Whether it’s a simple hobby or just a way to decorate your dorm, keeping dorm plants can be hugely rewarding as a student. Gardening is a source of stress relief and companionship amidst classes and homework, as well as providing plenty of health benefits. So if you’re interested in keeping a dorm room plant, where do you start?
Benefits of Plants
Removes Carbon Dioxide
Plants absorb carbon dioxide, which humans produce by breathing. They also release oxygen. This means your plants can increase oxygen levels in tight spaces, allowing you to breathe better. Keeping plants in your dorm or apartment will literally be a breath of fresh air!
Increase Humidity & Water Vapor
Plants release 97% of the water they take in, increasing humidity. The water vapor reduces dry skin, colds, sore throats & coughs. If you want to improve your health, house plants are an easy, cost-effective means!
Improve Air Purity
According to NASA research, plants can remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air every 24 hours. Because of this, plants can be an effective way to clean the air in your living space!
Best (Easiest) Dorm Plants
Aloe vera is a favored succulent plant that produces gel in its leaves that can be used on skin. While the aloe’s gel can irritate some, those who can use it find that it can be good for sunburns, rashes, and skincare. In addition to its medicinal uses, aloe vera is shown to improve air quality.
Despite the name, Lucky Bamboo is not actually a bamboo plant! Nevertheless, this plant is useful and easy to care for. Lucky bamboo plants have excellent air-purifying abilities and are used in Feng Shui as a symbol of good luck and happiness. And as an added bonus, you can train your lucky bamboo into fun shapes!
The money tree got its name from the Feng Shui belief that it will bring positive energy and good luck to its owner. While this plant is a bit more demanding than others, it is well worth it! Money trees are believed to relieve stress, anxiety, and sleeping disorders.
The spider plant, AKA the Ribbon Plant or Spider Ivy, is a well-known household plant. Because of their adaptability and easy growth, spider plants are perfect for new gardeners. If you want a plant but don’t have a lot of time to care for one, the spider plant is a good choice!
The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), AKA Zanzibar Gem, is one of the most resilient houseplants around. Native to eastern Africa, ZZ plants are able to survive months without water and even without optimal light. They are known for their ability to store water and clean air!
Planting Tips
Chances are your dorm isn’t going to have a lot of natural light. You’ll find low light plants aren’t high maintenance when it comes to needing abundant light sources.
Root rot is a disease that affects plants in growing in wet soil. If your plant has root rot, the roots will look black and mushy & may fall off the plant when inspected. To treat the root rot:
- Remove plant
- Wash the roots until clean
- Use scissors to cut affected areas
- Let dry & replant.
Overwatering is the #1 reason house plants die. You may worry that your plant is thirsty, but too much water can be hazardous to its health. Pay attention to your plant’s soil moisture and watering needs to know when to water!
If you live in a dorm, you know your space is limited and sometimes sparing space on your desk isn’t an option. Hanging planters conserve space and are an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional table planters. They also reduce the amount of pests bothering your plants.
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