Low-Maintenance Plants for Dorm Rooms

These succulents aren't just beautiful, they're super low-maintenance, too. Plant them in bright, hand-painted pots and they instantly become the perfect addition to an apartment or dorm room.

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By: Chelsea Costa

Materials Needed:

  • 4-inch flowerpots with trays
  • 4-inch succulent plants
  • white spray paint
  • craft paint in various colors
  • foam paintbrush
  • rubber bands
  • potting soil formulated for succulents

Spray-Paint Pots

In a well-ventilated area, cover pots and trays with white spray paint. It may take a few coats. Allow pots to dry.

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Add Color

Wrap a rubber band around one pot at an angle, using the rubber band as a border mask. Spread craft paint on the lower half of the pot with a foam brush. Be careful not to allow paint to pass the border of the rubber band. Repeat on every pot. Allow paint to dry fully.

Remove Band

Carefully remove rubber bands and clean up borders.

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Plant Succulents

Remove succulent from plastic pot. Gently break up soil around roots. Fill pot about 1/3 full of potting soil and set succulent on top. Add soil around and on top of succulent roots until pot is almost full. Ensure that succulent is firmly arranged in pot. Tip: Succulents need very little water or care. They do need sun, so be sure to set your pots by a window or on a balcony. Water only when the topsoil is completely dry (approximately once every 10 days to 2 weeks). Water sparingly and do not fully soak the soil.

Arrange Pots + Enjoy!

Place your finished succulents in a sunny spot in your home and watch them thrive.

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