Student accommodation can often feel sterile, with bare walls and generic furniture. That’s why more students in the UK are embracing plant parenthood—transforming bland bedrooms into green oases. But is it possible to create a leafy sanctuary when you're living on a budget?
Yes. And in this guide, you'll learn exactly how to:
Choose beginner-friendly indoor plants that survive on student schedules.
Shop smartly and affordably across the UK.
Maintain your mini jungle without wasting money or time.
Why Every Student's Room Deserves a Touch of Green
You might think plants are just for Instagram aesthetics, but they offer real, measurable benefits.
A study by the University of Exeter found that having plants in indoor environments can boost productivity by 15%.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) confirms that indoor greenery can reduce stress and increase concentration.
Plants also improve air quality, according to the NASA Clean Air Study, which remains a foundational source for plant benefits indoors.
Whether you're cramming for exams or just trying to relax, a few well-placed plants can make a big difference.
How Much Does It Cost to Start Plant Parenthood as a Student?
You don’t need a fancy botanical collection. With just £10–£30, you can start building your indoor garden. Here's a typical setup:
Tip: Stick to simple tools. A recycled milk bottle can double as a watering can.
Best Budget Plants for UK Students
These plants are student favourites for a reason: they’re cheap, tough, and look great in small spaces.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Light: Indirect
Care: Extremely easy
Cost: £3–£5
Why it rocks: Purifies air, grows fast, hard to kill.
2. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Light: Low to bright
Care: Easy
Cost: £4–£9
Bonus: Grows from cuttings in water, so you can multiply it for free.
3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Light: Any (even dark corners)
Care: Very easy
Cost: £5–£10
Why students love it: It only needs watering every 2–3 weeks.
4. Aloe Vera
Light: Bright window
Care: Low-maintenance
Cost: £3–£7
Extra: Natural remedy for skin burns—functional and pretty.
5. Peace Lily
Light: Low to medium
Care: Moderate
Cost: £6–£10
Bonus: Elegant blooms and high toxin absorption.
Where to Find Cheap Plants in the UK (Without Compromising Quality)
You don’t need to empty your wallet. These UK-wide options are budget-friendly and student-approved:
Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl: Regular indoor plant drops from £3.
Wilko and Homebase: Great for small pots, compost, and discounted houseplants.
Local Markets and Car Boot Sales: Seasonal plants often sell for less than £5.
Online Marketplaces: Look for listings in your area on Freecycle or Gumtree for second-hand pots and sometimes free cuttings.
The Green Hub: Offers free plant care guides tailored to beginners.
Tip: Repurpose takeaway containers as planters with drainage holes punched in the bottom.
How to Set Up Your Student Room Jungle: Step-by-Step
1. Evaluate Your Lighting
Bright south-facing window? Go for succulents or aloe.
North-facing or dim room? Try snake plants or pothos.
2. Select Pots You Already Own
Coffee mugs, glass jars, or tin cans work with minor DIY.
Drainage is key—punch holes or add gravel at the bottom.
3. Buy the Right Soil
Get a small bag of indoor compost for £2–£3.
A cactus or succulent mix is best for dry-loving plants.
4. Establish a Watering Routine
Water only when the soil is dry 1–2 inches below the surface.
Use a spray bottle to mist tropical plants (around £1 from pound shops).
5. Feed Occasionally
Add a liquid plant feed every 3–4 weeks during spring and summer.
Avoid feeding in winter when most houseplants go dormant.
6. Group Plants for Easy Care
Cluster your plants to create a humid microclimate.
This also makes watering faster and reduces moisture loss.
What About Holidays or Travel?
Here’s how to keep your green friends alive while you’re away:
Use Self-Watering Stakes: These slowly release water over days.
Ask a Flatmate: Create a simple watering chart to avoid confusion.
Propagate in Water: Pothos and spider plants can live in jars for weeks, perfect for short holidays.
The Science: Plants and Student Mental Health
According to a report by Mind UK, nature-based activities—including indoor plant care—improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Another study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that simply viewing a plant can lower stress within 5 minutes.
In shared housing or when away from family, plants can offer comfort, purpose, and even routine.
Common Mistakes New Student Plant Parents Make
Avoid these rookie errors:
Overwatering: It's the most common cause of plant death.
Too much direct sunlight: Many houseplants prefer filtered or indirect light.
Neglecting drainage: Root rot happens fast in non-draining containers.
Ignoring pests: Tiny gnats or whiteflies? Act early with natural remedies like diluted neem oil.
Ready to Create Your Green Sanctuary?
A few affordable plants can transform even the dullest student room into a peaceful sanctuary. Whether you're homesick or overwhelmed with studies, adding greenery brings comfort and calm. It's not about having a jungle; it’s about creating a soothing space that supports your well-being, focus, and personal expression, on any budget.
Final Thoughts: Your Room, Your Jungle
From spider plants to succulents, student-friendly greenery is affordable and easy to care for, even in small, rented spaces. With just a few pounds and some creativity, students can transform bland dorm rooms into vibrant sanctuaries that promote calm and concentration. By choosing low-maintenance plants and reusing containers, you can set up a lush green corner without overspending. Whether decorating a new student flat or brightening your current one, greenery can bring peace and character to your space. Find your next student room and start planning your mini jungle today at StudentTenant.com.