Brighten up your space this spring with a variety of plants that will thrive in your dorm's conditions and learn how to best care for them!
Small space plants
Just because your space is limited in campus housing, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy the beauty of houseplants. From greenery to colorful blooms and from low to high maintenance, there are plenty of plants that will make your space feel more like home.
Mackenzie Davis is an annual and houseplant expert at Berns Garden Center in Beavercreek, OH. She explained the best plants to keep in dorms are slow-growing and those that stay smaller. In addition to this, she stressed the importance of paying attention to the light the type of plant needs. With the right light and care, almost any plant can thrive in a dorm.
Greenery
ZZ plant
This uniquely shaped plant is professionally known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia and commonly called the ZZ plant. This plant is known for its thick stems and leaves, making it look and feel artificial. They are extremely low-maintenance plants that can thrive in a variety of lighting situations.
Many people refer to this as an “office plant” because it will even thrive under the harsh LED lights of office buildings. They can hardly be neglected, as they will thrive with little water. They also grow very slowly, making it easy to keep them in a small space. If you struggle with remembering to water or if your room gets very little light, a ZZ plant might be a perfect match.
Air plants
Air plants are convenient for small spaces because they do not have roots and require no dirt. While they prefer to be in spaces with bright light, they can adapt to be in low or indirect light environments. Mist the full plant every few days to water.
As the Good Earth Plant Company says, "In small living spaces, you need to use space at every level. So what could fit in better than Air Plants?"
To display in your dorm, you can place them in decorative terrariums or air plant stands. You can also place multiple plants in a bulb dish with terrarium rocks.
Ginseng Ficus: Ginseng Ficus is a very common type of bonsai houseplant. They are known for their root-heavy structure and their delicate leaves. These plants love bright sun, so it's best to keep them close to a window. Water once the soil is fully dry. They are slow growing, making them easy to keep in small areas.
Colorful
African violets
African Violets are a beautiful houseplant that can bloom in a variety of colors. They are known best for their round-dark green leaves surrounding bright blooms in the center. They stay rather small and compact, allowing them to be perfect for a small window seal or shelf.
These plants love bright indirect light. The best way to water these plants is by watering from the bottom. Place the plant in a shallow dish of water and allow it to soak up the water. Do this whenever the top of the soil is dry. By watering from the bottom, you are preventing brown spots on the leaves caused by water. When the blooms die, clean them off the plant to promote more growth. For continuous blooms, fertilize regularly with a bloom-promoting fertilizer.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are a type of tropical flower that can also thrive as a houseplant. They are known for their curved green exterior and their bright, colorful interior. Their blooms come in a variety of colors.
They are lovers of bright indirect light; however, too direct light will burn their leaves and stunt their growth. The better the light they have, the brighter the color in the center. This plant can be bottom watered or watered from the top. Make sure the plant never gets too dry or stays too wet for too long.
Peace lilies
Peace lilies are another common plant that thrives indoors. With large green leaves, the plants bloom beautiful white flowers. They love sunlight, but not too direct. If your dorm has east-facing windows, then these plants would thrive. Water once the top portion of the soil has dried out.
Many websites promote Peace Lillies, including Southern Living.
"Peace lilies are an easy-to-grow indoor plant that can express purity, support, forgiveness, and healing. Peace lilies are often given as a housewarming or sympathy gift, and they have health benefits too. This NASA-backed, air purifying plant helps remove household toxins," the website states.
ESA reminders
If you have an emotional support animal in your dorm, like a cat or dog, there are many things to keep in mind when bringing a houseplant home. For one, pay attention to the toxicity of the plant to animals.
In this list, ZZ plants, Ginseng Ficus and Peace Lilies are toxic to pets. This means that if your dog or cat happens to eat some of these plants, they are at risk of getting sick or having serious health problems. Avoid bringing those plants around your animals.
While some specific plants may poison a pet, it is also important to note that consuming any plants may cause stomach issues, as stated by the ASPCA.
"Also, be advised that the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats," ASPCA says.
In addition, if you find your dogs or cats are nibbling on any of your houseplants, move them to an elevated surface or put a plant cover on them to keep both your plant and animal safe.
Here is a full list of toxic and non-toxic indoor plants provided by Veterinary Partner.
While plants can be good to have in your dorm, it is important to stay safe and ensure you can properly care for them.
