The 10 Best Plants for a Dorm Room

Looking to spruce up your dorm room? Try these 10 easy-to-grow houseplants.

By
Cori Sears
Cori sitting on a green chair against a white wall.
Cori Sears

Cori Sears is a writer with over a decade of experience, specializing in houseplants, gardening, and home decor. She writes about trending news, interior design, houseplants, and gardening for The Spruce. Her expertise in these areas has led her to contribute to other major publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Apartment Therapy.

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Updated on 06/15/22
Reviewed by
Julie Thompson-Adolf
Julie Thompson-Adolf
Reviewed by Julie Thompson-Adolf

Julie Thompson-Adolf is a Master Gardener and author with over 30 years of experience in year-round organic gardening; seed starting, growing heirlooms, and sustainable farming.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Dorm room desk with open laptop surrounded by plants and decor

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

When it comes to decorating your dorm room, adding plants will bring some color and life to the space. Not only are houseplants great for sprucing up your decor, but plants are known to help increase productivity and lower stress. However, not all houseplants are suited for dorm rooms. Busy college life means that low-maintenance houseplants are usually best.

Here are 10 easy-to-care-for houseplants that are perfect for any dorm room.

  • 01 of 10

    Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

    Closeup of three lucky bamboo stalks against a white background

     Duaa Awchi / EyeEm / Getty Images

    Lucky bamboo is nearly indestructible. It can either be grown in distilled water with decorative rocks or in soil. Place your lucky bamboo in a location that receives bright to moderate light, and change the water weekly to prevent algae growth.

    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: Enough to maintain moist but not soggy soil
  • 02 of 10

    Hoya (Hoya spp.)

    Overhead view of a Hoya krohniana in a black pot on a white background

     Alohapatty / Getty Images

    Hoya is a large genus of plants that are characterized by their waxy leaves and aromatic flowers. While they require a fair amount of light to thrive, hoyas are hardy plants that can withstand a little neglect. Most species of hoya are known for being drought-tolerant.

    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the soil is nearly dry
  • 03 of 10

    Succulents

    Four Echeveria succulents from an overhead view.

     The Spruce / Cori Sears

    If you are looking for a small, attractive plant that needs minimal maintenance, succulents are the perfect choice. To grow healthy succulents, you will need a window that receives full sun, or you can set up a small grow light. Otherwise, succulents don't need much water, and they must have good drainage.

    • Light: Full sun
    • Water: When the soil is dry
  • 04 of 10

    Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

    A snake plant sits in a wicker basket in front of a white wall.

     The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Snake plants are the ultimate low-maintenance plant. While they are slow-growing, they are also pretty hard to kill. Plus, snake plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that matches your personal style.

    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the soil is nearly dry
    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

    Closeup shot of a ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) leaves in front of a mirror

    FeelPic / Getty Images

    ZZ plants grow well in low light, which makes them perfect for dark dorm rooms. They also require very little water, as they grow from rhizomes that store water and nutrients under the soil for weeks to months at a time. Mature ZZ plants can get as large as 5 feet tall, but they usually top out at about 2 to 3 feet indoors. Plus, they are slow-growing and won't need repotting anytime soon.

    • Light: Bright, indirect to low light
    • Water: When the soil is dry
  • 06 of 10

    Pothos (Epipremnum spp.)

    A trailing pothos with new growth at the end.

     The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Pothos are extremely low-maintenance and resilient, and they come in lots of different colors. Plus, they thrive in a variety of light conditions, and they are drought-tolerant. While pothos technically can flower, it is difficult to get them to flower indoors. So they are primarily enjoyed for their attractive vines.

    • Light: Bright, indirect to low light
    • Water: When the soil is nearly dry
  • 07 of 10

    Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

    A close up shot of a new pothos leaf emerging from a cataphyl.

     The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Philodendron is a large genus of flowering foliage plants that are popular as houseplants thanks to their low-maintenance nature. They do well in locations with low-light and are drought-tolerant. Varieties such as Philodendron melanochrysum with its dark, velvety leaves and Philodendron scandens with its heart-shaped leaves are popular choices.

    • Light: Bright, indirect to low light
    • Water: When the top inch of soil feels dry
  • 08 of 10

    Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)

    A close up shot of a green and red bright bromeliad.

     Daniela Duncan / Getty Images

    Bromeliads are low-maintenance and somewhat drought-tolerant houseplants that come in a variety of stunning colors and textures. Although they do flower, it is often difficult to get them to do so indoors. But they are fantastic foliage plants. Just avoid direct sun, as this will cause the leaves to burn.

    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top inch of soil feels dry
    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

    A bright aloe vera in a white pot in front of a sunny window.

     Emilija Manevska / Getty Images

    Aloe vera plants are technically succulents but deserve a mention of their own. These attractive plants grow vigorously with very little maintenance. They are quite drought-tolerant. And in fact, overwatering can lead to root rot. Just make sure they have well-draining soil and sufficient light.

    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the soil is fully dry
  • 10 of 10

    Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

    A close up shot of Guiana Chestnut leaves.

     The Spruce / Cori Sears

    If you are looking for a large statement plant, the money tree is a great choice. Indoors, they typically top out at around 6 to 8 feet tall, and they're often sold with braided trucks for added visual appeal. Plus, if you are prone to overwatering, money trees can usually handle that just fine.

    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 2 to 4 inches of soil is dry
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  1. Psychological Benefits of Indoor Plants in Workplaces: Putting Experimental Results into Context. American Society for Horticultural Science.