Can You Have Plants in a Dorm?

As my elder son prepares to leave for college, I’m becoming a pro at all things related to transforming dorm rooms. Sure, you can have plants in a dorm! Plants are a a great way to bring some life into your space. When beginning to consider the decor for your new digs, not only are houseplants great at bringing some texture to your environment, but they are known to help lift your mood, purify the air and even boost your productivity. Keep scrolling for some of the best plants for dorms.

Best Plants for Dorms

#1 and my personal favourite is Aloe Vera.  Aloe Vera is a plant that grows in many climates making it a versatile choice. It’s a type of succulent so it doesn’t need much water, making it a good option for busy students. Aloe loves a bright, sunny window, so if your room is pretty dark, you may want to make another selection. In addition to the mood-lifting and air-cleaning benefits already mentioned, you can also use the leaves of your aloe plant to treat skin irritations such as sunburns and insect bites. Aloe gel helps with wound healing!

Pro Tip: Wait until the soil dries out completely before watering. 

#2 Cacti. Similar to succulents, they are a popular dorm choice for many of the same reasons as Aloe: because they love direct sunlight and prefer to have minimal watering. Cacti like to live in a smallish pots and need lots of drainage. Their availability in small sizes make them a wise choice if you want plants that don’t occupy much space. Again, you should always wait for the top soil to dry before watering again.

#3 Lucky Bamboo. This selection is so durable. I consider it indestructible, making it a primo specimen for busy university life. It can either be grown in water or in soil. Place your lucky bamboo in a location that receives bright to low light (note the flexibility of lighting conditions!), and  do change the water every couple of weeks. It will keep your bamboo happy and prevent algae from growing.

Plants Help You Study!

Check it out! Scientists report the importance of indoor plants in academia and have been experimenting with ways to help students and in particular, those with ADHD better manage their symptoms . In one study evaluating focus, kids in classrooms with a “green wall” scored better than their peers without indoor plants. The same has been found true with adults: natural views helped increase productivity at offices versus those without window views. Being able to view plants boosts concentration. 

Keeping plants alive in your dorm

Three easy ways to encourage the best plants in your dorm:

1. Don’t forget about your plant. Put it somewhere that it can get light and you can enjoy the calming benefits of its’ beauty.
2. Select a plant that will be happy in the amount of light (or lack of it) that your space has to offer.
3. Water your plant when it needs it. Not too much and not too little. Set a timer on your phone to check your plant weekly if you need help remembering.