Another late night, and a student sits at a desk trying to read yet another page in an endless book of pages. The student looks around the room for a distraction — something comforting, homey and green.

A plant.

For many Iowa State students, plants can add that missing element of comfort to a dorm room or apartment.

Elizabeth Brumm, sophomore in anthropology, said she bought a plant for her residence hall room because she thinks it makes it more homey.

“I found [a plant] on clearance that I liked,” she said. “It adds to the room [and] makes it more than just a place to sleep.”

Andrew Malchow, junior in philosophy, had another reason for buying his plant.

“I wanted something I can take care of, and since I can’t have a cat, this is my substitute,” he said.

A dorm room or an apartment isn’t exactly the same as a greenhouse, and students typically don’t have a lot of time to deal with “special care” plants.

However, there are many plants that do not require a lot of attention, said Viveka Ransom, member of the Horticulture Club and senior in horticulture.

Ransom said students should consider purchasing Mother in Law’s Tongue or Snake Plant, Cast Iron Plant, Chinese Evergreen, Devil’s Ivy, Grape Ivy and Pepper Romia when searching for plants to decorate their rooms.

She said these plants work well in dorm rooms and apartments because they don’t require a lot of light or care. Ransom recommended placing the plants as close to a window as possible and to take extra care in watering them.

“Check the soil with your fingertips before you water your plants,” Ransom said. “If the soil is dry, then go ahead, but if it’s moist then your plant doesn’t need any water.”

Plants that are good for dorm rooms and apartments can be found at garden centers or local discount stores such as Wal-Mart and Target.