Hang on a minute - are there really residents in rooms with no windows?

The idea is very generous but have you okayed it with the management of the home? They might see it as extra work. Or are you going to provide people to supervise the plant care? There might also be health and safety issues. There may be issues with respiratory problems, residents who might do unexpected things like nibble the plants, spill water or mix and cause a slip hazard, pull pots off sills and hurt themselves, etc. There needs to be a good deal of planning and liaison for the idea to be successful. There is probably an activities organiser or occupational therapist you could work with.

Most houseplants aren't started from seed but are propagated vegetatively. Just off the top of my head and looking at my kitchen windowsill, very easy to care for are Spider Plants, Aspidistras and the Bromeliad, Bilbergia nutans. But the latter is spikey so maybe not suitable. Amaryllis bulbs are brilliant because they grow so fast and dramatically. But they are not cheap.

It might be tricky giving them seedlings and babies to watch after. But I like the idea very much. There's the usual pothos or philodendron vine that will pretty much grow anywhere. Sansevieria (commonly called snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue) and ZZ plants do very well without too much light or care. The bad thing about those is that they grow so slow it often seems like they're not doing anything at all. However, they tolerate neglect and wouldn't create extra work for staff. I can imagine there being a lot of issues with this sort of thing. I'm extremely fond of African violets, orchids, and hoyas, but they aren't exactly easy care plants. Hoyas are easy, but need quite a bit of light. I keep a zebra haworthia in my window sill, and it requires very little care.

One of our local nursing homes stop letting the Garden Club bring in fresh cut flowers. Some of the patients were eating them. I do admire your idea.

A friend of mine's mother lives in a nursing home that has a greenhouse. The people living there love taking care of the plants!! My friend even goes to help out (on top of seeing her mom), it's really quite nice.

Can't say I have any good recommendations on species, just that growing can be quite enjoyable and therapeutic for those of all ages. =)

Ditto what floral said!

Ya'll have given me a lot to think about and consider. I knew asking this special group of people for advice was just the thing to do. I have been on both ends of nursing homes. I've worked and volunteered for them and last year found myself a recovering resident after a month long hospital stay.

I think my first step should be to talk to the activity director of the homes and talk the idea over with them. I'm excited about the advice shared with me and will be sure to share the out come. Thank y'all!

Off the topic, but I really would like to know about that nursing home. You say..."some residents have windows and some don't". Floral and rhizo ask about it, and I am asking too: how could ppl live there without windows??? That sounds strange and sad to me...

There is a list of house plants that clean the air. If you google house plants that clean the air, you should see some recommendations.

i recommend house plants that clean the air because often the windows in care homes do not open, and the facilities often use strong smelling cleaning liquids. Also, don't over water the plants

Is there a common area in the nursing home that gets adequate light, such as a cafeteria or sitting room? Maybe look into low maintenance, "living wall?" Those residents that are able can rotate care duties for it, and all residents are able to enjoy it. Common areas may be better supervised by staff as well (hence, the eating of plants issue).

Here is one example. I've seen DIY plans online as well and one that has rolling casters on the bottom.

http://www.gardenista.com/products/free-standing-vertical-garden

There is a also a product called a 'wally pocket' but the reviews I see seem to say those are better suited for outdoor use.

Species typically used in living walls are low-light vine types like pothos and philodendron. Next time you are at your local mall or a big office complex, take notice of the interior plants. Those are probably going to be the typical species of plants best for low to medium light.

I go to a lot of nursing homes and my mom and uncle spent their last days in senior homes and hospice. The no window question....... if the patients do not have the extra money to pay for private room one person will be by the window and the other side of the room does not have a window. For privacy there is a drapery that they pull between the rooms.

Also, Patients that have to watched 24/7 like patients with Alzheimer's Disease...Some facilities have them in like a circular interior room with the nurses station in the middle. Those patients do not have windows.

The suggestion of talking to the homes is the best idea. I take plants to patients that enjoy having a little plant to care for but because I visit the homes and get to know the residents I know which ones are able to enjoy the plants and have the mind still to know the plants are not food.

I take little succulents, and spider plants in small pots and I save little medicine bottles and put just a little water in them to water the plants. Because they are succulents and small plants I have instructions that these plants do not need water much only a drop.

I pick up small containers at the Thrift store. I usually use pots that are made of resin, plastic, metal and they do not have drainage holes. I look for colorful containers or containers that are decorative. A sea shell, a little shoe, a bird, small plastic cups with bright colors etc.

I see - there needs to be some different set-ups for different patients...wasn't thinking about that.

I've worked in nursing homes before. I would be very leery about live plants in any rooms as some residents will roam from room to room and could possibly eat the plants. You would have to be sure they were not toxic at all, also many of the plants that aren't toxic are not suited for the type of lighting a nursing home room gives. This will give you a double challenge.

Regarding the windows: The issue is that every room has a some kind of window, however, it is very common for a room to be shared which typically leaves one resident on the window side and the other without. Sometimes there is a curtain dividing the room so the resident on the non window side cannot see it. Also, the resident who has the window on his/her side has the choice to close the drapes. Shared rooms can provide companionship, however, often times it is not an ideal situation. Unfortunately, many people cannot afford private rooms for their parent and this is their only option. So yes, it is sad that some residents will not have their own personal window to put a plant in. :(