Healthy + Well writer: Shruti Sathish
Indoor plants are great! From orchids to succulents, these plants come in many varieties and often require very low maintenance. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and easy to take care of, but they have several health benefits too, such as:
Air purification: According to findings from NASA’s Clean Air study, plants are successful at removing low levels of pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, that can be found in the air. During the daytime, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which humans breathe. Having a source of fresh oxygen in the room is always a plus and can improve breathing.
Decreased risk of respiratory illnesses: Feel like you’re constantly sick? Are colds and/or a sore throat common for you? Indoor plants can help reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses. Plants release the majority of the water they take in, and they can help increase the humidity of a room and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, many studies have shown that when an illness has been contracted, having plants in the room can increase recovery rate and decrease the need for medication.
Better mood and increased productivity: Many studies have indicated that houseplants can significantly boost mood and improve productivity and concentration. Although scientists have not figured out why exactly this is the case, it is believed that humans are hardwired to connect with nature, and therefore, they experience many positive effects when surrounded by plants.
NASA recommends having one plant per 100 square feet of floor space. The average dorm room is about 200 square feet, so this roughly correlates to having about two plants in your room! The best dorm plants in terms of ease of maintenance include aloe vera, other succulents, cacti, and snake plants. These are pretty small and can easily be placed on a window sill, desk, or on a shelf. Indoor plants tend to be relatively inexpensive, and since they have so many benefits, they are definitely worth purchasing for your dorm room.
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