Best Dorm Room Plants: 12 Easy Indoor Plants For A Relaxing Space
Low Maintenance Plants for Dorms That Are Virtually Unkillable
Adding a touch of nature and warmth to college dorm rooms can be as simple as bringing in some indoor plants. These green friends not only bring a pop of color to what can often feel like a sterile and uninspiring space, but they also have the power to reduce stress levels. The trick is to choose plants that thrive in dorm environments, where factors like limited natural light, varying humidity, and forgetful plant parents are common. Some plants, for instance, require little maintenance and can tolerate low-light conditions, making them perfect for rooms without direct sunlight. Others are surprisingly resilient when it comes to water and humidity fluctuations. And let’s not forget about the budget – exotic plants may look impressive, but they’re often out of reach for college students on a tight budget. In this article, we’ll explore some top picks for dorm room plants that are easy to care for and require minimal fuss. With these low-maintenance options, you can enjoy the benefits of having plants around without sacrificing your sanity or breaking the bank.
Best Dorm Room Plants
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a fantastic option for college students looking to bring some life into their dorm room without too much fuss. With its stunning, green foliage providing a calming ambiance, it’s an excellent choice for livening up any space. This adaptable plant comes in a range of shapes and colors, from variegated green and silver to vibrant pink and red hues.
One of the Chinese Evergreen’s greatest strengths is its ability to thrive in low to medium lighting conditions, making it perfect for dorm rooms with limited natural light. It’s also incredibly water-efficient, requiring only occasional watering. This means you can go on vacation without worrying about your plant’s well-being.
What’s more, the Chinese Evergreen is renowned for its air-purifying properties, making it a fantastic addition to any room. With its low-maintenance requirements and stunning appearance, this plant is an absolute must-have for college students looking to add some greenery and personality to their dorm space.
Snake Plant
The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria, has become a staple in many college students’ dorm rooms due to its striking green and yellow striped appearance. Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also incredibly easy to care for. In fact, they thrive on neglect – the more you forget about them, the better they’ll do! This hardy plant can survive with low to bright indirect light, making it perfect for cramped dorm rooms with limited natural light.
One of the snake plant’s most impressive features is its air-purifying abilities. According to a NASA study, this plant is one of the top performers when it comes to removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. This makes it an excellent choice for students who suffer from allergies or asthma, as it can help create a healthier breathing environment.
To keep your snake plant happy, make sure to water it sparingly – allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings is crucial to prevent root rot. A well-draining potting mix and occasional watering from below (when the soil is mostly dry) will ensure your plant stays healthy and thrives.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are renowned for their incredible resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions. Native to South Africa but now widespread globally, these versatile houseplants boast long, slender leaves measuring up to 3 feet in length and 1 inch in width, often displaying a striking green or yellow and white striped pattern. The plant also produces small white flowers on its stems. While they typically prefer bright indirect sunlight, they can survive with less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Watering is another aspect where spider plants excel in adaptability – they only require watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, making them relatively low-maintenance. Overwatering, however, can lead to root rot and potentially even kill the plant, just like their snake plant counterparts.
Spider plants do best when planted in well-draining soil, where they can breathe easily and develop strong roots. Additionally, a gentle misting every now and then not only provides humidity but also helps keep their leaves dust-free.
One of the most impressive features of spider plants is their ease of propagation. They produce small plantlets that hang from trailing stems, which resemble spiders – no wonder they’re called so! Simply snip off these plant babies and pot them up to create new spider plants, making it a cost-effective way to fill your space with greenery.
With their beautiful appearance, air-purifying qualities, and low-maintenance care, spider plants are an ideal choice for anyone looking to bring some life into their space – even beginners can enjoy their benefits!
ZZ Plant
In the often chaotic environment of college dorm rooms, it’s a wonder any plants survive at all. But for those looking to bring some life into their space, the ZZ plant is an ideal choice. This low-maintenance houseplant thrives in neglect, making it perfect for busy students who struggle to keep even the most hardy greenery alive.
The ZZ Plant (zamioculcas zamiifolia), also known as the Zanzibar gem, boasts impressive resilience in adapting to minimal lighting conditions. Its efficiency at retaining water means it prefers arid environments with good drainage.
In fact, the only way to potentially harm this plant is by overwatering – a rare occurrence given its ability to survive for extended periods without a drink. When in doubt, simply wait and let nature take its course.
With minimal effort required, ZZ plants are foolproof additions to any dorm room. Enjoy the beauty of lush greenery without worrying about keeping up with its needs. Simply water sparingly – every 2-6 weeks, allowing the soil to dry fully between waterings – and let this hardy plant do the rest.
Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a versatile and forgiving trailing plant that excels in low-maintenance environments. Its adaptability to varying light conditions makes it an ideal choice for dorm rooms, where space may be limited. Native to the Solomon Islands, this air-purifying superstar can thrive in a range of colors and grow in small pots or hang from the ceiling, making it a practical option for cozy spaces.One of Pothos’ greatest strengths lies in its ability to survive in low-light areas and require infrequent watering. The plant prefers to be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged, with the soil drying out between waterings. This means you can enjoy the benefits of having a thriving plant without dedicating excessive time or resources to its care.The plant’s leaves will turn yellow if it’s over- or under-watered, providing an easy-to-spot indicator of its health. Furthermore, Pothos is simple to propagate by cutting a stem and allowing it to form roots in water before planting it in soil. Overall, the Pothos’ remarkable ability to thrive in even the most challenging conditions makes it an outstanding choice for dorm rooms.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra) is another excellent option for college students who struggle with limited sunlight in their dorm rooms. This plant has a fascinating history, being part of the asparagus family and a popular choice during the Victorian era. Its unique aesthetic makes it an excellent fit for those seeking to create a dark academia atmosphere.When caring for your cast iron plant, be mindful that its leaves are susceptible to damage from direct sunlight. Keep them out of the sun’s rays to ensure their well-being. Watering is also straightforward: avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and ultimately kill the plant. Instead, prefer a drier environment and let the soil dry out between waterings.These low-maintenance plants are perfect for busy students or those new to gardening. They’re remarkably resilient and can thrive in even the lowest-light conditions. It takes a considerable amount of neglect to harm these leafy wonders, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a hassle-free indoor plant.
Peace Lily
The adaptable peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is an ideal choice for dorm rooms due to its low-maintenance requirements. These plants can thrive in a range of light conditions, from low light to bright indirect light, making them perfect for students who don’t have a lot of experience with plant care. With proper care, including watering about once a week and keeping the soil consistently moist but not saturated, you can keep your peace lily healthy and happy.
One of the standout features of these plants is their ability to produce stunning white flowers on occasion, adding a touch of sophistication to any room’s décor. Like pothos, peace lilies are capable of purifying the air and can do so in shade or partial shade conditions. Ideally, place them near an east- or north-facing window, but avoid direct sunlight.
Peace lilies have one major requirement: humidity. To meet this need, consider investing in a humidifier if your dorm room is particularly dry. Alternatively, you can create a mini-humid environment by placing a tray of water nearby. It’s also important to note that these plants are sensitive to chlorine in tap water, so use distilled or filtered water whenever possible or leave a cup of water out overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
To keep your peace lily looking its best, aim for consistently moist soil but avoid overwatering. If you notice the leaves starting to droop and turn brown at the tips, it may be a sign that the soil is too dry.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are ideal low-maintenance plants for dorm rooms, boasting fast growth rates and diverse growth patterns. The Birkin philodendron, pictured above, is a great example of this variety’s appeal. What’s more, these plants are effective air purifiers, removing harmful chemicals from the atmosphere. There are two primary types: vining and non-climbing. Non-climbing philodendrons grow upwards, while vining varieties trail downwards. The latter can be trained to cascade down from a hanging planter or climb a stake for added visual interest. This forgiving plant tolerates inconsistent watering but doesn’t thrive with overwatering or direct sunlight. It will adapt to a range of lighting conditions, growing more rapidly and maintaining optimal health in bright indirect light. Regular misting also keeps the plant happy. For optimal care tips, read on. Philodendrons are surprisingly hardy and can tolerate neglect, as long as they receive sufficient sunlight. However, for smaller dorm rooms, their leaves may be too large. In sun-deprived situations, consider a darker green variety like Heartleaf or Florida Green Philodendron. With proper care, philodendrons will flourish in your dorm room.
Dracaena Marginata
The Dracaena marginata, or Madagascar Dragon Tree, is a resilient houseplant that can thrive in dorm rooms despite occasional neglect. Its adaptability to drought makes it an ideal choice for busy students who might forget to water their plants from time to time. In fact, this plant can survive with infrequent watering as long as the top half of its soil remains dry.
One of the key factors in keeping your Dracaena marginata healthy is maintaining a balance between moisture levels. If you do end up forgetting to water it occasionally, don’t worry – the leaves may turn yellow due to overwatering or brown and crispy from underwatering. However, this plant requires some effort to truly neglect it.
It’s also important to note that Dracaena marginata are sensitive to fluoride in tap water, so using distilled water is recommended for optimal health.
These tropical plants are known for their lush appearance and attractive foliage. With a variety of shapes and sizes available, the striking long spiky-look leaves on the Dracaena marginata make it an excellent choice for adding some greenery to even the most uninviting spaces.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera plants are a staple in many dorm rooms due to their adaptability and numerous benefits. Not only do they thrive in low-maintenance conditions, but they also contribute to air purification, add a pop of color and texture, and regulate humidity levels. As succulents, Aloe Vera plants prefer well-draining soil and dry conditions between waterings. In fact, they can survive for extended periods without watering, making them perfect for busy students. When you do water them, make sure the soil is completely dry to the touch, usually once a week during summer and every two weeks in winter.Aloe Vera plants come in diverse shapes, sizes, and colors that cater to various design preferences. With proper care, these plants can become long-term companions, providing years of enjoyment. To keep them thriving, simply ensure they receive bright indirect light and avoid overwatering. By doing so, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, vibrant plant that’s as easy-going as it is aesthetically pleasing.
