As we grow older, the following becomes true:
- Finding rewarding ways to pass the time can be challenging.
- The comfort and familiarity of our surroundings can significantly improve our quality of life.
Though there are many separate ways to address those truisms, easy-to-care-for houseplants apply to both. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, indoor gardening is a worthwhile pursuit that doesn’t require significant time or effort.
At Cumberland Village Independent Living, our team members tell residents that nurturing plants brings joy and a sense of purpose to their daily routines. The benefits are significant, too.
What are the benefits of gardening for seniors?
Gardening offers numerous benefits, particularly for older adults who are seeking new hobbies or activities. Not only does nurturing plants provide therapeutic engagement, but it also encourages physical activity, which supports health and mobility. The act of watering, trimming, and even repotting plants keeps seniors active and can enhance their fine motor skills.
Socially, gardening creates opportunities for connection and sharing among friends or family members, potentially leading to shared experiences centered around plant care. And get this: Plants can improve indoor air quality, adding to seniors’ well-being.
We suggest starting with the easiest houseplants you can find. Many indoor plants are finicky, and you don’t want to cause frustration.
Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants
These houseplants are relatively easy to find. Stores and nurseries stock them because they do well without constant attention; that’s why so many people buy them. Here are five that seniors can care for in their homes without feeling overwhelmed:
- Snake Plant. The snake plant’s striking foliage is beautiful yet low-maintenance. It thrives in indirect light and requires little watering.
- Pothos. Pothos is a hardy vine known for its ability to grow in various conditions. This plant flourishes in low light and can tolerate irregular watering, making it perfect for busy seniors.
- ZZ Plant. The ZZ plant is extraordinary because it seems to thrive on neglect. It can survive with minimal attention and likes low-light environments.
- Spider Plant. With its arching leaves and air-purifying capabilities, the spider plant is easy to care for. It prefers indirect sunlight and infrequent watering.
- English Ivy. A low-maintenance, humidity-loving plant, English Ivy thrives in kitchens and bathrooms. We suggest vine supports or placing it in a hanging planter.
If you’re looking for indoor plants that don’t need direct sunlight, those options provide beautiful greenery and minimal brightness.
Indoor Flowers for Seniors
Colorful blooms brighten up senior living spaces but may need more care. These plants sprout easy flowers to grow:
- Kalanchoe. This flowering beauty has thick, fuzzy leaves and clustered, different-colored flowers that can last for weeks. It’s a succulent, so the soil can’t be soggy.
- African Violet. This flowering plant has a reputation for fussiness, but if you get African violet specialized soil and water from the bottom, it does well in indirect sunlight.
- Christmas Cactus. This succulent is found everywhere before the winter holidays. Give it bright but not direct sunlight and weekly waterings. The bright red flowers bloom around Christmas time.
- Pink Anthurium. We like this plant’s heart-shaped leaves, but the white, pink, or red blossoms are the real stars. They last for months; pink anthurium is always blooming.
- Moth Orchid. People think orchids are hard to care for, but this sturdy flowering plant thrives with weekly waterings and bright, indirect light.
A word of caution for indoor flowers for seniors and indoor plants: Certain ones are hazardous for pets. If you have a cat or dog, always check the plant’s toxicity before bringing them into your home.
Residents Thrive at Cumberland Village Independent Living
Cumberland Village Independent Living in Aiken, SC, offers a unique opportunity for its residents to enjoy indoor gardening without the burdens of traditional homeownership. Our community has 143 units, offering private apartments and patio homes. Since our seniors don’t need to cook or clean, they have more leisure time tending to their indoor plants.
In this small, family-oriented community, residents have comfortable floor plans and cultivate blossoms that bring joy into their living spaces. They even develop friendships centered around shared gardening experiences.
Each apartment at Cumberland Village offers residents opportunities to customize their own indoor space, with easy-to-care-for houseplants. Our seniors appreciate this personal touch that brings their living areas to life. Growing plants beautifies their surroundings and encourages social interaction, with residents sharing tips and trading cuttings from plants.
Seniors Embrace the Green Life at Cumberland Village
Cumberland Village Independent Living embraces a lifestyle that encourages autonomy and creativity. Here, gardening becomes a fulfilling hobby, enhancing the residents’ well-being. With the easiest house plants and delightful blooms lining their windowsills, your loved ones can enjoy greater independence and a beautiful atmosphere.
Tour Our Welcoming, Family-Oriented Community
Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our Aiken, South Carolina senior community. We can’t wait to show you around Cumberland Village Independent Living!
