Being a student at BYU-Idaho usually means you have a packed schedule. Within a single week, you might be balancing classes, study groups, callings, social events, and maybe even a job or internship. With all that going on, your apartment should be a peaceful place to recharge. 

One of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to make your college apartment feel more welcoming is by adding a few houseplants. Not only do they bring a little life and color to your space, but studies have shown that plants can reduce stress and boost your overall mood and productivity. As a college student, who wouldn’t want that?

Fortunately, you don’t need a green thumb or a lot of free time to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants. Whether you're in Sunrise Village's men’s or women’s housing, these ten low-maintenance plant options are perfect for a student on the go. 

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

This is the plant for busy students. Snake plants are practically indestructible. They’re fine with low light, don’t need frequent watering, and can bounce back from a bit of neglect if you forget to tend to them for a while. Place your snake plant in a corner or on your dresser, water it every couple of weeks, and appreciate the way it livens up your room.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are extremely easygoing. They love indirect sunlight and only need to be watered every week or so. Plus, they grow little baby plants (called "spiderettes") that you can re-pot or share with your roommates!

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is perfect for students who want something leafy and lush without a lot of effort. These trailing plants are ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves and thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. Forget to water it for a few days? No big deal. It’ll perk right up when you get around to it.

4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

If you suspect you’ll forget to water your plants, the ZZ plant might be the best choice for you. It thrives in low light, rarely needs water, and still looks healthy after a bit of neglect. It’s the kind of plant that will survive the weeks when all you can think about are midterms.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not only easy to care for, but it also doubles as a first-aid plant. Got a minor burn or dry skin? Snap off a piece and use the soothing gel inside. Aloe loves bright, sunny windowsills and only needs watering when the soil feels dry—ideal for a BYU-I student with a busy routine.

6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Want a plant that looks elegant but is easy to care for? The peace lily is your go-to. It prefers low to moderate light and a once-a-week watering schedule. It may even bloom indoors with beautiful white flowers. Peace lilies are allegedly known to reduce airborne toxins, although this claim is still being studied. Even if that’s not the case, they are still pleasant to look at!

7. Cactus

Cacti are classic low-maintenance plants. All they need is a sunny spot and a tiny bit of water every few weeks. They’re ideal if you’re decorating a desk, bookshelf, or side table and want a touch of green. Incorporating tiny cacti in your BYU-I apartment can add a little personality to your space.

8. Succulents

Succulents are small, trendy, and easy to love. They come in all shapes and colors, thrive in bright light, and barely need any water. Just make sure their container has good drainage, and they’ll be happy perched on your windowsill or desk.

9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

If your apartment doesn’t get a lot of natural light, a Chinese evergreen is a great pick. These plants have beautiful patterned leaves (sometimes pink!) and don’t need frequent watering. Just give them a drink when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. They're hardy, forgiving, and perfect for first-time plant parents.

10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy grows well in different light levels and looks amazing when trained to climb or hang. It’s a great choice for shelves, window ledges, or even as a hanging accent in the kitchen or bathroom. Keep the soil lightly moist, and give it a trim now and then to control the vines.

Choosing the Right Plant for Your BYU-I Apartment

Before you hit the garden section or your local plant shop, take a quick look around your apartment and decide where a plant would likely thrive. Are you looking for something small for your desk, or do you want a bigger statement piece near the window?

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Light levels: If your apartment doesn’t receive much natural light, go for a snake plant, ZZ plant, or Chinese evergreen. Got a sunny spot near your window? Succulents, aloe, or cacti will thrive.
  • Space: Small succulents or spider plants fit well in shared rooms. Larger plants like pothos or peace lilies are great for common areas.
  • Maintenance: If you don’t want to think about watering often, ZZ plants, snake plants, and cacti are your best bet.
  • Roommate concerns: Before bringing any plants into your apartment, be sure to check if anyone has allergies or sensitivities to plants, especially those with flowers, such as peace lilies. As much as you may want a plant in your apartment, it’s important to respect your roommates’ health.

Caring for Your Plants on a Student Schedule

Even if your week is packed with classes and activities, plant care doesn’t have to feel like another chore. Here are a few tips to keep the plants in your BYU-I housing healthy and thriving:

  • Set a watering reminder: Add a weekly or bi-weekly reminder on your phone for watering. It takes two minutes, max.
  • Trim dead leaves: If a leaf turns yellow or brown, gently snip it off. This helps the plant focus on growing healthy new ones.
  • Check for pests: Every now and then, look under the leaves or near the soil. If you spot anything unusual, a quick rinse or natural spray usually does the trick.

Although some people view caring for plants as another responsibility, taking a minute or two to tend to your plants can be a relaxing break in your day that reconnects you with nature.

Make Your Men’s or Women’s BYU-I Housing Feel Like Home

Whether you’re new to BYU-I or just looking to personalize your space, adding plants is a simple way to make your student housing feel more like home. Fortunately, you don’t need any experience or fancy tools to get started.

At Sunrise Village, we offer comfortable housing for both men and women attending BYU-Idaho, designed to help you succeed academically and socially. No matter your style, adding a plant or two can brighten up your room and make your apartment feel more personalized.

If you’re ready to make Sunrise Village your home, schedule a tour or apply online today—we’d love to have you!