Houseplant Picks for Dorm, Classroom, or Office
Posted by Jessie Jacobson on Aug 9th 2026
Houseplant Picks for Dorm, Classroom, or Office
Compelling and convincing are the benefits of plants; they have the power to improve cognition, increase creativity, and elevate mood. Whether you are heading back to a classroom that needs a little greenery, or need to bring some life to an office or dorm - just one plant can make a big difference!
Here are three plant and pot pairings picked to thrive under your tutelage.
For your window...
Grab a macrame plant hanger handmade by our local maker Funky Fibers, and pair it with a simple sphere-shaped planter. We chose the Hoya Linearis ‘cause she already has a good amount of trail on her.
Hoya care is easy once you get the hang (pun intended) of it. Hoya need consistent, bright light to thrive. We recommend the brightest spot in your space. If you can situate your plant in a South or East facing window, your hoya will be very happy.
When it comes to soil, we recommend a chunky, arid mix like Sol Soils' Houseplant Mix. Hoya do not like to sit in damp soil, so be sure to allow them to dry out between waterings. In the summer when bright sunshine and long days are abundant, you may be watering your hoya around once a week. In the winter, you can dial back.
Hoyas are known for their gorgeous, fragrant, waxy blooms. This is why they are commonly known as Wax Flower. Fertilize during active growth to promote bud and bloom formation. Use Schultz All Purpose Liquid Plant Food once per month.
Shop our hoya selection here, or view our complete collection in-store!
For your desk...
An orchid, while stunning and statuesque (just like your posture when working at your desk, right?), will bloom for several months at a time. There is nothing like an orchid flower – perfect and pristine - they are sure to boost your mood, and brighten your day. Plant or place in a simple terra cotta pot for ample air exchange.
Orchids will do great in an East-facing window receiving bright sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon. During the Winter months, make sure to protect your plant from chilly drafts. Orchids like to dry out slightly between waterings. Water when roots turn silvery, completely soaking the barky media when it is time for a drink. No ice cubes around here!
Orchids generally need to be repotted once per year using a potting soil like Sol Soils' Orchid Mix. This chunky bark mix is the perfect balance of drainage and aeration – exactly what orchids and other epiphytes need. The best time to re-pot is just after flowering, when your orchids is showing lack of vegetative growth, yellowing leaves, or dead and damaged roots. Orchids need to be fertilized often to encourage growth and re-bloom. Two orchid-specific fertilizers we love are: Jack's Classic Orchid Bloom Booster and Schultz Water Soluble Orchid Food.
Shop our orchid selection here, or our complete collection in-store!
For your bookshelf...
Philodendron cordatum, also known as the heart-leaf philodendron is a trailing philodendron that never stops showing the love. In Latin, cordatum means heart - the more you know! We paired this plant with our tried and true classic: a white Kendall pot . Make sure to check out all the sizes and colors - extra credit if you can collect them all!
Like most philodendrons, Cordatum thrives in bright, indirect light, but does tolerate low light situations. If your philly is not getting enough light, the leaf size will shrink, and the internodes will elongate causing a stretched and spindly appearance. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. This is one that appreciates extra humidity if you have time;misting daily will promote larger leaves. A well-draining soil like Sol Soils' Houseplant Mix is a great choice for this plant.
Trailing philodendrons can sit and dangle down a shelf, or hang from a hook. Pinch and trim to keep them shapely. Easy to propagate so make sure to share with all the new friends you make at school!
Shop our philodendron selection here, or our complete collection in-store!
If you would like assistance picking out plants for your classroom, dorm, or office, feel free to stop in and ask! Otherwise, email us at hello@tonkadale.com - we're here to help!