Every home needs house plants. If you are a student and live on campus, you cannot have pets, but a home plant is a good substitute. However, it has to be low-maintenance so as not to distract you from your studies. Which plants are good for this?
The Ways Home Plants Benefit Your Studies
Some may wonder why we need home plants in the first place? Well, besides the aesthetic part, there are studies showing that caring for plants can help a lot with anxiety and plants in general are great for relaxing. For example, if you are in school and super stressed with classes and assignments, plants can help wind down and make paper writing – for student a lot easier! Let’s find out all the benefits of owning house plants.
Improve Air Quality and Humidity
The mentioned photosynthesis means that plants naturally ventilate and purify the air of your home. If your campus is located in the industrial part of the city or its outskirts, the plants will help to cleanse the air in your room.
Improve Your Physical and Mental Health
Plants give your immune system a boost, which is especially necessary for flu season. Meanwhile, the plants’ mental benefits abound. First, the color green is renowned for its soothing effect on the eyes. No matter how technically progressive we are, deep inside, we still belong to the open spaces and Nature. Plants help to re-establish this much-needed connection. They also have a calming and soothing effect.
Add a Personal Touch to the Space
Every home needs to have its own vibe. This is especially true when you live on campus, away from your family and friends. To make yourself more comfortable and to create that special “at-home” feeling, use plants. In addition to making you less homesick, they will also boost your productivity.
Improve Your Relationships
There are a lot of students and people in general that are plant enthusiasts and talk a lot about house plants. You can strike up a new relantionships based on house plants. Isn’t that fun? Even with the least demanding species, you have to be caring and thoughtful. Looking after a home plant is similar to having a pet, but you can fit the plant in your busy schedule.
Improve Your Learning
Some scientific evidence suggests that plants increase attentiveness by 70%. On the one hand, their calming nature improves your concentration and when you’re saying to yourself “I need to do my college homework“, you’ll get to it. On the other hand, since it is a living creature, a plant improves your focus by simply being there. Plus, as you observe it at different times of day, you notice more nuances, which will also make you more receptive to information.
With as many benefits, there are a few drawbacks:
Some are toxic to pets and children
After you spent several years with your plant on campus, you will naturally want to bring it home. Bear in mind that some have toxic qualities, as your best green friend may be harmful to your younger siblings or pets. If this is the case, find a place at home where the plant can grow undisturbed.
Require attention
Having a plant is perfect for multitasking. As it is a living organism, though, make sure you know how to look after it. Stick to the watering routine, check the roots, wash the pot, dust the greenery, and nourish it as necessary. Choose the plant that fits into your studying schedule – that way you will provide it with as much TLC as is possible to you.
Best Home Plants for Students
The best home plants for a busy lifestyle are mostly tropical plants. They are used in mildly or well-lit environments and some thrive on neglect and the lack of water. The majority does not have flowers, but if you want something more than foliage, skip to the end of the list for orchids and lilies.
Photo by Katka Pavlickova on Unsplash
Green plants with luxurious foliage
These plants boast beautiful, lush greenery. Most of them can stand on your window sill or desk.
Monstera Deliciosa
This plant has distinct leaves with “holes” and should add a stylish touch to your room. The plant prefers a warm space away from direct sunlight and loves when you clean it regularly.
Photo by Kara Eads on Unsplash
Golden Pothos
This plant is good for purifying the air and does not require much work. In fact, it is one of the plants that speaks to you directly through its leaves. If they droop, the pothos need watering. If they droop too much, they need a larger pot.
Sansevieria trifasciata
Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue for its spear-headed leaves, this plant loves little water and bright, indirect sunlight. Still, it can survive in well-lit environments and even with fluorescent lighting.
Aloe Vera
This plant is known for its healing properties, but it is also great to have in the bedroom. It heals burns and cuts and prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It likes to be watered but can survive occasional neglect.
Photo by swabdesign on Unsplash
Dracaena Massangeana
This plant is often seen in offices and classes. It boasts distinct foliage and requires minimal watering. It can also grow pretty tall, so you will have to give it extra care when you have to move places.
Ficus Elastica
Rubber plant, as it is known otherwise, can stay small in a little pot or grow tree-like. You often see the latter in offices, schools, and hospitals. It thrives on bright, indirect sunlight. Watering routine depends on the season: more often in the warm season, less often in the cold.
Plants with flowers
Some home plants produce flowers, so below are a few low-maintenance species for your study place.
Spathiphyllum
Known as Peace Lily and featured by NASA, this is a stylish addition to a studying environment. It does not require much watering and enjoys indirect sunlight.
Photo by Severin Candrian on Unsplash
Anthurium Andraeanum
Coming all the way from South America, this plant’s flowers are somewhat similar to Peace Lily but are colored in distinct red. It loves moist soil and good fertilizers.
Orchids
It is hard to believe that this delicate, stylish plant is used to dry, desert climate. It thrives on natural sunlight and requires minimal watering.
Wax Begonia
Provided it is well looked after, Begonia produces lovely flowers throughout the season. It prefers moist soil and bright, indirect light.
Cover photo by Domenico Loia on Unsplash
