Kamelia Kaveh
Staff Writer
As busy college students, the little joys of life keep us going. But what happens when those small pleasures also come at a cost? Despite college students’ love for their plants, it’s inevitable for students to become preoccupied with school, work, and social life — and in turn, neglect their plants.
While houseplants’ vibrant colors and growing sprouts act as a source of happiness for many students, taking care of them can pose a significant challenge. Additionally, witnessing the plants wilt away can add disappointment and negativity to an already stressful schedule.
Though plants can brighten up a dorm or apartment with beautiful, lush greenery, caring for them shouldn’t feel like another chore added to an already lengthy to-do list. Fortunately, there are plenty of low-maintenance houseplants whose easy care does not take away from their beauty.
The basics of the basics: succulents. Andrea Beck states in her article “The 10 Easiest Types of Indoor Succulents” that succulents are among the easiest plants to care for, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties.
Succulents are incredibly versatile plants that require little to no care. Merely keeping one by a sunny window and watering it sparsely (only if the soil is completely dry) is more than enough to keep it thriving. Since succulents naturally grow in dry climates, they prefer warm temperatures and low humidity — conditions similar to the perfect weather in Southern California and Santa Barbara’s climate. The sunny, dry summers and mild winters closely resemble succulent native desert homes. Because of this, succulents are sure to flourish at UC Santa Barbara during the spring and summer months, and as long as they are kept dry and watered sparingly, they will easily survive the winter, even if their growth slows down. Overwatering is usually the most significant mistake plant parents make, so a little neglect is often better than too much attention.
Not only are succulents easy to care for, the choices are endless too. Whether a cactus, aloe vera, or even a jade tree, there are plenty of varieties to choose from. Their abundance in Isla Vista shows how simple they are to care for and how rewarding it is when their spring / summer blooms finally adorn their prickly leaves.
Another student-friendly option and a favorite among plant lovers is the Manjula pothos. According to “How to Grow and Care for Manjula Pothos,” Manjula pothos are easy to care for. Known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that consist of multiple shades of green, white, and cream, this plant leaves a positive impression to all who view it.
Native to tropical regions, Manjula pothos prefer warm, humid environments and either well-draining soil or a pot to allow for excess water so the roots don’t rot. Similar to succulents, Manjula pothos grow more during spring and summer and slow down during the fall and winter, but remain healthy year-round as long as it’s warm — which is especially easy with Santa Barbara’s warm climate.
The Manjula pothos thrives on indirect light, so it doesn’t need to be placed right next to a window. It only requires light watering when the soil is dry to the touch, which relieves the stress of placing immense effort into plant care.
One of the Manjula pothos plant’s greatest advantages is how easy it is to propagate. With a small cut of the leaf and about three inches of its stem, the cutting should be placed in water. Within a couple of weeks, new roots will be plentiful, allowing you to share plants with friends or fill your home with additional greenery for free.
“Spider Plants And 5 Easy Care Houseplants” states that spider plants are another fantastic addition to any home garden. Don’t let the name fool you — unlike the insect, these plants are anything but creepy. Their long, draping leaves, striped in two shades of green, create an unusual yet alluring look.
The spider plant, naturally from tropical areas, prefers warm and humid environments with well-draining soil/pots. If warm conditions are fulfilled, during the spring and summer one can expect the plant to grow small white flowers. However, don’t be disappointed with the lack of blooms in the winter; instead, focus on keeping the plant happy and healthy. Requiring indirect light and moderate watering, little effort is needed to care for these unique plants in return for some beautiful blooms known as “pups.” The cuttings from a healthy plant can also be propagated and shared.
Overall, being a busy college student can cause forgetfulness over less demanding responsibilities like plant care. Thus, by being smart with your choice of plants — such as selecting ones that match your home environment, can tolerate missed waterings, and thrive in simple soil — you can enjoy the beauty and calm of nature without the stress of constant upkeep. With a little bit of sunlight, water, and love, they are sure to survive even the busiest of college students.