Essential Guide to Keeping Dorm Plants Alive at Sarah Lawrence
Breathe Easy: The Best Dorm Plants for a Healthier Living Space
If you’ve spent any time in the dorms at Sarah Lawrence College, you know the struggle of dealing with that infamous dorm air. The stale atmosphere can lead to everything from congestion to dry skin, and let’s not even get started on the moldy shower curtains that seem to thrive in poorly ventilated bathrooms. But fear not! There’s a simple solution that can help you breathe easier and add a touch of life to your space: houseplants. Yes, there’s a plant for almost everything, and I’m here to share my top five picks for dorm-friendly plants that are not only easy to care for but also beneficial for your health.
Top Five Plants for College Dorms
1. Peace Lilies
Peace Lilies are often dubbed the “clean-all” plants for a reason—they purify the air and are particularly effective at combating mold. These beauties thrive in low light, making them perfect for your bathroom window. You can snag one for around $15-20 at local garden stores or even on Amazon. Just a heads up: Peace Lilies are toxic to cats, so keep them out of reach if you have furry friends. Water them weekly, but during the winter months, you can stretch it to every other week or even monthly.
2. Pothos
Pothos plants are my personal favorite. They’re not only great at purifying the air, but they also thrive on neglect. Ideally, you should water them every two weeks and place them near a window, but they’re incredibly adaptable. My Pothos, Timothy, has survived on minimal care for nearly four years! Just remember, they’re toxic to pets, so avoid any culinary experiments with them.
3. Snake Plants
If you’re looking for a nearly indestructible plant, look no further than Snake Plants. They prefer bright, indirect light and require watering only when the soil is dry. While they may not grow much, they’ll be a reliable companion throughout your college years. Plus, they’re often available at grocery stores, making them easy to find.
4. Succulents
Succulents have a reputation for being low-maintenance, and while they may not have the personality of other plants, they’re still solid choices for dorm life. Most succulents need watering every two weeks, and they love direct sunlight. If you’re looking for a versatile option, Aloe Vera is a great pick since you can use its gel for sunburn relief.
5. Spider Plants
Spider Plants are fun and full of personality! They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and need weekly watering. One of the coolest things about Spider Plants is their ability to produce “babies” that you can propagate. Just be prepared for the extra care they’ll require if you decide to keep those little ones!
Tips for Keeping Your Plants Alive
Now that you know which plants to choose, let’s talk about how to keep them thriving in your dorm room:
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Choose Wisely: When buying plants from grocery stores, opt for those with dry soil. Wet soil can indicate root rot, which is a death sentence for your plant.
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Drainage is Key: Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent standing water. If your decorative pot doesn’t have holes, remove the inner pot to let it drain after watering.
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Watering Technique: For most plants, water them until you see it dripping from the drainage holes. This ensures they’re getting enough moisture.
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Natural Fertilizers: Use banana peel water or crushed eggshells as free, nutrient-rich fertilizers. Just soak banana peels in water for a couple of days or sprinkle dried eggshells on the soil.
- Use Technology: Apps like Greg and PlantGuru can send you reminders to water your plants and even diagnose any issues they might have.
Expert Tips from GROW
I reached out to the Green Rights Organization for the World (GROW) at Sarah Lawrence for additional insights. Here are some of their top tips:
- Be Cautious with Air Plants: They can be tricky, so don’t be discouraged if you lose one.
- Watch for Overwatering: It’s easier to add water than to fix overwatered plants.
- Adjust for Heat: Dorms can get hot, so consider using footstools or hangers to keep plants from frying near radiators.
- Prune Regularly: Remove yellowing leaves to help your plants conserve energy.
Final Thoughts
Plants are a fantastic way to liven up your dorm room while improving air quality and creating a more inviting atmosphere. With a little care and attention, you can cultivate a thriving indoor garden that not only beautifies your space but also contributes to your overall well-being. So go ahead, pick a plant (or two), and enjoy the benefits of having a little green in your life. Happy planting!