Dress Up Your Dorm: The Best Low-Maintenance Houseplants for College Students
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Move-in day comes with a packing list a mile long, and somewhere between the extra-long twin sheets and the mini fridge, you're also saying goodbye to your kid for the first time in a while. It's a lot at once.
A houseplant won't fix that, but a little greenery can make a bare dorm room or first apartment feel just a little cozier, a little more like home.
If you're a parent sending a student off to college in Providence, Blooming Blossoms can deliver plants same-day to campuses across the city, including Brown University, RISD, Johnson & Wales, Providence College, and Rhode Island College.
No need for you to figure out how to ship a plant to a dorm or coordinate delivery around move-in day. Just choose a plant, place your order, and we'll take care of the rest.
Why a Houseplant Makes a Great College Gift
Dorm rooms and first apartments have a way of looking a little... temporary.
A plant is an easy way to add some life and personality without taking up much space. And unlike posters, tapestries, string lights, or other dorm decorations, a houseplant can come home with your student at the end of the school year and continue growing with them.
The trick is picking the right plant for a college schedule. Students are juggling a lot, and a plant watering routine isn't usually high on the list. And also, dorm rooms can have challenging growing conditions. Between low light, dry heat, air conditioning, and the occasional week when finals take priority over everything else, the best houseplants for college students tend to be the forgiving ones.
Here are a few of our favorite easy-care plants.
Best Low-Maintenance Houseplants for Dorm Rooms and Apartments
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is one of our top choices for a low-maintenance dorm plant. It tolerates lower light conditions and can handle periods of dry soil, making it a good option for students who don't want another thing on their to-do list.
It's also naturally tidy and upright, so it won't take over a crowded small desk, dresser, or bookshelf.
Best for: the student who wants greenery without a new responsibility.
Pencil Cactus
Looking for something a little more sculptural? The pencil cactus has a distinctive shape that makes it feel more like living decor than a traditional houseplant. Perfect for a budding artist at RISD!
Like other succulents, the pencil cactus stores water in its stems, so it doesn't need frequent watering. It does prefer plenty of bright light, though, so this one is best for a sunny dorm room or apartment.
Best for: a RISD student with a bright window and an eye for something a little more architectural
Snake Plant
Snake plants have earned their reputation as one of the easiest houseplants around for good reason. They tolerate a range of light conditions and don't need frequent watering, making them particularly forgiving when a student's attention is elsewhere.
Their upright growth also makes them a great choice when floor and desk space are limited.
Best for: tight quarters and a busy schedule
Pothos
Pothos is a classic for a reason. It handles lower light, tolerates inconsistent watering, and grows trailing vines that look great hanging from a shelf, spilling over a bookcase, or trailing along with string lights.
It's also a satisfying plant for a student who wants to actually see some growth over the course of the semester.
Best for: the student who wants to watch a plant come alive in their space
Schefflera Arboricola
Also known as the dwarf umbrella tree, Schefflera arboricola is a good choice for a student who has a little more light and wants something fuller.
Its glossy green leaves add plenty of greenery to a room without requiring complicated care. Give it bright, indirect light and let the soil dry somewhat between waterings.
Best for: a brighter room and a student who wants more presence, not more upkeep
Not Sure Which Plant to Choose?
You don't have to become a houseplant expert before sending your student a plant. Our Easy Care Plant Trio takes the guesswork out of choosing and gives your student a mix of low-maintenance plants to brighten up their new space.
Sending a Plant to a Providence College Student?
If you're sending a back-to-school plant from out of state, local delivery can be much easier than trying to ship a live plant yourself.
Blooming Blossoms is located on Hope Street on Providence's East Side, and we offer same-day plant delivery throughout Providence when orders are placed before 10:30 AM.
We regularly deliver to students at:
Brown University
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Johnson & Wales University (JWU)
Providence College (PC)
Rhode Island College
If your student lives in a Providence dorm or apartment, we'll deliver the plant right to them.
Send a Little Greenery for Move-In Day
Drop-off day is a big day - for your student, and for you. A plant won't make the goodbye easier, but it's a small way of saying you're thinking of them. And guess what? Every time they water it, they'll think of you too - and maybe even send a text your way!
Browse our plant delivery selection and send a low-maintenance houseplant they'll enjoy long after move-in day.
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