Rubber Tree Plant
The popularity of rubber trees as houseplants stems from their ability to thrive in shady environments, require minimal care, and be easily propagated. It’s no surprise they’re becoming a favorite among college students looking for low-maintenance plants for their dorms. One thing to note when selecting a rubber tree is its susceptibility to pests, so look for one with healthy, shiny leaves and no signs of damage. Once you’ve found the perfect plant, it’s essential to provide the right conditions for it to flourish.
Rubber trees (Ficus Elastica) come in various sizes and can be grown in small pots. While they prefer bright, indirect light, they’re surprisingly tolerant of less than ideal lighting. They require minimal pruning and repotting, making them an excellent choice for busy students. With a range of colors to choose from, it’s easy to find a rubber tree that fits your personal style.
Despite their low-maintenance nature, it’s crucial to water rubber trees when the soil is almost completely dry and provide medium to bright indirect light.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas cacti are an excellent choice for dorm rooms due to their forgiving nature and low maintenance requirements. These succulents thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light, making them a versatile option for students. With only occasional watering every 2-3 weeks when the soil feels dry to the touch, they’re easy to care for even for those with busy schedules. In addition to their hardiness, Christmas cacti are also relatively inexpensive and come in a range of shapes and sizes, making them a great value for any dorm room. To ensure optimal growth, use well-draining soil specifically designed for succulents or create your own by mixing potting soil with sand or perlite. As they grow slowly, repot them in a larger container with fresh soil when you notice their roots growing out of the drainage holes. While Christmas cacti prefer more moisture than most succulents and cacti, they still appreciate humidity and can be encouraged to bloom by providing ideal conditions. With proper care, these cheerful plants will reward you with vibrant colors and blooming flowers, making them a perfect addition to any dorm room.
FAQ
How to hang plants in a dorm room?
When it comes to decorating your dorm room with plants, you don’t need to compromise on aesthetics or safety. There are several creative and damage-free ways to hang your greenery without making any holes in the ceiling or walls.
One approach is to utilize tension rods or shower rods, which can provide a sturdy base for your plants. Another option is to use adhesive ceiling hooks that won’t leave any residue behind once you remove them.
Alternatively, you could opt for freestanding clothing racks that can hold multiple planters, adding a stylish touch to your room. If you have a suitable window available, suction cup plant hangers are another great option.
For a more creative solution, consider using over-the-door hooks or even a coat rack with built-in hooks to hang your plants. These unique methods allow you to showcase your greenery without causing any damage to your dorm room.
Are plants allowed in dorms?
It’s a common misconception that plants are strictly prohibited in dorms, but the reality is that many institutions allow them – as long as you’re not growing anything illicit. While there may be some restrictions on what types of plants can be brought into shared spaces, many students find that having a small plant or two in their room can really help to create a sense of calm and tranquility. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a touch of nature indoors and add some visual interest to your space.
Air purifying plants for dorm rooms?
While many of the air-purifying plants discussed earlier are excellent choices for dorm room spaces, a trio stands out as particularly effective in removing impurities from the air: the adaptable Snake Plant, the fast-growing Spider Plant, and the elegant Dracaena Marginata.
Final thoughts on best dorm plants
As we conclude our exploration of the top dorm room plants, it’s clear that these low-maintenance indoor plants are an excellent way to bring some much-needed greenery and vitality into your dorm space. The selection of plants listed above boasts a range of benefits, including their ability to thrive in low-light conditions, purify the air, and tolerate minor neglect. By incorporating one or more of these plants into your dorm room, you’ll be able to create a cozy and stylish atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing and studying. We’d love to hear your thoughts on which plant ideas resonate with you the most – do you have any other favorite plants that would excel in a college dorm setting? Share your opinions by leaving a comment below!
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Best Dorm Plants
Meet Charlie Lake, a seasoned college insider and blogger who has navigated the ups and downs of campus life. As a 2015 graduate, she has also co-founded College Life Made Easy, a student lifestyle site dedicated to making the college experience less stressful and more successful. With her expertise, she regularly writes about college tips, organization strategies, scholarships, dorm room ideas, and DIY projects like Halloween costumes and care packages. Her work has been featured in major publications such as Redfin and College Ave Student Loans. You can learn more about her on the About Page.Andy Swainson is a wordsmith with a passion for music, good food, and exploring new experiences. After studying social science at a West Coast university, he transitioned from advertising to copywriting, where his goal is to add flavor to the world one word at a time. When not crafting compelling copy, Andy can be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen or strumming his guitar. His expertise has led him to write about dating apps for college students, offering valuable insights and recommendations.