Plant Tips & Tricks From a Broke College Student

If you are dreaming of becoming a plant parent but don't think you can do it as a college student, I am here to tell you that you can. As someone who is taking 18 credits, involved in three clubs, and enjoys going out, I think I'm certified to tell you how you can grow plants in the easiest, laziest, and most effective way you can as a busy, broke student.

Tip #1 - Be Frugal and Buy Cheap

As a broke college student, you might ask me, "Wow Ana how can afford to take care of all these plants?" Well, the answer is.....the Dollar Store. Yep, I get all my supplies from the dollar store, anything from shovels to glass bottles to soil. It doesn't have to be an expensive hobby, in fact, I think it's better to repurpose things you already have.

Reminder: Plants natively grow outside.....no need for all that fancy stuff!

Tip #2 - Create a Watering Schedule

The easiest way for me to keep track of when I need to water my plants is to put them all on the same schedule. I know this can't be done for all plants, but try to find plants that require similar amounts of water and water them together. I find watering my plants together all at once helps save time and creates more humidity, which promotes more growth.

Tip #3 - Trust the Process

I'd be lying if I told you you'd never kill a plant or make it sick. Mistakes happen and its important to learn from them rather than dwell on them.

Take it from me, these are just some of my most recent kills.

Reminder: Do not be discouraged if you have to do this sometimes....

Here's another reminder that even after 9 months of practice, you will still make mistakes....

Tip #4 - Propagate

This is my hack to achieving a room that looks full of plants. Propagating is the cheapest and simplest way to grow new plants without having to start with a seedling. All you need is a pair of scissors, water, and a good node.

*Note that not all plants can be propagated, I suggest propagating Pothos, Monsteras, Snake Plants, or English Ivy.

Node - (n.) the part of a plant stem from which one or more leaves emerge, often forming a slight swelling or nob

Propagation stations are also a cute way for you to decorate little corners of your home while you wait for them to mature! Check out my little hanging propagation station I have in my bathroom.