As university life kicks into gear, if you’re a student, you’ll be busy setting up your new home-away-from-home, transforming your student accommodation into a personal sanctuary.
The best way to make your space more welcoming, vibrant, and stress-free? Plants!
Not just a trendy decor item, houseplants are a fantastic way to bring life to your room… literally. They can boost your mood, purify the air, and even help you focus better, making them perfect companions for the hustle and bustle of academic life.
But let’s be honest: between classes, social life, and the occasional all-nighter, who has time to care for a high-maintenance plant? Luckily, there are plenty of houseplants that thrive on neglect, or at least won’t throw a tantrum if you forget to water them now and then.
To help you out, we've rounded up the top houseplants that are practically unkillable, air-purifying, and guaranteed to jazz up your university digs.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Imagine a plant that’s as tough as your hardest exam and as chill as your favourite study playlist. Enter the Snake Plant.
This architectural beauty is the ultimate low-maintenance companion, thriving in low light and needing only the occasional sip of water. It's also a pro at filtering out nasty toxins from the air, so it’s like having your very own air purifier. Plus, with its sleek, upright leaves, it adds a modern touch to any space. Forget to water it for a few weeks? No problem. This plant is more than happy to survive on neglect.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
Meet the plant version of a superhero: the ZZ Plant. With its shiny, deep green leaves and ability to thrive in the darkest corners of your room, this plant is practically indestructible. It can go weeks without water and still look as fresh as ever. Perfect for those who tend to forget about their green friends during exam season. And did we mention it’s also an air-purifying powerhouse? Talk about an all-rounder!
Aloe Vera
Not only does Aloe Vera look cool, but it’s also packed with benefits. This succulent is as easygoing as they come, just pop it on a sunny windowsill, water it every now and then, and you’re good to go. But Aloe Vera isn’t just eye candy; it’s a multitasker with healing properties. Got a burn from that impulsive late-night pizza-making session? Snip off a leaf and apply the soothing gel inside. It’s like having a mini first-aid kit right on your windowsill.
Kentia Palm (Howea Forsteriana)
Fancy a touch of the tropics in your room? The Kentia Palm, with its elegant, feathery fronds, is your go-to. This plant hails from the idyllic Lord Howe Island in Australia and is as laid-back as island life itself. It tolerates low light, requires minimal care, and, best of all, purifies the air by kicking out toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Plus, its tall, graceful appearance makes it a stunning focal point in any room. It’s like having a little piece of paradise in your student accommodation.
Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
If you’re new to the plant world, Pothos is your perfect starting point. This plant is nearly impossible to kill, seriously! It adapts to low light, can survive inconsistent watering, and its trailing vines bring a lush, green vibe to any space. Whether you hang it from a shelf or let it sprawl across your desk, Pothos is a sure-fire way to add some green without the worry.
Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant isn’t just any plant; it’s a conversation starter. Its vibrant, patterned leaves move with the light, folding together at night like hands in prayer, hence the name. It’s a living reminder of nature’s beauty right in your room. Though it thrives in bright, indirect light, it’s still low-maintenance and only needs watering when the topsoil is dry. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so no worries if you share your space with a furry friend!
Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
Looking to bring some good vibes into your room? The Jade Plant, also known as the money plant, is believed to bring luck and prosperity. This succulent is super easy to care for, needing just a bit of sunlight and an occasional drink of water. Its thick, fleshy leaves give it a unique look that adds a touch of nature to your desk or windowsill. Plus, who couldn’t use a bit of extra luck during exam season?
Euphorbia Trigona (African Milk Tree)
For those who love a bit of drama, the Euphorbia Trigona is a striking choice. Tall and cactus-like, this plant is a statement piece that requires minimal care. Just give it a sunny spot and water it sparingly, and it will thrive. It’s also important to give it a dusting now and then to help it breathe. Be warned: its roots are shallow, so it might need a little support as it grows taller. But that’s a small price to pay for such a cool plant!
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
As its name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is as tough as nails. It can handle low light, irregular watering, and varying temperatures without a hitch. This plant is perfect if your room is a bit of a jungle, or if you’re simply forgetful. Its dark green, glossy leaves add a touch of elegance to any space, making it a hardy and handsome choice for your student abode.
Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
If you’re after a plant that makes a statement, the Rubber Plant is your match. With its thick, glossy leaves and impressive size, it’s both eye-catching and easygoing. This plant can adapt to low light and tolerate drought, so it won’t mind if you get caught up in your studies and forget to water it. Plus, it’s another air-purifying champ, helping to keep your room’s air fresh and clean.
These plants aren’t just stylish, they’re also your new best friends in creating a healthier, more productive living environment. So, as you dive into university life, consider adding a few of these green companions to your room. With minimal effort, they’ll bring you maximum joy and a little slice of nature in the midst of your academic adventure.