The Only Décor You Need For Your Dorm… And It’s Not Fairy Lights
Hear me out: plants
Take away the stress of college with one surprisingly easy step — investing in houseplants! You will discover amazing benefits that make plants more than just an aesthetic.
On the outside, plants may seem like a nuisance to care for along with expensive, but this article shows you that it’s an investment in your well-being, and they are very pretty.
This article covers new research about caring for house plants and how doing so will guide you through college, or at least make it a little easier. Along with some of my favorite plants to care for that you might like yourself.
More than just an aesthetic
Why plants? Apart from the fact that it is a great aesthetic for your room, they can hurt the wallet. So why spend so much money only on décor?
Organizing your room is imperative to your college journey, not only can it be a piece of your personality or style, but it is the choices you make for yourself to make a safe place to relax and work. We hyper-fixate on college preparation, excited to leave home and live new experiences.
However, once those boxes are moved in and goodbye tears are shed, that’s it. You’re out on your own. This is very daunting, I know, making all the decisions like taking care of yourself, thinking of money and bills, your social life, and keeping up with lectures and tests. Terrifying, I am getting trauma flashbacks just writing this.
Not to say that the college experience is not life-changing and full of incredible memories. But you need a place of your own, to take moments for yourself to reflect and rest. A place for you to feel comfortable.
Mental health benefits
There’s still a lot unknown about the connections between looking after houseplants and mental health.
But then, what harm could it cause to give it a try?
After a full-on day of studying, lectures, or pop quizzes, occasionally you will feel unsuccessful, finding faults in your life. For example, you’re not eating healthy, you haven’t been to the gym, or not socialized enough with your friends.
On the days you’re putting yourself down, doing a simple task like watering or trimming plants can give you some control in your life, a constant routine. Just a small achievement — allowing something to be nurtured, grow and then witnessing it’s progress for yourself, can feel like a victory.
Feeling needed and focusing your mind on something other than degrading thoughts is always a relief. An activity or hobby is proven to release endorphins (happy chemicals) in the brain relieving stress and improving your mood. Plus, increasing productivity, and more study energy, by completing a small task and giving you the push to do more.
Air purifiers
Houseplants are consistently giving you benefits; they often conduct three jobs at once. Hopefully, this exclusive job gets rid of some of that Cheeto dust you are breathing in.
There is no judgment, you need study snacks after all for hitting the books and preparing for a test. You spend a lot of time in your dorm, and it can be very musty and dusty with furniture, carpets and even cleaning products that affect the quality of the air. The house plants absorb the carbon dioxide and release oxygen in the room creating a healthier environment.
Low-quality air can cause breathing problems, headaches, and tiredness, while this air-purifying wonder will resolve these issues by mending and improving your respiratory system.
The peace lily is a must-have for your home. The long slender leaves have a neat gloss that sprouts curved white petals. Small peace lilies can grow to a foot, but if you have bought a larger variety, it can reach 4 feet tall. It is beautiful and the peace lily has been rated by Nasa the top plant for air purifying properties.
There is no need for a green thumb as these plants need low- light and occasional watering, if they wilt away, they bounce back, never letting you down.
Environmentally friendly
This seems obvious, but let’s dig deeper.
Previously I interviewed Andrew Forbes, owner of the upcoming franchise ‘Green. Plantshops’ in Edinburgh, Scotland. A very colorful, ambitious person and a joy to talk to.
With experience in architecture and interior design, Forbes decided to open a business, without knowing exactly what to do. As you know he chose houseplants without any prior knowledge or passion to take care of them. But nothing would stop him because of the environmental benefits that came with owning a business.
There is no need for a green thumb as these plants need low- light and occasional watering, if they wilt away, they bounce back, never letting you down.
When asked what he wanted to provide his customers with he said, ‘renewable consumerism’. Explaining that hand-cut flowers don’t last and are therefore wasteful for the environment along with the money spent. Indoor plants can last a decade in many cases, benefit mental health, and provide cleaner air to your home.
Forbes has gone to extra lengths to ensure that his business is as environmentally friendly as possible, so if you are crazy enough about the environment like he is, buy your friend a house plant not flowers.
What are the easiest plants to care for?
I am definitely not an expert, so when buying a plant please consult store employees for how to take care of them. But for most of these plants moderate light is need and weekly watering once the top of the soil in dry (2 inches deep).
1. Dwarf Umbrella Tree
An iconic plant, which is also referred to as an octopus plant. Even with the ‘dwarf’ part of its name, that is completely untrue as the plant can reach 6ft. My one is almost as tall as me, which is not hard to achieve.
This plant is so calming to observe with its umbrella-shaped leaves, it is quite organized-looking.
2. Tree Philodendron
Gives your home a tropical makeover. Its leaves and stems take over your décor, like an attention-seeking child. As wide as the plant is, it can also reach heights to six feet. Leaves could also reach 3 feet long. Has a striking dark green color that would stand out in any room.
3. Monstera
One of the most common houseplants you will see in an apartment window. Although it may be seen as ‘basic’, it is grand and beautiful. The Latin meaning ‘delicious monster’ is a name that was picked out perfectly for this plant. Especially with the capacity to grow up to 8 feet and its unusually appealing split leaves. Unknown to me this plant can grow an edible fruit, only if grown outside. And the rest of the plant is toxic, so if you own pets keep them away.
4. Chinese Money Plant
This is a popular plant from the Yunnan area of China with its alien saucer-like and coin-like form. It is a great addition to your collection. Despite being from a different country, this houseplant is very adaptive to its scene, with a mix of soil choices with all-purpose, cactus and succulent soil an option for use.
5. Begonia
Native to South America, South East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa.
This specific type, that I own, is a Begonia Rex. With rippled foliage that surrounds the leaves and has vibrant fuchsia veins that spread into strong green and shimmering white spots. The begonia rex is the starting point for the forms it takes in the future, into the beautiful spiral, begonia escargot. The ever evolving plant.
This is one of my favourite plants because no two are the same, along with other houseplants. They are unique to you and to you alone.
