Something is missing from many Dana College dorm rooms. It provides psychological benefits. It creates a more relaxing, pleasant environment. It even absorbs toxins.

What is it? A plant.

Many college students may feel they lack the time to care for a plant, or that their rooms can’t accommodate one more living thing. Or perhaps they have a long record of plant fatalities. Nevertheless, with a little time and attention, any dorm room can house a thriving plant.

An adequate amount of sunlight is one of the most important factors in plant survival. Jon Hutchson, manager of Blair Garden Center, said to study what type of and how much brightness is available in the room and then buy a plant with those brightness needs. When in doubt, go with a low-brightness plant.

Water is another vital element for plants. As opposed to letting it get too dry, people more often tend to over-water their plant. Too much water rots the root, causing the plant to wilt. People often respond by watering the plant, making the situation worse.

“It’s best not to water on a schedule,” said Dr. Carla Delucchi, botany professor at Dana. Instead she suggests sticking a finger in the soil and seeing if it feels moist.

A plant’s water needs can also be determined by its physical appearance. For a more scientific approach, moisture meters are available to be placed in the soil.

Temperature is another factor to consider. While most plants will thrive at room temperature, some are more sensitive to cooler air than others. Keep this in mind if the plant is placed by a window. Even a small draft of cold air could be fatal.

Make sure to provide your plant with a home suited to its needs. “Plants are happier in a clay pot,” said Hutchson. “They breathe better.” Plastic or glazed pots make the plant prone to over-watering.

As the plant grows, watch for signs of it needing a bigger pot. The roots pushing out, top-heaviness or becoming too tall to be stable can all indicate this.

Take caution, however. Hutchson advises against making too big of a change. Stick to a 1-2 inch increase. Plants prefer gradual changes, and a too-large pot takes in too much water for the roots.

Fertilizer is a suggested but not necessary element. Different types can be used each time the plant is watered or every month. Some kinds remain effective for up to 6 months.

A weekly inspection is important to keep the plant in good condition. Look over the leaves for insects or fungus spots. Infected leaves should be clipped with a sharp pair of scissors. The yellowing and falling of older, bottom leaves is a natural occurrence.

In addition to over-watering, Delucchi cites picking plants that are difficult to grow as one of the biggest mistakes of beginning botanists. The choice of plant is key to keeping it alive.

“Aloe will survive anything,” she said. “Anything with thick stems and leaves can stand being ignored.”

With the dry air of Dana’s buildings, any type of fern is bound for trouble.

“You have to match the plant to the environment, said Hutchson. “It’s a lot easier to get the right plant than to change the environment.”

He lists the philodendron, peace lily, and Chinese evergreen as top choices. These plants are hardy and can stand the often sporadic care of a college student.

Finally, there is one aspect of plant care that remains under debate: the benefit of talking to plants. The psychological benefit to the grower is the only advantage Delucchi sees. “I don’t really think it makes a difference [to the plant],” she said.

“I think it helps,” said Hutchson on the subject. He is open to the idea that a voice or the radio produces sound waves helpful to the plant. However, he said talking to the plant may simply make a person more likely to take better care of it.

In any case, chatting it up with a potted friend can only serve to help its health.

“I think plants take in more than we realize,” said Hutchson.