The Top Five Dorm-Friendly Plants

If you want to spruce up your windowsill or just show off your green thumb, plants are a great way to decorate and enjoy your dorm space. The key is finding the right plant for the right person. Here are five simple plants that any student can cultivate inside a dorm room.

1) Lucky Bamboo - These decorative plants are hardy and require only water to grow. They are generally sold in small, decorative pots that can be used for many years. The bamboo itself can be nestled amongst a handful of small pebbles and a few cups of water. The plant will grow with time, so be prepared to upgrade the pot as needed (usually once every three or so years).
2) Venus Flytrap - Exotic, creepy and definitely cool! Venus Flytraps are small and simple to take care of. Suspend the pot over a cup of water and continually fill the reservoir so that the soil is damp and swampy. The plant does not require bugs to thrive, but if you swat an annoying fly, you can pop it into a trap and watch nature take its digestive course. Every so often (usually in the spring), a long white flower stalk will appear. Snip this stalk--it eats up energy that the rest of the plant can use. And don't trigger the traps unnecessarily--the plant will die off if you do.
3) African Violet - Another small plant, the African Violet is beautiful and simple. Keep the soil nice and moist and avoid keeping the plant in a windowsill that gets direct sunlight. The plant doesn't like drafty conditions and will burn out with too much sun. A nice home on a shelf or desk will suit it just fine, and the blossoms will add to the space's charm.
4) Bonsai Tree - These gorgeous mini-trees are both fun to care for and fascinating to look at. Constant care is needed, though the work is far from difficult. Trimming branches, removing old leaves and providing enough water are the most common tasks. The pot itself can be decorated as a sort of mini-landscape limited by only the imagination. These plants vary from variety-to-variety, so be sure to do your homework before you purchase. They also tend to be rather expensive. However, if properly cultivated, the trees will be fantastic additions to any room, dorm or otherwise, for years to come.
5) Mini Herb Garden - If you have a bit more space and a little more time to care for your green friends, an herb garden can provide you with beautiful, delicious results. Many supermarkets and home-supply stores sell pre-boxed herb gardens with pots, soil and seeds. However, a trip to the local garden center will allow you to cultivate your own choice of herbs and spices. After growing them, you can truly savor the fruits of your labor. Fresh basil, pungent chives and spicy spearmint can turn any salad or main course into a culinary delight. The herbs will also provide luscious aromas when picked and dried.

These plants are all simple to care for, and if properly attended to, they will provide you with many rewards. Enjoy them!