Top 10 student friendly plants for home decor

Student life can be busy, but a little greenery can brighten your dorm room or study space. The good news: you don’t need to be a seasoned gardener to cultivate a mini indoor jungle. In this article we give you 10 plants that are practically student-proof, perfect for beginners with limited time and space.

Table of Contents

Spider Plant

This cascading wonder thrives on neglect. Indirect sunlight and occasional watering are all it needs. Plus, it produces adorable “spiderettes” that can be easily propagated into new plants, perfect for sharing with friends.

Snake Plant

Living up to its name, the Snake Plant is a tough cookie. It tolerates low light and infrequent watering, making it ideal for forgetful students. Its upright, architectural form adds a touch of modern style to any space.

Succulents

These plump beauties come in an array of shapes, sizes and colours. Succulents require minimal watering and well-draining soil, thriving in sunny windowsills. With a little TLC, they’ll reward you with vibrant blooms.

Air plants

Take plant parenthood to a whole new level with air plants! These quirky wonders don’t need soil; they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. Simply dunk them in water every few weeks and watch them thrive.

Basil

Craving fresh herbs for your dorm room pasta? Look no further than basil! This culinary favourite grows well in sunny spots near a window. Pinch off leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and add a burst of flavour to your meals.

Mint

Another fragrant friend, mint is a fast-growing herb that enjoys moderate watering and bright, indirect sunlight. Plant it in a pot with drainage holes, as it can become invasive. Mint adds a refreshing touch to drinks and desserts.

Peace lily

This elegant plant boasts beautiful white flowers and glossy green leaves. It thrives in low-light conditions and even tells you when it’s thirsty by dropping its leaves. A perfect choice for students with limited natural light.

Pothos

Often called the ‘Devil’s Ivy,’ Pothos is a forgiving climber that tolerates a range of light levels and watering schedules. Train it to climb a moss pole or let its lush vines cascade from a hanging basket.

ZZ plant

Nicknamed the ‘Evergreen Gem,’ the ZZ Plant lives up to its name. It requires minimal watering and can tolerate low light conditions, making it a great choice for busy students. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of sophistication to any room.

Aloe Vera

This medicinal marvel is more than just a sunburn soother. It’s a succulent that thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and infrequent watering. The gel inside its leaves can be used to treat minor skin irritations, making it a handy addition to any student’s room.

See also: 5 plants for your bookshelf.

With a little care and these student-friendly plants, you can cultivate a touch of nature in your own space. Remember, even the smallest amount of greenery can bring a sense of calm and well-being to your busy student life. So, grab a pot, some soil and get growing!

FAQs

I don't get a lot of natural light in my dorm room. Are there any plants on this list that will still do okay?

Yes, the Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Peace Lily and Pothos will all tolerate lower light conditions.

I'm terrible at remembering to water my plants. Are any on this list particularly drought-tolerant?

Absolutely. Succulents, Snake Plants, ZZ Plants and Aloe Vera all require infrequent watering. Just remember, even drought-tolerant plants shouldn't be completely neglected.

I live in a tiny dorm room. Any space-saving plant suggestions?

Air Plants require no pot at all and can be displayed creatively. Snake Plants grow vertically, taking up minimal floor space. Hanging Pothos or Spider Plants can add greenery without sacrificing precious surface area.

I love to cook but don't have room for a full herb garden. Can I grow herbs in my dorm room?

Definitely. Basil and Mint are both easy-to-grow herbs that thrive in sunny window sills and add delicious flavour to your meals.

Do any of these plants help purify the air in my dorm room?

The Peace Lily, Snake Plant and Spider Plant are all known for their air-purifying properties, helping to remove common toxins from the air.

I'm a complete beginner when it comes to plants. Any tips for success?

Start with a small, easy-care plant like a succulent or Snake Plant. Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Most of these plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight.

What if my plant starts to look unhealthy?

Research the specific needs of your plant. Common issues include underwatering, overwatering, or insufficient light. With a few adjustments, you can usually get your plant back on track.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]

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