Our Top Dorm-Friendly Plants –
Plants are the perfect way to spruce up small indoor spaces such as a dorm room. Whether you have a green thumb or it’s a new hobby, caring for nature develops skills and sparks joy. Since college is a busy time spent studying for finals and bonding with friends, it’s important to select plants that require minimal effort. It can get overwhelming when you first start out learning all the aspects of plant care (i.e. light levels, soil types, watering schedules, fertilizing techniques, propagations, etc.). Which is why we recommend keeping it simple. The key? Drought-tolerant and low-light houseplants!
Drought Tolerant Plants
Drought-tolerant species, like snake plants, and succulents are great dorm-friendly houseplants since they require watering less frequently – typically weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on the season. In fact, they prefer that the soil they sit in is completely dried out between waterings; preventing their roots from sitting in water and rotting away (also known as “root rot”). Always use a well-draining organic cactus mix to allow the soil to aerate, the roots to breathe, and nutrients to nourish.
Air Plants (Tillandsia) are by far the easiest to maintain. To water, simply use a spray bottle or dunk it in a bowl of water until it’s completely wet. Sit it upside down until it dries. Since watering requirements may change with the seasons, we recommend setting a weekly schedule to check. If the tips of their leaves start to crisp, that’s a good sign that they’re ready to be watered. They thrive in bright, indirect light. Aesthetic in decorative bowls and in terrariums, Tillandsia are the perfect way to add a unique natural element to your space! Check out our online shop for inspiration – we have small dishes, Botanical Air Plant Terrariums, and cute rainbow Tillandsia Holders!
Snake Plants (Sansevieria) are another ideal drought-resistant option for your dorm space. Had a month-long project and didn’t water your Sansevieria? Good news: it’ll survive! They require well-draining soil that must be dry all the way through before the next watering. This characteristic makes it optimal for students who are studying for finals and often forget to water on schedule. Their long, pointy green foliage resembles swords, with some having a yellow outline – looking striking against any wall you set it infront of!
Succulents are beautiful, low maintenance plants that have a distinctive appearance. A well-draining cactus mix is their preferred blend for optimal aeration and water retention. Allow them to dry out completely [and then some]; use a moisture meter to test the soil levels before watering. Whether in a Succulent Arrangement or by itself, these species thrive in bright, indirect and direct sunlight. Since most dorms are low-light environments, without much direct full sun, we recommend choosing shade succulents – such as: Haworthia, Crassula and Kalanchoe.
Low Light Plants
Pothos (Epipremnum), otherwise known as Devil’s Ivy, is another dorm-friendly houseplant that can tolerate both minimal watering and low-light. Similar to succulents and snake plants, Pothos favor their soil drying out thoroughly before the next scheduled water. Their vibrant green and yellow variegated leaves create a beautiful contrast in any space. Combine this stunning leafy foliage with a colorful pot to display on your desk or shelves!
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana) are another species able to grow in low-light conditions. Since they can be grown in either potting soil or water, they are low-maintenance. For arrangements with water and rock, every so often, pour distilled water until it reaches the rocks at the top of the pot. We carry Lucky Bamboo Arrangements and single shoots for purchase. Whether you’re looking to place it in a glass jar or make an arrangement of your own, we can help you along the way!
From air purification to decreasing stress and increasing focus, houseplants are a beneficial addition to any dorm room. Check out our online shop or visit us in store today! We’re open daily from 10am to 5pm, Monday through Sunday. Our team here at The Secret Garden is happy to assist you in finding the perfect drought-tolerant, low-light choice for your space!
Thank you to Courtney Giles for her work on this blog post.
