At this point, most college students crave the green-filled, lush, Instagram jungles that are all over our social media. But how do you create that forest of houseplants in a dorm with such limited light and space? Here's a great selection of houseplants for the beginner indoor gardener:
1. Monstera Deliciosa
These beauties are all over the internet (and probably your notebook covers, too) and for good reason — they're beginner friendly and look great in your space. Water them about once per week, or when the top two inches of soil is dry, and keep them in medium to bright indirect light.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If you're looking to go the more sculptural route, try one of the many varieties of Sansevieria, commonly known as a snake plant. They thrive on low light and don't need much water or care at all — perfect for the dimly lit dorm corners you need to spruce up.
3. Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea Lancifolia)
These gorgeous houseplants have some of the best foliage out there, with beautifully spotted and elongated leaves. They're extremely low maintenance — just water once a week and mist the leaves if you can to keep them looking lush.
4. Succulents
Of course, the succulent. Almost impossible to kill and wonderful for adding green to your desk with limited space, succulents come in an endless variety of colors and species. You can find your favorites on Instagram and buy them online, or hit up a local plant sale. Either way, all they need is bright sun and occasional watering (usually about once every two weeks).
5. Pothos
Another beginner favorite, Pothos are elegant, vining plants that are great to start your collection with. They come in variegated (marble queen), neon (lime), and many more colors — there's sure to be one that you'll love. They need low to medium light and once-weekly watering, and they purify your air as well! Great for improving your quality of sleep during finals.
6. Begonia Rex
If you want bright, colorful foliage, Begonia rex are for you. With a huge variety of colorations, they thrive in bright, indirect light and need watering only when their soil is dry to the touch. They're another great desk plant, and their leaves will be sure to perk you up during the day.
7. Cacti
These prickly buddies are another great choice for black thumbs — there's a reason they live in the desert! They grow slowly and are good for limited space, and with bright light and infrequent watering, they should thrive in your space.
8. Rubber Plant
Don't worry, these don't only come in the huge tree size you usually see on Instagram. You can find smaller versions that love low light and need watering only when their soil is dry, and they are resilient houseplants who will love the spot next to your dresser.
9. Spider Plants
If you have a plant hanger and want a great trailing plant to add some green to your room, spider plants are a perfect choice. With well-drained soil and bright indirect light, they'll put out plenty of trailing "babies" — these can also be potted and turned into a new mother plant!
10. Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Another bold choice for color in your dorm, prayer plants are a time-honored favorite — and we can see why. Their bright leaves curl upward at nighttime and unfold during the day. With well-drained soil, high humidity, and bright indirect light, they'll spruce up your space against the white walls.
