Easy Plants For Busy Students

Easy+Plants+For+Busy+Students

Ellie Murphy

     Are you intrigued by the idea of maintaining your own indoor plants, but you’re too busy to take care of them? While still relatively inexpensive, these four species of plants are difficult to kill. The Snake Plant (also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue), Aloe, Pothos, and Bamboo are flora that will thrive in the hands of even the least skilled gardener.

     Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as Snake Plant, is a species of plant that has upright sword shaped leaves with a yellow border. When cultivating Snake Plants, let the soil dry in between watering, avoid getting water on the leaves, and keep it out of direct sunlight. In addition to being incredibly adaptable to various growing conditions, this plant also functions to improve air quality by purifying the air. Be cautious with keeping these plants around any pets, because they are mildly toxic to animals.

      Aloe barbadensis, known primarily as Aloe has over 400 different varieties. One of the wisest decisions a busy person who wants plants can make is to grow or maintain Aloe. While almost every different species of Aloe has varying uses, the most common species is used in skin care, cosmetics, healing burns, hair care, and lots more. When growing Aloe, keep in mind that they root deeply, and only need to be watered every 3 weeks. Before watering, stick your finger in the soil to check if it is thoroughly dried. Please keep in mind that this lovely plant is also mildly toxic to pets!

      Epipremnum aureum, often referred to as Devil’s Ivy or Pothos, is a flowering plant that has received its name, Devil’s Ivy, by being almost impossible to kill. Similar to the Snake Plant, Pothos are also air purifiers. Durability and ease of propagating are definitely aspects to expect when growing them. This green ivy can be kept in medium to low indirect light conditions, and only require watering when the top half of the soil is dry. While Pothos’ claim to fame is being a fairly manageable plant, the practically sure-fire way (or almost only) to kill it is by over-watering. Pothos are also rather toxic to many animals and pets, so be sure to keep these high up or hanging.

     Bambusoideae, the botanical name for Bamboo, is an evergreen perennial flora of the grass family. Bamboo is a versatile plant that can grow and prosper in a wide majority of soil types. One thing to keep in mind when maintaining Bamboo is that their leaves drop in the spring rather than the fall, like most other plants. While their leaves do shrivel and fall, they will regrow. This is commonly mistaken for underwatering of the plant dying. Watering Bamboo is fairly simple; just cover the roots with water, and your set. Most Bamboo plants do not need to be trimmed any more than once a year. If you have cats or dogs that love gnawing on your plants, there’s no need to worry with Bamboo! This plant is not toxic to your beloved pets.