Why not try decorating your school or classroom with houseplants to improve the environment? Having houseplants in schools brightens the atmosphere and helps students and teachers feel refreshed and more focused during their time there.
A pleasant environment for students and teachers can lead to a wonderful school experience.
In this article, I’ll delve into the details of houseplants that are perfect for schools and classrooms. I’ll also share some recommendations and tips on how to care for them, so please keep reading!
I recommend the Money Tree if you’re unsure which houseplant to choose for your school or classroom. It’s shade-tolerant, easy to grow, and adds a touch of color to school life.
Contents
- Benefits of Having Houseplants in Schools and Classrooms
- Benefits of Having Plants in Schools and Classrooms
- Choosing Houseplants for Schools and Classrooms
- Recommended Houseplants for Schools And Classrooms
- Points To Consider When Placing Plants in Schools And Classrooms
- How to Care for Indoor Plants in Schools and Classrooms
- Conclusion
Benefits of Having Houseplants in Schools and Classrooms
Having plants in schools and classrooms can help stabilize emotions and increase student and teacher focus.
This is due to the benefits of placing houseplants in these spaces. Some of the key benefits include:
- Stress relief and relaxation.
- Improved comfort.
I’ll explain these two benefits in more detail below. You can also check out the following article for more information on the positive effects of houseplants.
Benefits of Having Plants in Schools and Classrooms
1- Stress Relief and Relaxation
Plants have calming and relaxing effects. The green color of plants is easy on the eyes and can help relieve tension and eye strain.
The human eye can perceive wavelengths of light between 380 and 780nm, with green falling in the middle of that range.
Don’t you feel a sense of relaxation and release from eye strain when you look at houseplants after a tiring day of work or study?
This is because green is gentle on the eyes and has soothing effects, according to color psychology.
These effects also apply to students and teachers’ time in schools and classrooms. Placing houseplants in these spaces can promote relaxation and stress relief for students and teachers.
2- Improved Comfort
Adding houseplants to schools and classrooms can increase comfort. This is because houseplants can regulate the thermal environment and purify the air.
Plants absorb water from the soil and release it through their leaves, which helps maintain appropriate humidity levels in the air.
In addition to photosynthesis, where plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, they are also thought to absorb harmful substances from the air.
Therefore, decorating schools and classrooms with houseplants can help maintain humidity and fresh air, creating a more comfortable space.
Choosing Houseplants for Schools and Classrooms
To create a comfortable environment for students and teachers in schools and classrooms, it’s important to choose the right plants.
If plants wither, it might affect everyone’s mood. Since the ease of care varies by plant type, choose ones that are easy to maintain.
Here are four factors to consider when selecting houseplants for schools and classrooms:
1- Plants that don’t easily shed leaves
The tendency for leaves to fall off varies by plant type. Choosing plants that don’t shed leaves easily for schools and classrooms is best.
Plants that don’t shed leaves easily tend to be low-maintenance and less susceptible to pests and diseases. As a result, they help maintain a comfortable environment for students and teachers.
Plants that shed leaves easily require frequent cleanup, such as picking up fallen leaves. Leaves on the floor can not only make the area dirty but also create conditions for pests and diseases to thrive.
Plants with thick, large leaves tend to shed less. Be cautious with plants with many small leaves, as they tend to shed more easily.
2- Plants with soft leaves and branches
In schools and classrooms where younger children, like elementary students, spend time, choose houseplants with soft leaves and branches. Some plants have sharp, pointed leaves and branches that can be dangerous.
Softer leaves and branches are less likely to cause injuries if students touch them. Students may become more energetic during breaks between classes.
For this reason, avoid houseplants with sharp leaves and branches. If necessary, trim any dangerous leaves or branches beforehand for safety.
3- Plants resistant to pests and diseases
Choose houseplants for schools and classrooms less susceptible to pests and diseases. Plants resistant to pests and diseases make maintenance easier for students and teachers.
However, insects or pathogens can still enter through window gaps, even with proper care.
Characteristics of pest and disease-resistant houseplants include thick, hard leaves and adequate spacing between branches. Thin-leafed plants may be more prone to insect damage and have a faster leaf turnover.
Plants with excessive foliage can have poor air circulation, making them more susceptible to diseases. Choose pest and disease-resistant houseplants to minimize maintenance.
4- Plants that aren’t too large
Select houseplants for schools and classrooms that aren’t too big. Oversized houseplants can obstruct walkways or block visibility, potentially causing accidents between students.
Classrooms may not have enough space for large plants, and toppled plants can be dangerous. Opt for houseplants that are small enough to be safe if they fall over or that can be placed on tables or shelves.
