Decorating your space is a great way to feel more comfortable in it. Plants can brighten up your room and clear out the air — and you don’t need to be an expert gardener to take care of them. There are many low maintenance plants that can thrive in the residence halls. Just be sure to do your research to ensure you can properly take care — and if necessary, dispose — of your plants.
Cacti and succulents
Cacti and succulents are good starting points for people just getting into indoor gardening. They are low maintenance and can go for long periods of time without water. So, if you forget to water them every once in a while, they will be alright. Succulents and cacti should be kept in a well-lit area; a windowsill is the perfect place for them. Water them lightly once their soil is dry, usually about once a week depending on the time of the year. Succulents come in a variety of colors and shapes and can add a nice pop of color to your dorm room.
Spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms
Spider plants, snake plants and bamboo palms are great air purifiers and do a great job of getting rid of odors. Different from succulents and cacti, spider and snake plants and bamboo palms do much better when not in direct sunlight. This gives you more options for decorating around your dorm instead of just on your windowsill. Bamboo palms can grow to be very large, so regularly clipping them will be necessary after a while. Bamboo palms require a good supply of water, but make sure to look out for root rot and dead fronds. Tap water can lead to more browning; rainwater or filtered water is much preferred for these plants. Spider plants require good drainage, so it would be best to double pot or add drainage rocks to your soil. If you have cats, be aware that they will try to eat spider plants, and while not toxic to them, it can make them sick. Snake plants are extremely low maintenance and can be left for weeks without water.
Peace lilies and bromeliads
Many species of flowering plants thrive indoors and require very little maintenance. Peace lilies do not require direct light and are very forgiving to over or under-watering. This makes them a great plant for novice dorm gardeners. They give off a light scent, but it is not overpowering. While bromeliads may look strange, they produce beautiful flowers. They do not require much water and can absorb water through their leaves. Similar to succulents and cacti, bromeliads thrive in bright light spaces and are well suited for a windowsill.
