Best Plants for a College Dorm Room
Freshen Up Your Space With Low Maintenance Greenery!
Starting college in Boston is exciting! As you settle into your new dorm, you'll quickly realize that it's more than just a room—it's your personal sanctuary amidst all the hustle and bustle of college life. One of the best ways to make your space feel more like home is to add a touch of greenery. Indoor plants not only brighten up your dorm room but also purify the air, boost your mood, and help you focus. Here’s our guide to the best plants for your college dorm room.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is the ultimate dorm room plant—practically indestructible and visually striking. With its upright, sword-like leaves, it thrives in low light and requires very little water, making it perfect for a busy college schedule. Plus, it’s a great air purifier, known to filter out toxins and release oxygen at night, improving your sleep.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The pothos plant, also known as the "Devil's Ivy," is a great choice for beginners. It has trailing vines that can grow quickly, adding a lush, jungle-like feel to your room. Pothos plants are incredibly low-maintenance, thriving in both low light and indirect sunlight. They only need watering when the soil is dry, making them perfect for forgetful plant parents!
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
If you're looking for a plant that's easy to care for and adds a bit of charm, the spider plant is a fantastic choice. With its arching leaves and small "baby" spiderettes, it brings a whimsical look to any space. Spider plants tolerate a variety of lighting conditions and only need occasional watering, making them an ideal dorm companion.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a popular option for dorm rooms because of its tolerance to low light and drought. Its glossy, dark green leaves make it a beautiful addition to any space, and it's almost impossible to kill. With minimal watering (once every two to three weeks) and no need for direct sunlight, the ZZ plant is perfect for students who may not have a green thumb.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is not only a stylish succulent but also comes with added benefits! Its gel can soothe burns and skin irritations, making it a handy plant to have around. Aloe thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs watering every three weeks or so, depending on your room's humidity levels. It’s a great plant for dorm rooms with sunny windowsills.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
For those looking for a plant with elegant blooms, the peace lily is an excellent choice. It's easy to care for and does well in low light, perfect for a dorm room with limited sunlight. It also helps improve indoor air quality. Keep the soil moist, but don’t overwater, and your peace lily will thrive.
7. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo adds a touch of Zen to your dorm room, and it’s very easy to care for. You can grow it in water or soil, and it only needs moderate light to thrive. It's said to bring good luck, which might be exactly what you need during exam season!
8. Cacti and Succulents
For a plant that needs minimal attention, cacti and succulents are perfect. These small, hardy plants require bright light but only need watering every few weeks, making them an excellent choice for sunny dorm rooms. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose one that matches your style
Tips for Keeping Dorm Plants Healthy
- Light: Make sure you know the light requirements of your plants. South-facing windows get the most sunlight, while north-facing windows get the least. If your room lacks natural light, consider a low-light plant or supplement with a grow light.
- Watering: Overwatering is the number one killer of indoor plants. Always check if the soil is dry before watering.
- Humidity: Dorm rooms can get dry, especially during winter. Grouping plants together or using a small humidifier can help maintain the right humidity levels.
- Pot Size:Ensure your plants are in pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Adding plants to your dorm room is a simple way to make your space feel more inviting and personal. Whether you opt for a resilient snake plant, a charming spider plant, or an aloe vera with added benefits, there's a plant out there to suit your lifestyle and space. At Rouvalis Flowers and Gardens, we have a wide selection of dorm-friendly plants that are perfect for your new college home. Visit us in-store or online to find the ideal plant to help you thrive this semester!