Environmental Infection Prevention and Control
Flowers and Plants in Patient-care Areas

There is minimal evidence that plants in general patient-care areas pose an increased risk of HAIs in immunocompetent patients. Nonetheless, the following precautions should be implemented: (1) limit plant care to staff with no direct patient contact; (2) wear gloves when handling plants; (3) wash hands after handling plants; (4) change vase-water every 2 days and discharge water into a sink outside the immediate patient-care area; (5) clean and disinfect vases after use; and (6) potted plants, and fresh-cut and dry flowers should be excluded from areas where immunocompromised patients are treated.¹