4 Fantastic Hard-to-Kill Plants for College Students

By Tamiera Vandegrift on January 22, 2018

Every living space could use a little bit of life, so purchasing plants for your college living space is the perfect way to go. Taking care of plants is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Statistics show that people who own indoor plants typically feel less stressed and more at peace in their homes and offices. Also, plants improve the quality of air, reducing the amount of gross chemicals that the human body inhales on a regular basis. While the benefits of owning indoor plants are seemingly infinite, the cons can seem a little scary as well. Specifically, the mortality of plants.

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Plants can sometimes be more fragile than small pets, like fish (and that’s saying something!). The wrong temperature or the incorrect amount of water can send some plants into a rapid state of wilting faster than you can cram last minute for an 8 a.m. exam. Yes, that fast. However, don’t let this discourage you. As a college student, you can be an excellent plant parent if you choose the right types. Every plant is unique and some are better suited for certain environments than others. No matter what your age, major, or time commitment, there is definitely an indoor plant out there for you. So, get your green thumb ready! Keep reading for some hard-to-kill, easy-to-love plants to liven up your living space with.

Aloe Vera

Looking for plants that will add a fresh breath of life to your college living space while also seeking ways to take better care of your skin? It’s time to consider investing in an aloe vera plant. This plant can live in a wide variety of conditions, making it one seriously tough cookie. When you think of minimalistic, a picture of aloe vera plants should definitely come to mind. The only TLC these plants need is some bright light and mildly wet soil. That’s it. Don’t drown the plant or completely deprive it of water either.

Besides its simplicity, aloe vera also comes with a ton of health benefits. The clear, gooey liquid on the inside of each long, narrow leaf serves as an excellent cure for sunburn and other minor injuries. Not to mention that it’s an impeccable source of beautiful, soft skin. With an aloe vera plant, you’ll breathe new life into your dorm and into your complexion.

Bamboo Plants

With such complex, woven stems and large, blossoming leaves, it’s easy to assume that bamboo plants are an absolute monster to take care of. Actually, the opposite is true. Bamboo plants are definitely some of the most popular indoor plants to own because of their beauty, elegance, AND simplicity. They don’t call it a “lucky bamboo” for nothing!

Bamboo plants require very little sunlight, as too much will cause the leaves to wither. The plant only needs to be watered every few days. It thrives in gentle dampness, not in a complete flood! Besides its simplicity, bamboo plants are simply beautiful to look at. They add a sense of structure and grace to every living space they occupy. They can become an instant, easy accessory to any decorative space if you adorn them with ribbons or tiny figurines. Stylish, sleek, and simple – the bamboo plant is impossible not to love.

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Cacti

Feeling a little edgy? Consider creating your own tiny desert with a cactus plant. If you’re afraid of accidentally poking yourself, don’t fret. There are tons of types of cacti out there, both spiky and smooth! These plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures so it’s all up to you to decide which one is right for you.

Cacti are extremely low maintenance, which is perfect for the busier students who aren’t home very often. These plants adore light, so leave them by your sunniest window or under a desk lamp. Since these plants are native to dry areas, it’s not necessary to water them as much as you would a regular plant. In fact, it’s imperative that you allow the soil to become as dry as possible before you decide to water it. The desert might be hot, but owning an indoor cacti is even hotter.

ZZ Plant

We have saved the best and the toughest for last. The ZZ Plant is as tough as nails and can withstand even the most absent-minded of college students. These plants are just as beautiful as they are tough with long, winding stems and evergreen, billowing leaves. Don’t let their beauty fool you, though. These plants can retain water for weeks, allowing you to go on vacation without worrying about whether or not the ZZ Plant would still be there to greet you when you came back. The plant can tolerate all sorts of lighting situations, but the only thing you need to be careful with is how often you water these plants. The soil needs to dry completely in between waterings; too much water will kill this plant. So what else can you say? It’s pretty easy to own a ZZ.

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The benefits of having plants in your living space are immeasurable. They provide both physical and mental health benefits, while also giving your living space an air of life and comfort. Even though some plants are more fragile than others, there is definitely a plant out there for everyone – even the most brutal of plant parents.

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