Recommended Houseplants for Schools And Classrooms
Here, we introduce some recommended houseplants for schools and classrooms:
- Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan tree)
- Pachira aquatica (Money tree)
- Calathea makoyana (Peacock plant)
- Coffea arabica (Coffee plant)
- Peperomia sandersii (Watermelon Peperomia)
1- Chinese Banyan Tree: Stylish and Unique
| Information | Details |
| Light | Bright indoor spot |
| Temperature | Keep above 32°F |
| Cold tolerance | Somewhat weak |
| Heat tolerance | Strong |
| Watering | Spring/summer – when the soil surface dries; Fall/winter – 2-3 days after soil surface dries. |
The Ficus microcarpa is a unique plant with a sturdy trunk. It’s easy to care for, making it ideal for students and teachers who haven’t grown plants.
The tree produces aerial roots, which absorb moisture from the air. You can leave them as-is to enhance the tree’s aesthetics. The distinctive trunk makes it a stylish addition to schools and classrooms.
2- Money Tree: Easy for beginners
| Information | Details |
| Plant Name | Money Tree |
| Difficulty Level | Easy for beginners |
| Light | Bright indoor spot |
| Temperature | Keep above 50°F |
| Cold tolerance | Weak |
| Heat tolerance | Strong |
| Watering | Spring/summer – water when the soil feels dry to the touch and let it dry thoroughly; Fall/winter – water about a week after the soil feels dry to the touch and let it dry thoroughly |
The Pachira aquatica is a houseplant with large leaves resembling a palm. Also known as the “Money Tree,” it is believed to attract wealth.
Having one nearby is thought to ward off negative energy and boost health. Keeping the leaves clean with a water spray enhances these benefits.
Pachira is a hardy plant, resistant to moderate dryness and shade. It’s not easily killed, making it a good choice for plant beginners or schools and classrooms new to plants.
When placed in a sunny spot year-round, it continuously grows new leaves. Let the plant bask in sunlight during the warmest part of the day to encourage healthy growth.
3- Calathea makoyana: Easy to grow with shade tolerance
| Information | Details |
| Light | Bright indoor spot |
| Temperature | Keep above 50°F |
| Cold tolerance | Somewhat weak |
| Heat tolerance | Strong |
| Watering | Spring/summer – water when the soil feels dry to the touch and let it dry thoroughly; Fall/winter – water 2-3 days after the soil feels dry to the touch and let it dry thoroughly |
Calathea makoyana, or Peacock plant, is with unique, attractive leaves. It’s well-suited for school and classrooms with less-than-ideal lighting, growing well in the shade.
This plant loves water, so be sure to monitor the soil and water it accordingly during the spring and summer.
Water is less frequent in the fall and winter as its growth slows. The watering frequency will vary depending on light exposure and airflow.
Calathea plants symbolize warmth, strong emotions, and progress—perfect for students.
They’re also believed to have feng shui benefits, promoting relaxation and harmonious relationships, making them a great choice for schools.
4- Coffea arabica (Coffee plant): Easy to place on desks or shelves
| Information | Details |
| Light | Bright indoor spot |
| Temperature | Keep above 50°F |
| Cold tolerance | Weak |
| Heat tolerance | Somewhat strong |
| Watering | Spring/summer – water when the soil feels dry to the touch and let it dry thoroughly; Fall/winter – water 2-3 days after the soil feels dry to the touch and let it dry thoroughly |
| Fertilizer | Slow-release fertilizer, liquid fertilizer |
| Pruning season | May to October |
The Coffea plant has glossy, dark green leaves and is known for producing coffee beans. When grown, it will bear small red fruit. The plant loves water, so be sure to water it generously when the soil dries out.
Be extra careful in the summer, as it is prone to drying out. If the leaves droop, it’s a sign of thirst, so be mindful of the plant’s water needs.
Since the plant originates from tropical regions, it doesn’t thrive in winter. Place it away from windows during colder months. You can place it on shelves or desks in schools and classrooms if small enough.
5- Peperomia sandersii | Succulent-like and easy to grow
| Information | Details |
| Light | Bright, indirect light (indoors) |
| Temperature | Keep above 50°F |
| Cold tolerance | Weak |
| Heat tolerance | Strong |
| Watering | Spring/summer – water when the soil feels dry to the touch and let it dry thoroughly; Fall/winter – water 2-3 days after the soil feels dry to the touch and let it dry thoroughly. |
Peperomia sandersii, also known as Watermelon Peperomia, is a houseplant with watermelon-like patterns on its leaves.
Its succulent-like nature makes it easy to care for, even for beginners. The plant doesn’t require much space as it grows, making it suitable for desks or shelves in schools and classrooms without getting in the way.
In feng shui, round leaves are said to bring harmony and relaxation, making them a great choice for spaces with many students and teachers.
