Miami, Florida – Every room benefits from a breath of fresh air, especially a new dorm.
A houseplant is the perfect green accessory as students finish their back-to-school shopping. Plants are guaranteed to spark a smile and friendly conversation while scrubbing the air clean.
“Plants are amazing,” says Justin Hancock, garden expert from Costa Farms. “They provide oxygen and remove toxins, as well as reduce stress, fatigue and headaches — making the college experience a little easier.”
No green thumb? Try these easy-to-grow O2 for You houseplants: snake plant, ZZ plant, ponytail palm, peace lily and Chinese evergreen. “These low-maintenance plants survive with little to no attention,” says Hancock.
Start the school year right with these tips to keep houseplants thriving:
1. Find the right spot. Check the plant tag for information about how much light a plant needs. A houseplant lets you know the spot is right by maintaining healthy leaves. If there’s enough light for you to read by, there’s probably enough for a low-light houseplant. Avoid placing plants near heat or air conditioning ducts, on TVs, or between the curtains and a chilly window.
2. Give them a drink. Just like humans, plants need a drink of water every now and then. Check plants before hitting happy hour on Fridays. If the soil is dry about an inch below the surface, add water. If the plant does not seem too dry, check it again in a few days. But don’t overwater: It’s the number one reason houseplants die. Every few months, stick them in the shower for a good misting.
3. Keep clean. College freshman are advised to bring a pair of shower shoes to the dorms, and the same advice applies to houseplants. Place containers in a tray or saucer to collect excess water and stop spills–but never allow plants to sit in water.
4. Stay Comfortable. Houseplants are happiest when temperatures are between 70 and 80ºF during the day and 10-15 degrees cooler at night but thrive in basically the same temperatures you’re comfy in. Keep plants away from heat ducts and cold air.
To find out more about caring for houseplants, check out CostaFarms.com and o2foryou.org for more tips and tricks. For inspiration, watch Desk Life on Costa Farms’ Youtube channel for decorating and easy plant tips.
About Costa Farms
About Costa Farms: Costa Farms is the largest producer of ornamental plants in the world. Founded in 1961 by Jose Costa, Costa Farms is a third-generation, family-owned business that globally stretches over 3,500 acres and employs 4,000 people. Along with thriving indoor and bedding plant divisions, Costa Farms operates merchandising and young-plant production divisions as part of its infrastructure, with operations domestically in South Florida and North and South Carolina, and abroad in the Dominican Republic and Far East.
Source: Costa Farms
