Low-maintenance houseplants
Okay, let's be honest: as a student, you don't have the time or motivation to look after a plant that comes with a five-page instruction manual. Don't worry, though, with the plants listed below, you (almost) can't go wrong!
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant is one of those plants that doesn't demand much from you. Place it in a bright spot and give it a splash of water once a week, and it will be happy! With its flat, round leaves, it instantly brightens up your student room. And if you take good care of it, it will easily produce baby plants. You can grow these into new plants yourself, or give them to your friends as cuttings.
Peperomia Obtusifolia
The Peperomia Obtusifolia is another low-maintenance houseplant. This succulent does best in a bright spot without direct sunlight, with occasional watering (once every 1-2 weeks). It doesn't mind a little more or less water now and then, as long as its roots aren't submerged. In other words, the perfect student plant!
Yucca
Looking for a bigger, sturdier plant? Then go for the Yucca. This plant not only looks robust, but with its sturdy trunk and leaves, it’s also almost indestructible. The Yucca needs very little water because it stores water in its trunk. In winter, it can easily go without water for several weeks, but in summer, you can water it a bit more often, as soon as the top of the potting soil becomes dry. This plant is best placed in a spot with plenty of light.
Monstera
The Monstera gives your student room a tropical, summery vibe all year round! It prefers shade or partial shade and likes its soil to stay slightly moist. In winter, watering once a week is often sufficient, while in summer it may need an extra sip now and then.
Cactus
Really don't have green fingers? Even then, you can keep a cactus alive! It thrives both in the sun and in the shade, and needs very little water. In fact, you only need to water it when the soil is completely dry. In summer, this is about once every two weeks, and in winter, only once a month.
How to keep your plants alive
Choosing a suitable plant is one thing; keeping it alive is step two. With the tips below, looking after your green friends will be easy, even as a busy student!
Water
Every plant needs water, but how much and how often varies depending on the species. Always check online or on the plant label to see what your plant needs. In general, you should water your plant, yes indeed, when it is dry. If you are unsure whether your plant needs water, stick your finger two centimetres into the soil. Does it feel dry, and does no soil stick to your finger? Then give your plant a splash of water. Is it still moist? Then you don't need to do anything.
Do you have a pot with drainage holes on a saucer? Then water the plant until it runs out at the bottom and empty the saucer. Does your pot not have holes? Then pour a splash of water around the base of the plant. If the soil is already dry after a few days, you can give it a little more water next time. If the soil is still very wet, use a little less.
Yellow or brown leaves can be a sign of too much or too little water. But don't worry, one discoloured leaf among the others is no disaster! Cut it off so that the plant doesn't waste its energy, and keep an eye on it.
Location
For the optimal location for your plant, it's best to check the internet or the plant label. Placing your plant next to the heater, in a draughty spot or in a windowless room is never a good idea, though. Most plants are also not a fan of direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves. Don't forget to turn your plant now and then. Plants grow towards the light, so this will prevent them from growing crooked!
Repotting
Over time, you will notice your plants growing quite a lot. When your plants outgrow their pots, it's time for an upgrade! You'll see this quickly enough when the roots start growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or above the soil. If your plant suddenly needs a lot of water or stops growing, that is also a sign that it’s time for a bigger pot. It's best to repot in the spring, and usually, once every one to two years is more than enough. Choose a pot that is about 20% larger, move your plant and fill it up with some new potting soil, and your plant will be good to go again!
Plants on a student budget
Affordable houseplants
“Nice, a plant, but how much does that actually cost?” I hear you think. Fortunately, apart from a bit of time and attention, a plant doesn't have to cost much. Supermarkets often have a surprisingly large selection of plants at low prices. Garden centres may charge a little more, but they often have good deals too. Also, take a look at Marktplaats, or ask family, friends, or roommates if they have a cutting they want to give away or swap.
Affordable pots
You can also easily find pots on a student budget. Stores like Action, Xenos, Hema, and supermarkets sell affordable plant pots. Terracotta pots are widely available and often the cheapest option. With a bit of paint, you can decorate your terracotta pot yourself, perfect for a DIY night with friends or roommates! Don’t forget to take a look at the thrift store too, and be creative: a basket, an iron bucket, a tin can, or a glass jar will also do the job and look great too.
Holiday, now what?
Going on holiday and wondering what to do with your plants? Don't panic, you can safely leave your student room for longer than a week without coming back to dead plants. Are your roommates at home? Ask them to water your plants now and then. Or buy watering spikes that you stick into the soil, which gradually release small amounts of water. These are easy to make yourself as well: poke some holes in the cap of a plastic bottle, fill the bottle with water, screw the cap back on, and stick it into the soil. Now you can go on holiday without any worries!
