What are some tips for keeping plants at my Athens apartment?

If you're looking to build the ultimate aesthetic at UGA off campus housing, having some plants in your UGA apartment can be the last thing you need to take your look to the next level. Plants are the most versatile decoration, ranging from cute succulents to spruce up student apartments to an elegant centerpiece for more luxury apartments. Plants bring life into the area around them, rejuvenating your living space and providing fresh, clean air. If you're interested in keeping plants in your apartments near UGA, read on for tips on keeping your plant happy and healthy.

Where to keep a plant in your UGA apartment

The first and most important decision you need to make is where you're going to keep your plant. In addition to worrying about where it looks best in your apartment, you also need to be aware of the levels of sunlight your plant needs. This will vary depending on what type of plant you have. For plants like aloe vera and basil that need lots of direct sunlight, consider keeping them on your porch, patio, or balcony. Other plants like peace lilies and most ferns need a more moderate amount of light, and are best on window sills or near glass doors, depending on which direction your windows are facing. Be sure to measure the levels of light your plants are getting to make sure they have all the rays they need, or that they don't have too much. Plants with too little light won't grow, and plants with too much light will appear faded and bleached and eventually wither.

Watch your water levels

Like sunlight, water is also best in the right moderation. Plants that get too much water can develop root rot, and appear with limp, drooping leaves. For example, plants like cactuses that need to stay dry can develop rot and mold! Plants with too little water will also droop and wither, but they will have dry, crispy leaves. It can be difficult to tell, so be sure to keep a close eye on your plant and keep track of how much water it gets!

To prevent overwatering, keep a calendar of which days you should water your plant. Getting into a consistent routine is not only good for the plant, but it will also help you remember whether you've watered it on any given day. Another strategy is to keep you plant in a pot with holes in the bottom and keep the pot in a shallow dish. This way, any excess water in the soil can drain away. You can test the soil moisture level by sticking your pinky into the soil and seeing if it's wet under the topsoil layer. If it's moist, that probably means you don't need to water your plant for a while.

Decorating your plant

The most fun part of keeping a plant is getting to decorate! Not only do plants serve as decorations on their own, but their pots are also a free space to customize as you please. You can get a slim white pot for a sophisticated look, a classic terracotta pot for a homey vibe, or paint your plant's pot yourself! This can also be a fun activity to do with friends and roommates. You can use glitter, sequins, mod podge, anything goes! Just be careful not to get any toxic materials inside the pot where it can leach into the soil and damage the plant.

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