in direct sunlight (such as a window). Choose a spot with medium, lower or indirect light.

– Check the soil every two to three weeks. If the soil feels dry several inches down, it’s time to water it.

– To help your ZZ plant thrive, rotate it every few weeks so that each side gets equal sunlight.

An easy, low-maintenance houseplant is a great way to add a little natural greenery to your senior living apartment. Each of these plants is designed to thrive in a number of conditions, so if you forget to water it every once it a while, it’s not a big deal. Whichever plant you choose, keep in mind that many houseplants are toxic if ingested by dogs, cats and children, so keep them out of arm’s reach if grandkids or furry friends come to visit. With a little bit of maintenance, and a lot of love, these four houseplants for senior living apartments can thrive for years.

At Advent Christian Village, we want you to feel at home throughout every stage of your retirement. From independent living to assisted living and memory care, our members enjoy the charm of a small town with the security of our full continuum of care. We invite you to take a tour and experience everything that our faith-based community has to offer. Give us a call today at 1-800-647-3353 or click here to schedule a tour.

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