Jasper SmithFor students looking to breathe some life and vibrance into their dorm rooms, houseplants can offer an ideal solution. Whether it be a small succulent or a child-sized snake plant, there are a variety of cost-effective options that are effortlessly manageable for the average student to keep alive. Here are five low-maintenance houseplants to nurture your green thumb.
- Pothos
The pothos, sometimes referred to as the Devil’s Ivy, is a tropical plant that pairs well with novice plant owners and those who may not be able to devote ample time to caretaking. According to The Spruce, a home and life blog, the pothos thrives best in a low-light environment with well-draining potting soil.
When to water: Usually, once a week, when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
Light setting: Low-light.
Where to find: ReWild at Shaw location
Average Cost: $9.99 – $24.99
- Snake Plant
To some gardening professionals, the snake plant may be the perfect houseplant for the typical, busy college student.
“This one does the best in a shady corner or indirect sunlight,” said a garden aid at American Plant store.
Students looking to give the green-striped plant a home should avoid overwatering and ensure the snake plant has a pot with drainage holes. Overwatering this hard-to-kill houseplant could cause root rot and dull coloring.
When to water: Insert your finger a few inches into the soil to confirm it’s completely dry. At that point, you can water the plant with 1-2 cups, adjusting the amount according to its size. Water every 2-3 weeks.
Light setting: Low light or indirect light.
Tip: Be sure to wipe the leaves of the snake plant at least once a week to avoid dust collecting on the plant.
Where to find: ReWild at Shaw location or Lee’s Flower Shop on U Street
Average Cost: $11.99 – $64.99
- Bromeliad
The bromeliad is a tropical plant that can add a pop of color to any bare and bleak dorm room.
According to GardeningKnowHow.com, a home garden blog, “bromeliad plant care is easy and requires no special tools or fertilizers. Feed the plants with a half-strength fertilizer every month in the growing season.”
When caring for the bromeliad, the plant should not be placed in direct sunlight, as sunspots and brittle leaves will prevent it from flowering. This is the perfect houseplant for a student with an intermediate green thumb.
When to water: Water the plant when the soil has thoroughly dried out—approximately every 1-2 weeks in warmer months and every 3 weeks during colder periods.
Light setting: Low light or indirect light.
Tips: The bromeliad is prone to root rot when water is left in the tank, or center leaves, of the plant.
Where to find: ReWild at Shaw location
Average Cost: $17.99
- Succulents
Succulent plants are the perfect window-sitting houseplant. Succulents thrive in compact settings and require minimal care, thanks to their diverse range of species. They are native desert plants, and thrive with little watering and lots of sunlight. Because of their petite size and low maintenance needs, you can often find succulents not just at typical plant stores, but also at your local grocery or hardware store.
When to water: Every 1-2 weeks.
Light setting: Bright, direct light.
Where to find: ReWild at Shaw location
Average Cost: $5.99 – $27.99
- Chinese Evergreens
The bright green, lush Chinese evergreen plant can elevate any space it occupies. The Asia-native plant is hailed as easy to grow by garden bloggers and can be left indoors or outdoors. For students who return home over the summer, this plant can thrive in most environments as long as the soil is kept moist. These green beauties can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, according to GardenDesign.com.
When to water: Once a week.
Light setting: Bright, direct light.
Where to find: Home DepotAverage Cost: $39.99
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