One of the most-well known facts about me is that I love plants. When I’m failing to find a conversation topic, I default to plants (my friends will attest to this). I love my plants. I have 14 plants in total that are either full-grown or just beginning to sprout (those aren’t just jars of dirt pictured below, I swear!). If I weren’t emotionally attached to all of my plants, I would give them away because I think that everyone should have plants in their room. Since I will not be sharing mine, I listed below the 5 reasons everyone should have plants, and some tips on choosing and growing your own!
Happiness!
According to a study done by Dr. Bruno Cortis, hospital patients who can see gardens from their windows recover faster than those without, because looking at plants makes us feel relaxed and happy. Who doesn’t want to add a little extra happiness and relaxation in their lives, especially when it’s in the form of a cute little plant?
They can be incredibly useful!
When you break off the leaf of an Aloe plant, you’ll find a gel similar to the one you purchase to relieve sunburns! You can also use it if you nick yourself shaving, use it as eyebrow gel if you’re in a pinch or you can add it to a face mask for extra moisture. Likewise, if you’re a big herbal tea drinker, you might enjoy growing herbs like Mint or Lemon Balm and drying them out to put them in tea. It’s even easier than smuggling tea bags out of Peirce!
My aloe plant, also known as the love of my life.
Better air quality!
These babies are all-natural air purifiers. That’s right, I said it. If you don’t have plants, then my air is most definitely better than yours. Not only do they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, but they also filter out toxic substances like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, according to NASA/ALCA research. Benzene is often found in high concentrations in areas that contain lots of books and printed pages, so basically everywhere on a college campus. Everyone deserves high-quality air, so do yourself a favor and adopt a plant.
It’s the closest you can get to pets in college dorms.
Plants are actually a lot like puppies that don’t bark or poop on the floor. They require your love and attention, but unlike puppies they’re actually allowed in college dorms! You love and care for them as you would a pet, and you can even pet them if you really want to (please don’t pet your cactus). Fish can be hard to bring home over break, but plants? They can be left in the greenhouse! The only thing easier than a plant is a pet rock, and, well… Don’t get a pet rock — get a pet plant.
Some plants I’m currently growing — there are a few sprouts in the jars of dirt!
What better way is there to decorate your windowsill?
Although windowsills make great storage for midnight snacks, pens, cups, your retainer, and other random things you mindlessly place on your windowsills, they make the perfect home for plants. If your window is in a location that gets lots of light, consider Aloe (I have some in my terrarium!), a cactus, or a Hens and Chicks succulent, which is nearly impossible to kill as long as it gets enough sunlight. Some good low-light plants include Dieffenbachia, Dwarf Orchids and English Ivy. Just ask your roommate first, in case allergies are an issue. Or if they don’t like plants, in which case you should find a different roommate.
Hope these points convinced you to get your own plant!
XOXO,
Crazy Plant Lady