Houseplants for Student Success

Houseplants make wonderful companions for students. How so? Well, houseplants offer us a wonderful array of mental, physical and emotional benefits, as well as making any room look good, such as your dorm/study area or home bedroom, breathing life into the space. They can help you to sleep better, de-stress, and even study better. Don’t believe us? Let’s delve into houseplants and why we think they’re a great contributor for student success at school, college or university.

Why Houseplants are Great for Students

Indoor plants are amazing for anyone, but here are some reasons why they’re good for students:

Productivity and Focus Boosters

Houseplants have a positive impact on our work and study environment by boosting cognitive function. Studies have shown that having plants in the room can boost productivity and concentration levels. The University of Exeter even found that having plants around increases productivity by 15%. This is because plants help to reduce fatigue and provide a sense of freshness, making it easier for us to focus on tasks. When you’ve got lots of subjects to read up on, coursework to hand in, and exams beckoning too, that extra 15% can make a big difference over time.

Improving Air Quality

Many houseplants improve air quality by filtering out pollutants and releasing oxygen back into the air which keeps us healthier and aids in a better night’s sleep. It has been found that houseplants can improve air quality up to 30% (depending on the number used) vs a comparable space with none. This means removing dust, other particles, and gases such as CO2, benzene, and formaldehyde that hang around and irritate airways, reduce air quality, and even cause a bout of sickness. In studies NASA has found that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins within 24 hours. This is especially good if living in halls or flats in urban areas that have higher levels of pollutants in the air because even when you’re sick the university calendar doesn’t stop.

Reduce Tiredness

With improved air quality comes better sleeps which means reduced daytime tiredness. Especially important if your lecturers are relaying critical information or you’re trying to learn about new, abstract topics. Plants increase humidity in a room, which is beneficial in dry environments or during winter months, and can prevent dry skin and irritated respiratory passages, both of which can interfere with sleep. Your brain also needs you to sleep to make better connections, meaning all that new learning ‘sticks’ better.

Decreasing Stress

Caring for houseplants provides a therapeutic effect. The tending, watering, observing growth; these all create a sense of calm and provide a relief from the anxieties that comes with further education and adulthood. Simply being amongst plants can lead to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, their presence can evoke feelings of joy, peace, and contentment. Watching a bud bloom into a flower can bring immense satisfaction and happiness. Nurturing a plant gives us a tangible measure of our efforts and care too. This sense of achievement significantly boosts self-esteem and confidence which are transferable when it comes to learning and approaching the variety of tasks students face.

A Reminder of Home

Houseplants often carry sentimental value or are associated with home. For many students, having a plant that was once part of their family home, or gifted by a family member can evoke fond memories and feelings of familiarity when homesickness sets in, and things get a bit tough. Houseplants generally add a personal, living touch to a space, making it feel more homely.

7 Houseplants for College and University Students

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Why It’s Great: Known for its hardy nature, the Snake Plant thrives in low light and requires minimal water. It’s perfect for students who may not have the time or ideal conditions for more demanding plants. Plus, it’s known for its air-purifying qualities.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Why It’s Great: Pothos is incredibly versatile and easy to care for. Its trailing vines can be trained to grow along shelves or hang from pots, adding a dynamic visual element to any room. It’s also tolerant of low light and irregular watering, making it ideal for busy students.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Why It’s Great: Spider Plants are known for their air-purifying abilities and charming appearance. They produce “babies” that can be easily propagated, providing an opportunity for students to expand their plant collection or give away to flatmates (spread the air purification around). They are also forgiving of occasional neglect.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Why It’s Great: Peace Lilies are not only visually stunning with their elegant white blooms, but they’re also excellent at improving air quality. They thrive in low to medium light and can handle occasional neglect, making them perfect for a busy student. Plus, their air-purifying properties are a bonus for shared and urban living spaces.

Succulents (Various species)

Why They’re Great: Succulents, such as Echeveria or Jade Plants, are perfect for students due to their low water requirements and compact size. They are stylish, easy to care for, and come in various shapes and sizes, adding a modern touch to any student’s living space.

Ferns (Various species, such as Boston Fern)

Why It’s Great: Ferns add a touch of lush greenery and a sense of tranquillity to any space. They prefer indirect light and high humidity, which can be easily managed with a simple misting routine. They’re perfect for students who enjoy a bit of greenery but don’t want to worry about constant watering.

Cacti (Various species)

Why It’s Great: Cacti are perfect for students due to their minimal care requirements. They thrive in bright light and need very little water, making them ideal for those who may forget to water regularly. With their unique shapes and textures, cacti also add a distinctive touch to any space. They’re a great option for students who want an eye-catching plant that’s easy to care for.

Houseplant Your Way to Success

Houseplants are more than just a trend; they’re a practical and eco-friendly addition to student life. With the right choice of plants, students can enhance their living space, improve their well-being, and make a positive impact on their learning environment. So, we say to students; as you prepare for university, don’t forget to bring along a little green friend – it might just become your new best study buddy.