I actually got this idea from my roommate, which is appropriate because she has the plants in our dorm! I do not have a green thumb. However, I do take advantage of all of the things that plants offer us, and it is not just oxygen! Take at some of the things my room mate and I love about dorm plants.

1. They are bright and airy

Who doesn't love a bright and airy dorm room? It is a live decor that literally absorbs sun and then gives it back to us in a little package of green awesomeness! Any type of vegetation, whether it is moss or a large plant or a succulent, adds just a touch of light, even when the sun isn't shining!

2. They are welcoming

Obviously you cannot bring a Christmas tree into your dorm, however, you ARE able to decorate your trees or plants... yes I said decorate! At some stores you can buy little mini Christmas trees to plant in a pot or you could buy bonsai trees. I really like bonsai trees (I can't keep them alive for very long, but...), they are the perfect size for any room.

3. They shade the windows

Not only are plants great for partially shading your windows from the sun, but they can also shade the windows from people looking in, giving you some privacy.

4. They're good for health

There are actually a ton of health benefits for having plants in one's dorm! They keep the place cool, refreshes the air, fights colds, enhance cognitive function and self esteem, you can also use the leaves or chutes to help with burns (i. e. aloe), seasonings (basil, thyme, mint) or other things! Plants are not only fun to look at and enjoy, but they also aid in things that are beyond the eye.

5. You can name them!

I think that as college students we might be beyond the names of "Leafy" or "Planty"... but, naming inanimate objects seems to be the thing now a days! I am not entirely sure what my roommate has named our plants, but I will be sure to ask! The last plant I had was named "Wiz Ka-leaf-a", not to brag about the creativity or anything.

Plants are a fabulous addition to any space, not only in dorm rooms, but in houses or offices, and provide unseen aids to health and self esteem! They don't just do photosynthesis, they create photo-happiness!