Working from home at the same table and desk everyday can not only be unmotivating, but it can be draining to your mental health. When I found myself falling into this slump, I decided I needed to switch up my work space. So, I went out and bought some plants! I have been an avid plant mom for several years and have found that just having them near me when I study or during in my Zoom classes helps me feel more engaged. However, you don’t even need to have this problem to adopt some house plants, they are a great decoration and bring life to any space you put them in.
Some plants are better suited to indoor environments than others (especially if they are being kept in a dorm room or apartment) while others are indestructible. Some need careful attention while others will thrive even if you get caught up with school and busy with work. Hopefully this guide will help you research what plant to bring home that will work best for you!
Ivy
This plant makes a beautiful addition to a room. It will grow long tendrils that will snake around whatever is close to it as it grows, but don’t be afraid to give it a trim if it is taking too much space. This plant does best in bright, indirect sunlight. It can also live in lowlight. Ivy plants do not like to be over-watered, and the topsoil should be dry between waterings.
Link to image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17DIfO8TESqXWxVo703EVMaPkKxKCCrnI/view?u…
Hanging Plant- Pothos
Pothos are incredibly easy to care for and very hard to kill. Keep them in indirect light and they will grow happily! Pothos plants can also handle an inconsistent watering schedule, but a general rule of thumb is to let its soil dry all the way before you water it again. Something fun about Pothos is how easily you can propagate them; once it starts to get too long, you can clip off a piece and stick it in a vase of water where it will grow an entirely new plant.
Link to image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGj_JLdgmbjv4kxJOa9qsK-KXMG4U1pN/view?u…
Spider Plants
Another reliable and durable plant- but watch out, blink and they will get enormous! These plants thrive best in bright but indirect light. They need to be well-watered but their soil needs to be well-drained, so don’t let it become soggy.
Link to image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KBIEoFeP8nrncqdnxiQfgtf2RzRzAnuJ/view?u…
Aloe
Aloe plants are not only aesthetically pleasing and easy to care for, they are also good to have around in a pinch because of its medicinal qualities. Like most plants on this list, Aloe does best in bright but indirect sunlight (even artificial light will do). It should be watered about once every 3 weeks and when you do water them, make sure it is a deep water (hold it under a sink if you have to!).
Link to image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pg668OOmXlw6a6mrRe-FHtZYLMRZXPeP/view?u…
Cactus/Succulents
If you are looking for a plant that can take pretty much everything you throw at it, a cactus or succulent is the way to go. As long as they have plenty of sunlight, these guys will thrive. It is possible to over-water them, so make sure you are only giving them water once every week or two. A tip to avoid over-watering them is to put a couple ice cubes in their pot and let them melt instead of pouring water on them! Not to mention, cacti and succulents are adorable and can be found in many different shapes and sizes.
Link to image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikDNZN3tGPyHXsEXa9fXc4tEp8vYJF4Y/view?u…
The lack of human interaction during this time is hard to substitute, but I have found that having plants and the responsibility to care for them has given me motivation to get up and do more with my days in quarantine. Sometimes all you need is something small to help you get back into your groove.
Visit https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1trzXOyQ5yHSNXPtikYeXkaFVW-B7ltq2… to view images of each type of all plants.