At CNU, we can’t have pets (which sucks, but I get why) — except for fish! But, what if I told you there was something better out there for your dorm to make it feel a little more homey than a fish? That’s right, folks.
Get a succulent.
They’re so great. I personally have a few and wouldn’t trade them for anything else. Here’s why.
1. They’re low maintenance
But seriously. You don’t have to water them very often and they don’t have to be in the sun all the time. In fact, the Kroger kiosk says “Thrives on neglect” — perfect for the college kid. I mean, if that statement doesn’t resonate with you, are you really a college student?
2. They don’t make a mess
Knocking over your fish food container means that you’ll be finding fish food on your floor for dayssss. Drop a succulent on the ground? Just vacuum up the soil (if it even falls out) and you’re fine.
3. They’re inexpensive
Buy them now, when summer’s practically over and the fall/winter plants are coming out. Kroger has them on sale for $2 and Walmart probably has them for the same amount, if not cheaper. With a fish tank, you have to spend money on the tank itself, the fish (duh), fish food, accessories for said tank, tank cleaning supplies, etc, etc. For succulents, the most you’ll spend on is either the planter to put it in or the soil. There are some great DIY tutorials out there for making your own planters, and some succulents even do well in terrariums that can be hung up (like this one) — a perfect space saver in your dorm whereas a bulky fish tank will take up space on your desk or dresser.
4. They’re versatile
Aloe plants not only look great but can be used to heal burns and cuts (perfect for when you burn yourself with a curling wand or slice your finger cutting vegetables). There are plenty of succulents that purify the air, great for those of us with asthma and allergies, like a snake plant. They come in many different shapes, styles, and forms, making your life so much better.
5. They’re cute!
How can you look at this photo and not think doggos — er, I mean, succulents — are the cutest things in the world?
They say that if you can’t take care of a pet, then you shouldn’t have a kid. They also say that if you can’t take care of a plant, then you shouldn’t get a pet. Get the succulent — it’s so much better for you than a fish.