#Plantgoals is a popularly sought after aesthetic when it comes to interior design, as it can make any home insta-worthy — even our very own Stetson dorms. Beyond visual decorations, owning indoor plants can also have physical and mental benefits.
According to HGTV.com, the official Home and Garden TV blog, owning plants can help reduce stress, create a feeling of well-being, improve air quality, absorb background noise, and help you focus better. If that is not enough to sway you, plants can also create a much-needed escape when the weather is particularly unpleasant.
I get it — not everyone has a green thumb or the time to take care of a plant. Surprisingly, there are many factors that need to be taken into account before choosing to buy a plant, such as the amount of available light and how much maintenance it requires. Luckily for you, I’ve thought of these things so you don’t have to.
Low-light and low maintenance: Philodendrons, Pothos, and ZZ plants are great options for college students who want leafy greenery without too much responsibility. These plants tend to thrive in areas of your home that are darker for the most part of the day; for example, on shelves, on desks away from the windows, or on elevated stands in the corner.
Low-light, high maintenance: With their iconic spores and frilly leaves, Ferns will beautify any dark corner or side table. They require more care and attention, but are worth the hassle when flourishing.
Signs of an unhappy Fern are crinkly, wilted leaves and rot damage — both correlate to how the plant is being watered. Rot damage is a result of over watering and can lead to molding in the roots of your plant. This isn’t exclusive to Ferns so be wary of overwatering with any plants. Ferns thrive in humidity, so spritz the leaves of your Fern with a spray bottle every other day or use the plant to decorate your bathroom where the steam from your shower can give it all kinds of humid feels.
Medium-light, medium maintenance: Monstera, Chinese Money Plants, and Money Trees are unique additions to your apartment decor that don’t require excessive maintenance. They only need watering once a week or when their soil feels completely dry. These beauties are sure to make your home the popular hang out spot, but contrary to their name, money does not grow on these trees.
High-light, low maintenance: Any plant in the Succulent and Cacti families is an obvious choice for a dorm plant, for their desert origins allow them to survive with little-to-no water. Both Aloe Vera and Snake Plants offer greenery with added benefits: Aloe plants produce harvestable aloe vera gel and Snake Plants purify toxins in the air.
The best places to shop for plants within a student budget are Central Square Florist in Cambridge and Mahoney’s Garden in Allston. Both offer a wide variety of affordable and attractive plants. Niche in the South End and Fern on Massachusetts Avenue are closer to campus but their price tag is much steeper.
Sturdy pots and soil can be bought for a low price at Economy True Value, the hardware store on Massachusetts Avenue; remember, soil is a plant’s food, so repotting a plant can also be a defining factor for a plant’s survival. Another key to your plant’s survival is how much you water it. A good rule of thumb when watering is to wait until the soil is no longer damp from its last watering, as too much water can lead to root rot. Remember, an unhappy plant makes for an unhappy home.
Like people, each plant differs in how much attention it requires — some are needier than others. So, find a plant with qualities that best align with your commitment-level and schedule. Also, figure out what kind of light your dorm or apartment has to offer your potential plant. With this list you will be able to find the perfect plant that suits your space and style so you, too, can bask in the glory of your own indoor jungle.