As a busy college student, I don’t have a lot of time in my day to take care of things that are not myself. While the idea of having a multitude of colorful flora and fauna in my living space makes me think I could be some sort of plant whisperer; the reality is that taking care of plants is hard work. To spare you the agony of potentially killing an innocent plant and being known as a neglectful plant parent, I’ve compiled a list of the top five easiest plants to take care of, just for you.

​5. Orchid

With almost 30,000 species in the orchid family, choosing one to have in your house could be the most difficult decision of your existence, but once it’s there, taking care of it is simple. Each orchid has a slightly different care routine, but the general rule of thumb is to make sure it gets plenty of sunlight and the soil dries out before watering it again, which can vary depending on the type of soil and humidity levels in the air. The orchid reminds me of royalty because of its care routine, but if you’re as fancy as this elegant flower, then it’s a match made in plant heaven.
Price range: $12-50

​4. Money Tree

​The money tree is exactly what it sounds like; fresh 5 dollar bills growing out of a little tree trunk, ready to be plucked for a nice weekend out. Kidding. There isn’t real money on this tree, but it is associated with good fortune in East Asia, and it's grown to look like it twists around itself. This plant only needs to be watered every 1-2 weeks, but it does require some extra attention and a care schedule, so be prepared to set aside time for this cool little dude.
Price range: $17-40

​3. Cactus

The cactus is the ultimate household plant. With nearly 1,800 species, this plant would survive the apocalypse like Wall-E, but it’s much more green and prickly (and doesn’t communicate very well). A cactus usually only needs to be watered about once a week, and with a college student’s busy schedule, this is the perfect plant to get you started on taking care of living things.
Price range: $5-50
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​2. Air Plant

I lied about the cactus. THIS is the plant that would survive the actual end of the world, because all you need to do is soak it in water once every two weeks and keep it indoors in a shady spot, no soil needed! Air plants are probably the most useful decorative pieces in your plant arsenal, because you can hang them along walls to create cool patterns and promote more oxygen in the area.
Price range: $4-40

​1. Lucky Bamboo

​Like the air plant, lucky bamboo also requires very little maintenance. Just refresh the water every so often, and you’re good to go! In addition to looking very aesthetically pleasing in a room, lucky bamboo is also known for its Eastern practice of Feng Shui, a way of harmonizing your surroundings. A pretty plant and some good luck?
​Sign me up!
Price Range: $1-50

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