Dorm Room Plant Care Tips

Get into greenery.

By Hanna Howard, Teen Vogue

Spring is technically here, but most of us across the country aren't quite seeing it yet. With rain on the west coast and another snow storm expected for much of the east, if you're not quite feeling like the season of blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and increasing sunshine is upon us, you can't really be blamed. Luckily, there are a number of easy ways to brighten up your space 'til spring really finally, well, springs. And while you could completely redecorate in vibrant colors, perhaps the simplest way of kickstarting the new season in your space is adding an indoor plant or two (added bonus: very Insta-friendly).

Teen Vogue asked Justin Mast, founder of the newly launched company Bloomscape, about the best plants for a tiny dorm room — plus how to take care of them. Not only will your plants cheer you up while you wait for everything outside to green up, they also help filter air in your room, plus, studies suggest that interaction with indoor plants actually may help your stress levels (ideal when your room is also your study spot). Read on for Justin's tips about what greenery to pick when shopping for your dorm. You can buy any of these plants fully grown, potted, and ready to ship from Bloomscape or find them at your local garden or landscaping store.

Choose a couple smaller plants for a night stand or dresser near a window:

Ponytail Palm: fun, hardy, and thrives in bright light
Light Requirements: Does best in bright direct light, but is tolerant of lower light conditions
Water Requirements: Prefers to be kept in semi-dry conditions, so let the soil dry out completely between waterings
Removes toxins from the air

Golden Pothos: very easy vining plant with heart-shaped leaves
Light Requirements: Tolerates low light, but will grow well in medium to bright indirect light as well
Water Requirements: Keep the soil moist, water when the top inch of soil is dry
Removes Formaldehyde, Xylene, and Benzene from the air

For a layered look, mix larger plants on the floor with smaller plants placed on stools, boxes, or in a plant stand:

Monstera: trendy, tropical, and easy to care for
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light, but can tolerate low light as well
Water Requirements: Somewhat drought tolerant, water just enough to keep the soil from drying out
Removes Formaldehyde and other VOCs from the air

Rubber Tree: adaptable with large, burgundy leaves
Light Requirements: Tolerates low light, but will do best in bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry
Removes Formaldehyde from air

Rattlesnake Plant: small, pattern plant that does well in low-light
Light Requirements: Great low light plant, but will do best in medium indirect light
Water Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist—not too dry and not too wet
Removes toxins from the air

Add some green to your desk to help boost your mood and improve your memory! Place a small plant on top of a stack of books along with a larger, full plant to create a lush space:

Dracaena Lemon Lime: very easy plant with bright green, striped leaves
Light Requirements: Tolerates low light, but will thrive in medium to bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry
Removes VOCs from the air

Hedgehog Aloe: low-maintenance succulent
Light Requirements: Bright light, will do best in a sunny window
Water Requirements: Needs very little water, only water once in a while when it is completely dry
Removes toxins from the air


See more at: Teen Vogue