HOUSE HOUSE PLANTS PLANTS FOR FOR STUDENTS STUDENTS

I think we ’ ve all experienced the urge to buy a houseplant at some point, and for good reason. Studies have shown that indoor plants can have many benefits, such as improving mood and focus, reducing fatigue, lowering anxiety and stress, and improving air quality. Caring for houseplants can provide a sense of purpose and responsibility, which is important for mental and emotional health. Additionally, having greenery indoors creates a more calming and relaxing atmosphere, and makes living spaces more inviting and comfortable. This is especially beneficial for students who are away from home for the first time. Plus, with displays as adorable as this one (at Greenwise on Gaines Street), how can you resist?

However, college living spaces are often, to put it generously, charmingly compact. Additionally, busy schedules mean that easy to care for plants are a must. Here’s a few of the best lowstress houseplants for college students:

Pothos: Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to care for, and grows well on a table or desk in low to medium indoor light. Studies have shown that having a pothos plant in your living space promotes feelings of calm and relaxation. Basically, it’s the perfect desk plant! Make sure to allow the soil to dry between waterings (overwatering is a leading cause of houseplant death).

2. Aloe Vera: Aloe needs very little care and thrives well in a variety of conditions. Plus you can use the gel to soothe sunburns, which is especially helpful in Florida! Aloe plants love light and will do best when placed near a window.

3. Succulents: Succulents are cute, compact, and easy to care for. They are perfect for a sunny windowsill and come in tons of fun textures and colors. Just look how adorable the options available at Greenwise on Gaines are!

Here’s a few general tips and best practices for houseplant care:

1.

Find your light: Some plants need lots of light, and some do well in darker spaces. Make sure you know the light level of your space so you can select plants that are a good fit.

2.

Water by feel: It’s tempting to set a schedule for watering. Unfortunately, this tends to lead to overwatering. Think about it- you don’t drink the same exact amount of water every day, so why should your plants? Instead, it’s best to water by feel. The simplest way to do this is to touch the soil. If it’s dry, the plant needs water. If the surface is moist, hold off on watering.

3.

Name your plants: This might feel silly, but studies have shown that named plants are more likely to survive and thrive. Once you ’ ve named a plant, you feel more connected to it, which makes care feel less like a chore. Plus, it’s just fun!

Of course, these are just some basic tips. All kinds of unique situations come up when caring for houseplants. If you have a question about plant care, you can call the U.S. Botanic Garden Plant Hotline at (202) 226-4785 for free advice from a plant professional!