Your plant's dorm-survival toolkit

DAISY STEWART

I’m about to shake your confidence in me. I moved into residence with a box of plants. A phalaenopsis orchid, an umbrella tree, and a succulent or two. They were thriving on my windowsill at my parents’ house, and then they were all dead by second semester. I was very upset and it took me a long time to try again.

Are you worried it’s going to happen to you, too? It’s a valid fear. Plants really only need a few things to survive —sunlight, water, soil, consistent and appropriate temperatures, and fertilizer if they’re low on nutrients. There are some common things every plant enthusiast tends to do in the beginning that can send a lot of your leafy green buddies into the green bin at record speed.

How much water a plant needs is dependent on the type of plant, the amount of sun it’s getting, the growing season, and how dry the room is. It sounds like a lot of variables, but you can cheat the system by looking at your plant and getting into a rhythm.

I have a few plants that are needier than my weekly schedule will allow. I have a Belgian Waffle plant that will dramatically wilt when it’s time for watering and perk back up when it’s had enough. Succulents will pucker when they’re thirsty. Even a hearty pothos isn’t too proud to go limp to tell you it’s time for some water.

If you’re forgetful, consider more ‘forgiving’ options. ZZs, pothos, peperomia, and good ol’ succulents are good candidates for you if you’re not great with routines.

Make sure your pot has good drainage and that you’re taking care to get rid of excess water. Letting your plant sit in water could cause its roots to rot and you guessed it, expire before it should. Keep your plant in the basic nursery pot that you bring it home in and put a pretty pot over top of it. That way you can tip out any extra water.

And while I have your attention, never EVER give an orchid or another plant an ice cube. Don’t let those tags on the big box store orchids fool you. This is a marketing ploy and will kill your plant. I don’t care if your Uncle Kevin has been doing it for years with no adverse effects. Your Uncle Kevin is a witch.

Succulents are great low-maintenance options for new plant-owners. CREDIT: UNSPLASH

Check out the light in your new space. Can you read something in the daytime with the lights off? You’re probably in good shape to house a plant. If not, you can invest in a small (or large!) grow light to keep things going.

If your plant starts to change colour (sun stress) or crisp around the edges, it’s likely getting too much light.

Some tropical plants crave humidity beyond what our dorm rooms will supply. Invest in a small humidifier or put your plant on a pebble tray to boost humidity.

You CAN mist your plants, but be careful. This can cause adverse effects like rotting. Misting also does not last for very long.

A cold room can be a death sentence. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s too cold for you to be naked in a room, it’s too cold for your houseplant.

Watch out for heaters, too! If you see leaves swaying from the air, move that pot away from the source. This will suck the water away and may fry your friend. THE RIGHT PLANT

You might have the wrong type of plant for your environment. You can either artificially simulate the appropriate environment, or buy what will thrive. If you’re a hands-on person, you can opt in for something high maintenance. If you’re on the forgetful side, look for something that doesn’t need much from you.

Some of my low-light and low-maintenance favourites are snake plants, monsteras, ZZ plants, and spiderwort. Don’t be afraid to visit one of Guelph’s many plant stores and talk to the experts. In my experience, they’re all very friendly and eager to talk plants. Plant on Wyndham has their inventory organized by light requirement.

Next time you see someone with a sad, sagging, sparse plant picture from someone looking for help, read the comments. You’ll see absolutely everything. “Too much water!” “Not enough water!” “It needs a bigger pot!”

Take a deep breath. These suggestions are often made off of one picture and zero knowledge of the plant’s environment or root system. It can get confusing when people are giving you conflicting pieces of advice.

Check out the roots. Check out the leaves. Check out how your plant is growing. In time, you’ll be able to ‘read’ it and make appropriate decisions.

Try things out. Learn by failing. Don’t get discouraged.

I’ve killed my share of plants over the years and for different reasons. Eventually, you’ll get in the groove and pick up on problems before they’re fatal.

I’ve suggested a few easy-care plants, but you might find your problem is that you’re too hands on and killed that pothos with love. You may thrive with a white fusion calathea (that makes one of us) that needs the right amount of water at the right time with the right humidity or it will crisp up like it’s in an Air Fryer. You may kill the plants that other people think are a walk in the park. It’s okay. If you love plants, enjoy them and do your best.