11 Best Houseplants for Seniors and People Who Forget

Ralph Astley is a retired gardener from Philadelphia who specializes in outdoor plants and trees. With years of hands-on experience, Ralph not only cares for a diverse range of outdoor flora but also shares his extensive knowledge through well-written articles and social media posts. A trusted authority in arboriculture, he's committed to helping the community grow healthier, more robust gardens.
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Here is a list of 11 Easy Houseplants for Seniors. All of these are pretty forgiving, super easy to grow, and thrive on neglect.

Check out some awesome hacks for senior gardeners here


Easy Houseplants for Seniors

1. Ponytail Palm

Botanical Name: Beaucarnea recurvata

Why is it Good?

The best thing about it is it grows slowly, which is why it needs less maintenance, and it looks good as well; it is perfect for those who cannot look after a plant daily.

Check out the best indoor plants that don’t need water before a month here

2. Snake Plant

Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata

Why is it Good?

It literally thrives on neglect and is also one of the best air-purifying plants! An abstract of the study published in Harvard University Extension rates it as one of the most oxygen-producing houseplants.

Check out the fantastic benefits of growing snake plants here

3. Pothos

Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum

Why is it Good?

It is the easiest plant to grow in the indoor plant world, and according to one Japanese study, it has a high air purification capacity when it comes to removing formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene.

Pothos can thrive in both sun and shade with minimal requirements.

Read how indoor plants help you sleep better here

4. Spider Plant

shutterstock/Agenturfotografin

Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum

Why is it Good?

Spider plant is hard to kill, thrives on negligence, and adapts to various conditions easily. It helps to breathe better, removes pollutants, and looks so cute!

See more spider plant benefits here

5. Aloe Vera

Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller

Why is it Good?

Aloe vera is an excellent choice for everyone as it has minimalistic needs and stays green for the entire year without too much maintenence. Also, this plant has numerous benefits—check here.

MUST read the benefits of consuming raw aloe vera here

6. Lucky Bamboo

Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana

Why is it Good?

All you have to do is just change the water once or twice a week, and it keeps growing. Totally undemanding! It also has many benefits. Check them out here.

Find out famous lucky bamboo styles and varieties here

7. Rubber Plant

shutterstock/Anan_R

Botanical Name: Ficus elastica

Why is it Good?

Rubber is a drought-tolerant tall houseplant and very forgiving; there are many varieties available that make the space look interesting. Read more about rubber plant benefits here.

Check out the houseplants that reduce dust and particulate matter here

8. Jade Plant

123rf/marinakaiser

Botanical Name: Crassula ovata

Why is it Good?

With a Jade plant, you can have your own little ‘tree’ indoors that looks like bonsai! It will be more than happy to dwell in any bright corner of the room without asking for much attention other than watering once in 10 to 15 days.

Here’s all you need to know about growing Jade 

9. ZZ Plant

Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Why is it Good?

This versatile plant with minimalistic needs is an apt choice for old age and busy people because it tolerates low light, less watering, lack of pruning, and no repotting, it is extremely forgiving! It not only removes indoor air pollutants, but it is also a great feng shui option that brings protective energy to the home.

Have a look at the benefits of growing the ZZ Plant here

10. Air Plants

Botanical Name: Tillandsia

Why is it Good?

Air plants are easy to maintain and, hence, are a good option for seniors. This decorative plant grows on other surfaces, which improves creativity. It also reduces stress.

Check out the benefits of growing Air Plants here

11. Syngonium

Botanical Name: Syngonium

Why is it Good?

Syngonium is one more plant that needs no care and it also grows well in just water 😃.

Here are the top benefits of growing Arrowhead plants indoors


Plants Not Suitable for Seniors Suffering from Dementia

shutterstock/Liga Cerina

In the later stage of dementia, some older people can unintentionally put things in their mouth. Hence, other popular houseplants that are toxic, like Dieffenbachia, Caladium, Peace Lily, Hyacinth, Clivia, and English Ivy, are not suggested.

Houseplants that are suitable for such people must include the following benefits:

  • Mood enhancer
  • Air purifying
  • Low maintenance
  • Forgiving

Read how to grow pencil cactus here


Watch this video for more information

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