We all know how stressful college can be. Between classes and studying, you barely find time to eat lunch or do laundry. Most college students spend a large amount of time in their dorms, so why not make it just a little more appealing to be there? Even if you've been awake for three days, you'll find some peace in having a plant in your room. Not only are plants easy décor, they can help freshen the air and bring life to utterly gloomy spaces. Here are some low-to-moderate light plants that are perfect for the light conditions of the average dorm room.
1. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii)
While not actually bamboo, this dracaena is sure to bring luck to your dorm. Simplistic and easy to grow in low-light conditions, having a lucky bamboo is a surefire way to add a nice touch of green to a dorm's usual hues of brown and white.
2. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The rounded, fat leaves of this succulent are not only an interesting characteristic but also quite the eye-catcher. Great in low-light conditions, the jade plant is great for filling that empty void space on your desk where you've been meaning to put something since last semester.
3. Golden Pothos (Scindapsus aures)
A personal favorite, the golden pothos is a wonderful plant to have not only for what it brings in terms of looks (the marbling on the leaves is quite the sight), but also in terms of health. This plant works both night and day as it clears the air of toxins and harmful particles.
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as Mother-in-Laws Tongue (because of their sharpness), the snake plant is a plant for anyone who forgets to water their plants often. Extremely hardy (a member of the 'Plants of Steel' category), this plant grows slowly and is usually sold when the plants are short, a perfect height for a desktop or dresser. Like the golden pothos, this plant cleanses the air of toxins, although primarily during the nighttime.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
An herb native to Australia, the spider plant (also called the ribbon plant) is small, self-contained, and doesn't need too much attention. They can survive temperatures as low as 35F, so they most surely can survive you.
6. ZeeZee Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Used in a lot of malls and doctor offices, the ZeeZee plant is in first place when it comes to high quality for low price. Usually mistaken for a fake plant (in real life they really do look plastic), the ZeeZee plant is the definition of robust. Keeping the soil on the arid side is not only easy, but also allows the plant to thrive.
7. Aloe vera (Aloe vera var. chinensis)
One of the most popular plants used in holistic medicine, aloe vera has a wider array of uses than just as a healing product in sunblock (although that is a benefit). A natural air purifier, aloe vera is a medium-light plant that will thrive wherever you place it in your room, although I have found that placing it halfway between the window and your door (on your desk, for example) is the best spot.
8. Air Plants (Genus Tillandsia)
If you can't keep track of when to water your plant or when you watered it last, then an air plant is right for you. All air plants are members of the genus Tillandsia and are the simplest type of plant to keep. Simply soak them in water for 20 minutes every two weeks and they'll be happy.
