Did you know scientific research shows that houseplants can potentially help improve memory and cognitive function? A variety of university studies point to different ways plants can help us feel better or perform better. This makes a houseplant (or two!) the perfect back-to-school accessories for dorm rooms, kids' rooms, and classrooms. (As well as home offices!) Here are a few of my favorites.

Bird's Nest Fern

While some ferns have a reputation for being somewhat fussy about the amount of moisture and humidity they get, I've found Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) is much more easy-going. With thick, almost leathery, fronds, it has an interesting and architectural shape. It tolerates low light, so it doesn't need a lot of sun, and is somewhat forgiving if you forget to water it.
Get it in our online plant store.
Or upgrade with Hurricane, a newer variety whose fronds curl clockwise as they grow.
Learn more in our Plant Finder.

Haworthia

Succulents are ideal plants for first-timers because they're so forgiving about underwatering. Varieties like Haworthia (botanically, the one shown here is Tulista pumila) can often survive a month without water if necessary. All they really need is lots of bright light (natural or artificial) to survive. And because they're so slow growing, you don't need to worry about them overtaking your desk or windowsill.
Get Haworthia in our online plant store.

Golden Pothos

Another plant that's perfect for beginners, Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an easy-growing vine that shows off lovely dark green leaves playfully variegated with streaks and splashes of gold. Unlike Haworthia, Golden Pothos is a pretty quick grower, especially in bright light, so gives you a sense of gratification. It's also exceptionally easy to propagate and share, so you can give starts to all your friends so everyone can enjoy beautiful, easy-care Pothos.
Get Golden Pothos in our online plant store.
Learn more about Pothos in our Plant Finder.

Raven® ZZ Plant

Here's a plant that will grow practically anywhere! Raven® ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Dowon') tolerates low light and low humidity. It's also super-forgiving about moisture levels and can survive a month (or more) if it needs to between waterings. It's also super chic. Its new leaves emerge lime green and then slowly mature to a rich purple-black color, making it stylishly stand out from any other houseplant. With good care, ® ZZ can live for decades.
Get Raven® ZZ in our online plant store.
Learn more about it in our Plant Finder.

Pink Princess Philodendron

Sporting dark green leaves (often flushed with purple) and variegated with pink --- in shades from creamy pink to hot pink --- this plant has become one of the trendiest around. Happily, it's pretty easy to grow, too, so you can enjoy its beauty without having to fuss over it. Just give it lots of light (from a window or lamp) and water it every week or two (as the soil starts to dry out). Fun fact: Pink Princess Philodendron grows as a vine; over time, it can get more than 6 feet tall if you let it!
Get Pink Princess Philodendron in our online plant store.
Learn more about it in our Plant Finder.

Network Calathea

Network Calathea (Goeppertia kegeljanii 'PP0005') is a fun one to have on your desk. Its strappy leaves are variegated with dark green veins in a tessellated pattern --- making it look like it's come right out of one of The Matrix movies! While it requires a little more consistent watering than the others on this list, it's a great choice for students because it tolerates low light.
Note: You might also see Network Calathea referred to by its old name, Calathea musaica 'PP0005').
Get Network Calathea in our online plant store.
Learn more about it in our Plant Finder.

Written by Justin Hancock