Plants are more than just aesthetic greenery or pretty decorations to our homes — that is, if you purchase the real ones. Plants purify and provide more air, add pops of color to our personal coves, subtly boost our responsibilities and can generally revitalize the life in our living spaces. For college students living in a dorm or a new home, matching a plant to your lifestyle might be the right step toward adjusting.
Meet Your Leafy Match
As if you’re adopting a new pet or finding your next semester fling, it is important that you and your plant are compatible. Evaluating each other’s environment and care level can help you in finding the perfect match.
1. The Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
a. Care Level: Nearly immortal
b. Water: Every 2–8 weeks, whenever the soil is completely dry
c. Light: Low-light, shady conditions
d. Benefits: Mother-in-law’s tongue — better known as the snake plant — is a beautifully edgy and resilient houseplant. With its pointed, green-and-yellow blades and low-maintenance care, snake plants also filter common toxins from the air such as formaldehyde and benzene. Perfect for a plant that is low-maintenance and effortlessly chic.
2. The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
a. Care Level: A little needy, but worth it
b. Water: Weekly
c. Light: Low to medium light conditions
d. Benefits: Adding an elegant and graceful touch to your room, peace lilies release water vapor by transpiration, helping alleviate allergens, dust, and airborne toxins that contribute to respiratory discomfort, dry skin, and irritated eyes. Gorgeous and practical!
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
a. Care Level: Pairs well with plant killers
b. Water: Every 1–2 weeks
c. Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
d. Benefits: Nicknamed “Devil’s Ivy,” Pothos is actually very forgiving. Its heart-shaped leaves and sprawling vines can climb a structure or cascade from a hanging basket. It also supports air purification, keeping your space fresh.
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
a. Care Level: Suspiciously low maintenance
b. Water: Every 2–3 weeks
c. Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
d. Benefits: Aloe thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soil and requires minimal attention. Its gel has medicinal uses, soothing burns or acting as a skin moisturizer — making it a practical, attractive, and useful plant for any space.
5. The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
a. Care Level: Beginner-friendly
b. Water: Weekly
c. Light: Shady, indirect sunlight
d. Benefits: Spider plants require minimal care, making them ideal for beginners. Their long, arching green-and-white striped leaves add visual interest while purifying the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
Local Plant Shops
Luckily, Miami is full of diverse spots where you can snag your perfect match. Here are a few shops where you can find the plant that’s ready to thrive in your dorm.
Galloway Farm Nursery
Expanding over two and a half acres, this family-owned business offers a variety of healthy interior plants. Bubbling koi ponds and sleek ceramic pieces adds to Galloway Farm Nursery’s earthy charm and can’t be missed.
Midtown Garden Center
Located between Wynwood and Midtown Miami, Midtown Garden Center provides an enriching experience to enhance their green haven. With an on-site juice bar selling refreshments and bowls, a florist arranging specialized bouquets, and the vibrant garden itself, Midtown Garden Center is the perfect urban oasis to treat yourself to.
MiMo Garden Center
This family-owned business is based in the historic Mimo district. Similar to their sister store, Midtown Garden Center, they invite customers to unwind and enjoy the visit. Wander or rest beneath historical tree canopies, then refuel with a bite from the restaurant next door. Beginner plant owners will find this MiMo Garden Center’s atmosphere stressless and easy to enjoy.
Casaplanta Garden Center
A cheerful and affordable spot nestled in West Kendall, this quirky shop is filled with diverse delights and vibrant plants. Succulents, orchids and stylish indoor plants make this place a must-visit to spruce up your living space and give it some personality.
words_karly rae lieblong. photos_valentina gomez. design_joel wainberg.
This article was published in Distraction’s Fall 2025 print issue.
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