Dorm Plants for Dormant Rooms

Ayesha Osman

Living alone for the first time can be quite a lonely and daunting experience. Plants are a great way to liven up any living space, and have intangible benefits that can improve our daily lives. “They make our surroundings more pleasant, and they make us feel calmer. Interior plants have been associated with reduced stress, increased pain tolerance, and improved productivity in people,” states V.I. Lohr in their article for the International Society for Horticulture Science. Students may not have much time on their hands; luckily there are many plants that do not need much care, water or sunlight.

The Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

These plants are not picky about the soil they grow in and do not need much water to thrive. In fact, they thrive better in dry soil and in winter, and should only be watered once every two months. They do, however, need a bit of sunlight and can be placed next to a window.

(Warning: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs)

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Also known as the Zanzibar Gem, this plant is a particularly difficult to kill. They boost cognitive function and clear pollution from their environment.

Illustration: Cleo Qin

These plants thrive in the bright shade or slightly bright light and should be watered when their soil is completely dry, since they retain moisture well.

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)

This is a succulent that you have probably already heard of. Healthline reports that this plant’s uses are endless, from healing sunburns and moisturizing your skin to treating several ailments such as heartburn. Aloe Vera needs bright light to grow, but direct sunlight will burn its leaves. It grows in sandy soil that drains well with a pH level of 7.0 to 8.5. This plant should not be watered frequently.

Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)

These plants are very lowmaintenance, come in various colours and can flower. However, it is difficult to get them to bloom indoors. They need bright light but not direct sunlight, as their leaves will burn; furthermore, these perennials should be watered once the top level of the soil feels dry.

Pothos (Epipremnum spp.)

Pothos are extremely resilient, as they survive in different light conditions and are drought-tolerant. They should only be watered when nearly dry.