Along with the iPod, laundry bag and laptop, take a plant to college.
Why? It might humor your parents. But this is really about you. Having a plant gives you good vibes. It’s a feng shui thing.
Plus, studies by NASA researchers indicate houseplants help clean indoor air. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to appreciate how important that is in a dorm room.
So go green. Here are five easy-to-grow plants that are widely available for $10 or less.
Of course, to keep the plant alive, at least until midterms, it will require a little moisture once in a while. Give it water.
“I wish I could recommend a plant that could live off beer, but I can’t think of one,” says Shane Pliska, a Michigan design consultant.
Five that survive
Pothos
The look: lush. Shiny, heart-shaped green leaves, sometimes with cream bands or splotches.
It needs: water when soil feels dry. Can tolerate low or artificial light.
Spiderplant
The look: timeless; chances are Mom or Dad had one of these. It has arching, grass-like leaves and produces plantlets that can grow into new plants.
It needs: water when soil feels dry. Medium light.
Lucky bamboo
The look: quirky.
It needs: its water changed every week. Use bottled water if the leaf tips start to brown. Low to medium light; avoid direct sun.
ZZ plant
The look: exotic. It has dark, shiny green leaves on erect stems.
It needs: shade and neglect. The ZZ plant stores water in an underground tuber so it requires moisture only every few weeks. It’s more likely to die from over- than under-watering. It can even thrive in a windowless bathroom.
Jade plant
The look: It’s a miniature tree for your windowsill. It has puffy leaves like green pillows and develops a woody trunk with age.
It needs: plenty of direct sun. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Increase water only if the leaves start to look soft or wrinkled.
