The benefits of keeping a plant in your dorm range from cleaner air, to diminishing drowsiness, to making you feel a little less lonely.
Keeping something other than yourself alive may seem daunting to some students, but once you’ve adopted a plant child or two, you’ll find the joys of plant parenting are well worth the responsibilities.
Aside from the plants’ aesthetic value, convenience tends to be a major consideration for busy and stylish NYU students. The good news is that there are many good spots around NYU to introduce some oxygenating goodness into your dorm without too much effort.
Epicurean Market
45 University Place
Though Epicurean may be discredited by its lack of variety, its proximity to campus makes it a convenient option. The small grocery store offers some beautiful, healthy succulents and cacti that might manage to survive your windowsill.
University Floral Design
51 University Place
A go-to for every picky student, University Floral Design sells elaborate bouquets and whimsical floral arrangements, but also many easy-to-maintain household plants. Best of all, if you just stop by and ask about how to avoid killing your peace lily, their assistants are happy to give helpful suggestions. But beware — high-end plants come with a hefty price tag.
Westside Market
84 Third Ave.
If you live in Third Avenue North or Alumni Residence Halls, Westside Market is a spot you should check out for some hardy cacti and flowering plants. Their options include ferns, pothos and anthurium; all good choices for busy NYU students, ranging from $15 to $30.
Trader Joe’s
142 E. 14th St.
If you are a novice plant caretaker, Trader Joe’s can be a good starting place. Once you’ve filled your cart with cookie butter and cauliflower gnocchi, take a look at Trader Joe’s potted succulents. They’re only $4, meaning they’re low-risk if you end up killing them the next week.
Union Square Greenmarket
Union Square, East 17th Street and Union Square West on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Besides the myriad of fresh-picked fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal meats and homemade jams, vendors at the Union Square Greenmarket sell various houseplants at reasonable prices. The bustling atmosphere of this farmer’s market makes it a fun weekend excursion before the autumn
chill sets in.
A version of this article appears in the Monday, Sept. 30 print edition. Email Cloris Yang at [email protected].
