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George Mason University | Style > Decor

7 Plants to Liven-Up Your Space

Kathleen Dwyer Student Contributor, George Mason University
George Mason Contributor (GMU) Student Contributor, George Mason University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

A dreary space is far from an environment that makes you feel welcomed and comfortable. Splashes of color and subtle details are CRUCIAL for creating a space that is perfect for entertaining, studying, or binge-watching Netflix. Whether you have a green thumb or not, plants are the perfect room accessory. 

Snake Plants

Snake plants definitely cater to those who lack a green thumb. Needing indirect sunlight and minimal water, these plants thrive on neglect. Of course, pay attention to your snake plant and water it as much as needed, but watch out for overwatering. Additionally, snake plants also help with air filtration and act as a natural air purifier that can remove certain toxins. There are many different types of snake plants so decide which works best for your space!

Via Wiki NurseryLive

Related Article: The Best Indoor Plants to Purify Your Air

Terrarium

Terrariums are unique in that they allow you to utilize many different types of plants. To build a terrarium, you will first need to gather multiple supplies such as a glass container, gardening soil, pebbles or stone, plants, or any other accessories you may want to add! Follow a few easy steps and you now have a great addition to your space! Common plants to utilize include small succulents, ferns, and air plants, all of which are again easy to maintain!

Via Pottery Barn

Cacti 

Similar to snake plants and terrariums, cacti require little care. These plants love warm, bright spots with direct sunlight and watering should only occur every two or three weeks to avoid rotting. There are multiple types of cacti as well, for whichever work best for your space! Some popular choices include the hibotan cactus, christmas cacti, and star cacti.

Via Open Source Studio

Related Article: 5 Dorm-Room Friendly Plants

Aloe Vera

Both aesthetically pleasing and medically beneficial, aloe vera plants demand lots of light indoors. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight however and protect your plant from being too close to the window. For watering, make sure the soil is dry before you water your plant again. Every one or two weeks should suffice and it is important to let the water drain! It is recommended to purchase a pot that has a draining hold to prevent rotting. Another perk of having aloe vera is for any bad sun or kitchen burns, aloe vera helps treat and soothe them. There are also many more medical benefits of having this plant in your space!

Via Best Plants

Peace Lily

Adding on to the category of low maintenance plants, peace lilies do best with partial shade and can even thrive with fluorescent light, perfect for a dorm room or office space. For watering tips, pay attention to the lily’s leaves. If they start sagging, know it is time to water! This makes it easy to know when to water. However, if you have pets, make sure to keep this plant far from reach. Peace lilies are poisonous to both dogs and pets so make sure they are safe first!

Via Giving Plants

Related Article: Bring a Bit of Spring Into Your Room

Prayer Plants

The unique leaves of prayer plants do best in bright, indirect areas. Make sure the soil of prayer plants is moist; however, be aware of overwatering. Since prayer plants do better in a humid environment, make sure to spray them with warm water during the winter time in order to keep them healthy!

Via ProFlowers

Pothos Plants

Similar to peace lilies, pothos plants do not require direct sunlight. Bright, indirect lighting allows the plants to thrive in areas with fluorescent lighting. They can grow very long but their vines do not require trellises. Instead, you can incorporate them into the room by shaping their growth, whether on top of hutches, along windows, or even as an accent on the wall. However, make sure their vines do not tangle. Let the plant dry in between waterings and like peace lilies, wait until the plant starts sagging before watering it. Do not wait too long in between waterings though or else the leaves will start to shrivel and fall.

Via The Spruce

Get your green thumb ready and start watering collegiettes!

Kathleen Dwyer

George Mason University '23

Kathleen is a junior in the Honors College at George Mason University where she is majoring in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Development. Kathleen is originally from Haymarket, Virginia and is passionate about all things Disney. Outside of school, she is a Leadership Consultant at the LEAD Office on campus and enjoys to spend time with family and friends!
George Mason Contributor (GMU)

George Mason University '50

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