plant
During the North Campus GreenFest, smiling students waited in a long line to receive a bushy green dorm plant. Some of those plants are probably thriving, well-cared-for decorations on high-rise windowsills. And the rest probably died a slow death from dehydration and neglect.
If you’re feeling slightly guilty right now knowing that you’ve victimized some plants in the past, it’s not too late for redemption. Certain species are more likely to survive in, shall we say, less-than-ideal conditions. If you don’t have time to nurture your plant, there are some varieties that are tough enough for dorm life. These plants aren’t just green monsters. Some of them produce flowers beautiful enough to distract guests from that reeking pile of dirty clothes.
Cacti: Whether traveling out West is your dream or this state’s summer heat makes you feel like you’ve already been there, cacti are some of the best dorm plants. They’re resilient enough to survive even if you keep forgetting to water them, and they’re otherwise low-maintenance. Place one in your window or anywhere that’s bright for most of the day. Be careful though – just like people, plants can get scorched. Don’t leave your prickly pet in direct sunlight for too long. If you live on the north side of the building and your room is shady, these next options might be better.
African Violets: You can find African violets, one of the cutest flowers, in almost any grocery store. Place the pot somewhere out of direct sunlight but in a place where it’s bright, because the flowers are more likely to bloom under constant light. Watering can be tricky. Let the top of the soil dry before watering. Once a week, lift the leaves and pour the water directly into the soil without touching the leaves. Droplets of water can damage them.
Orchids: There are several varieties of orchids, but you might want to choose the Phalaenopsis to start. The flowers are impressive and thrive in less light than other plants. Place your orchid in the window if your room doesn’t get much sunlight. Otherwise, keep it in a place where it’ll receive indirect light. To water, place two or three ice cubes in the pot once a week.
If you already have a dorm plant, there are a few steps you can take to keep it happy. Regular watering is key. Set yourself a reminder or pick a day of the week so you don’t forget. Different plants have different requirements, so look up your species to find out what it needs. As we all learned in middle school biology, plants turn carbon dioxide into oxygen. Try a dorm plant to make your room a healthier and happier place.