Points To Consider When Placing Plants in Schools And Classrooms
When placing houseplants in schools and classrooms, keep these three points in mind:
1- Pay attention to traffic flow
Be mindful of traffic flow when placing plants in schools and classrooms. Large houseplants in hallways or classrooms where students and teachers frequently move can be hazardous if they accidentally knock them over or get hit by branches and leaves.
Avoid placing large houseplants in busy areas. Additionally, make sure plants don’t obstruct students’ view of the blackboard. Small plants can be placed on desks or shelves without causing any obstruction.
When placing larger houseplants, be aware of students’ and teachers’ movement patterns and place them in areas with ample space.
2- Place plants away from heating and cooling systems
Houseplants should be placed away from heating and cooling systems. Direct exposure to drafts can cause sudden leaf drying and risk the plant dying.
When placing houseplants in classrooms or staff rooms, be aware of where heating and cooling systems’ drafts are directed.
Although some plants can help maintain humidity, constant exposure to dry air can negatively impact their growth.
Place the plant’s leaves away from heating and cooling drafts to keep them healthy.
3- Put plants in bright locations
Plants should generally be placed near bright windows. Even shade-tolerant plants cannot thrive in an environment without any light.
Be mindful of window placement and the brightness of the lighting when placing houseplants.
If you place a houseplant in a slightly darker location, occasionally moving it to a brighter spot near a window for sunlight exposure can help keep it healthy.
However, watch out for leaf withering or distorted plant shapes. If there isn’t enough light, consider using a plant-grow LED light to supplement the plant’s light needs.
Another option is to switch the lighting where you keep the plants to LED grow lights.
How to Care for Indoor Plants in Schools and Classrooms
It’s a shame when indoor plants in schools and classrooms don’t thrive and eventually die despite the care students and teachers provide.
To create a comfortable environment in schools and classrooms, it’s important to have healthy indoor plants. Follow these four tips:
- Set a schedule for watering
- Regularly wipe the leaves
- Increase humidity with a spray bottle or humidifier
- Improve air circulation
- Repot and prune when the plant grows larger
1- Set a schedule for watering
The basic rule for watering indoor plants is to give water when the soil is dry. By setting a specific day for watering, it becomes easier to manage.
You could assign students and teachers to water the plants during cleaning or homeroom time. However, observing the soil’s moisture level is important, as it varies depending on the season.
Also, empty any water accumulating in the saucer after watering to prevent root rot, which can lead to unpleasant odors and pest infestations.
2- Regularly wipe the leaves
Keep your indoor plants clean by regularly wiping their leaves. Large-leaved plants tend to collect more dust and dirt.
If left unwiped, the dust and dirt can hinder photosynthesis and negatively affect the plant’s growth. Additionally, it makes the plant more susceptible to diseases.
When cleaning the school or classroom, gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth or tissue. Dampening the cloth or tissue can help prevent leaf drying.
3- Increase humidity with a spray bottle or humidifier
Schools and classrooms often have dry air due to heating and cooling systems, especially during winter. Maintaining air humidity is challenging for indoor plants in these conditions.
Dry air can attract spider mites, tiny pests that infest plants. To prevent this, regularly mist the plants or use a humidifier to maintain humidity.
Spider mites suck plant sap and produce web-like structures on the plants, damaging their growth and appearance.
By keeping the leaves clean and maintaining humidity, you can prevent spider mite infestations.
4- Improve air circulation
Poor air circulation is common in enclosed schools and classrooms. Stagnant air can cause indoor plants to be more susceptible to diseases.
Even if the windows are closed all day, periodically ventilate the school or classroom. Proper air circulation helps prevent plant diseases.
Be cautious of direct exposure to air from heating, cooling, or fans, as extreme dryness can cause plants to wither.
5- Repot and prune when the plant grows larger
Indoor plants grow at different rates, but eventually, they will need repotting and pruning.
Overgrown plants can become root-bound in their pots, leading to poor nutrient and water absorption, potentially causing them to die.
Signs that it’s time to repot include poor water absorption and roots emerging from the pot’s bottom. Overgrown branches can be hazardous to students, so prune them to maintain a neat appearance.
Repotting and pruning should be done during the plant’s growing season, typically spring to summer.
Avoid doing these tasks in winter when plant growth slows, as it may cause the plant to die. However, you can prune thin or dead branches during winter to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, indoor plants are essential for creating a comfortable environment in schools and classrooms where many students and teachers spend their time.
Simply having indoor plants can brighten the atmosphere and bring students and teachers more smiles.
If you’re unsure which indoor plant to choose from the ones introduced in this article, consider the Money tree.
It can brighten the atmosphere in schools and classrooms, making it a more pleasant environment for students and teachers.