Like most plant parents, I love my plants, and I do everything I can to make sure they are happy and healthy. With the exception of this past weekend, where temperatures dropped to well below zero and my room was freezing, my plants have been pretty happy in their new home (my dorm room). I live in a basement room with only one window, but the window still provides enough sunlight for my monstera, peace lily, 2 pothos, 2 philodendrons, polka dot plant, and pink splash aglaonema. This may seem like a lot, but I have even more plants at home, and choosing what plants to bring was an important step to the plants’ survival. I needed to bring plants that could survive with indirect light since the windowsill could only hold so many.
Another important step I take is using fertilizer. I use a 3-in-1 fertilizer kit by We the Wild which includes a growth concentrate, protectant spray, and enrichment powder. These fertilizers help to keep my plants healthy by providing them with nutrients. The third step I take is watering. I make sure to water my plants often and heavily by carrying them to the bathroom (or outside) and watering them over the shower. This allows me to fully saturate the soil without fear of getting water all over my room.
When taking care of plants in your dorm, the most important step, I believe, is making sure they get enough sunlight. I recommend low-light plants, since many dorms do not have large windows, and low-light plants are typically easier for beginners. Some of the best low-light plants include snake plants, philodendrons, prayer plants, and peace lilies.
Although some may not count this as a step, I believe that talking to my plants does improve growth. A study by the Royal Horticultural Society found that speaking to your plant does improve its growth. Other studies have found that music can help your plants grow as well. Mother Earth’s Plantasia by Mort Garson is an entire album dedicated to plants, and the music is at a decibel that has been found to increase plant growth. So, after a long day of classes, I recommend relaxing, reading a book, and listening to Plantasia.
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