There is no shame in getting a fake plant and calling it a day — it is no maintenance and looks pretty. However, sometimes you want the real thing, for which it is highly advised to do in-depth research before purchasing a plant. This article is here to shift you in the right direction for the beginning of a fulfilling plant parenthood. Here are a few plants our local RAs, Bodie LaCross ’28 of Copeland and Ahnalya De Leeuw ’28 of Platt-Howard recommend based on their personal experiences. Both RAs recommended getting plants at Portland Nursery, but Fred Meyer is also a viable option.
Snake Plant
For complete beginners, LaCross recommends two plants that they have actively attempted to kill and failed — even the reddest of thumbs will be able to keep these alive. The first of the two is the snake plant. The snake plant, one of Watzek library’s most prominent decorative plants, has leaves that grow up from the soil and can easily grow from six inches to five feet if given the space. When reflecting on having the snake plant in their care, LaCross recalled a particular experiment.
“(I) uprooted a snake plant, sprayed away all of the soil so it was just the roots, and hung it from a string for two months,” they said.
The plant still managed to survive, perking up after only being watered a bit and soon improving and regaining its former glory.
Lucky Bamboo
According to LaCross, the second unkillable plant is lucky bamboo, also known botanically as Dracaena sanderiana. This lovely bamboo subspecies is simple to take care of — they sit in water, and only need it changed when it gets murky or green from algae. Aside from that, lucky bamboo looks nice on a windowsill or desk and will get plenty of light through an open window. Lucky bamboo fortunately does not get very large quickly so it will stay the relative size when purchased. They usually come in glass or clear containers so the bamboo’s roots can be viewed which is not something one can see with most plants.
Golden Pothos
If you seek a bit more of a challenge, golden pothos is recommended by both LaCross and De Leeuw. The perk of a pothos is that it can be placed on top of the dressers provided in most dorms, allowing the leaves to hang over the dresser and giving the room a lovely ambiance. This also keeps the plant in a safe space away from any harmful roommates and friends. The only reason they are considered easy plants instead of unkillable is because they are less forgiving than the previously-discussed plants. I have personally seen multiple pothos die tragic deaths due to the neglect of my parents.
African Violet
For a bit of color other than just green, the African violet will be your best friend as it is a perennial, meaning it blooms year round. A major benefit alongside its aesthetic appeal is that it only needs to be watered roughly once a week, making it an easy starter plant for any tired college student. Also, the African violet can grow to a great size depending on what you need for the dorm.
Hoya
The hoya on the other hand, also known as the wax plant, is best known for blooming light pink clusters of flowers. LaCross described this plant as “the most plant looking plant on Earth.” This makes it a good balance between lovers of green and lovers of color getting both vegetation and interesting flowers. It also adds anticipation to one’s day as it is not always in bloom like the African violet.
Air Plants
Air plants were a category that divided LaCross and De Leeuw. De Leeuw stated that airplants are easy to take care of and are low maintenance, needing to just be soaked in water for five minutes once a week. On the other hand, LaCross titled them “Schrödinger’s plants,” since one cannot tell whether they are alive or dead until it is too late. From personal experience of owning an air plant, I agree with LaCross. I was never sure what it required to thrive as it did not provide any indicators like most plants, making it a less suitable plant for the easily-distracted student with ostensibly better things to worry about.
For those that already have a plant at home and are wondering why they keep dying, I have a few tips and tricks for you all. LaCross believes that “the biggest cause of death for plants is over-watering.” If your plants seem to be drooping, maybe leave them alone for a bit — they most likely are not that thirsty.
One final fact that may not be common knowledge is that most plants can get sunburnt if left in the sun too long, so research what kind of sun your plants need and move them accordingly. For leaves that are already dried out or are turning dark brown, feel free to just cut them off. By doing this, you are helping your plant by forcibly stopping it from directing resources to a lost cause.
There are many skill levels when it comes to caring for plants. This article is a quick guide to the basics so you do not walk into plant parenthood entirely blind. Do not be discouraged to ask for help from those around you who have more knowledge — who knows, you might make some new botanical friends.
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