Before you buy that succulent from H.E.B., find out if there are other plants that fit your lifestyle in this trusty plant guide.

Story by Savannah Olson

Forget having pets or friends – buying greenery has become the new way to a millennial’s heart. Whether it’s a sea of succulents or the elegance of an ivy plant draping off your shelves, getting a new plant can feel like the best form of self-care. With just a few bucks, you can buy yourself a new piece of décor that will grow under your thumb – or a new plant to forget to water for a whole month. If you’re like me and must fight the urge to purchase yet another cactus that will end up dried up on your windowsill, gloss through our guide of plants best suited for your needs below.

For the student who loves flowers… Crown of Thorns

If you’re looking for a plant to remind you of spring year-long, look no further than the lovely little Crown of Thorns. The Crown of Thorns is a kind of succulent that doesn’t ask for much in its care but still manages to sprout delicate pink flowers. All you have to do is put them in a sunny window and water when dry. This plant is especially great for novice plant owners who may not have a ton of time between school, work and having a life. The number of flowers are even said to predict how much luck you could have!

For the student who wants a more useful plant… Aloe Vera

Did you know that the Aloe Vera you buy for your sunburns comes from a cute, spindly plant? The Aloe Vera is a hardy succulent that needs only the occasional watering and attention to survive. If you get a ton of scrapes or sunburns, this is a great indoor plant that has the dual ability to produce an organic ointment and also spruce up the place.

For the student who wants the easiest indoor plant… Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

If there was a Captain Marvel of plants, the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue would reign supreme. Mightier than your usual indoor succulent, the aptly-named snake plant is perfect for a beginner plant parent. As the owner of my own snake plant, I can attest to their survival skills in the hands of someone with a less-than-stellar green thumb. But once you move up in your plant skills, you can propagate their leaves to start your own collection of snake plants.

For the student who wants a plant that doubles as décor… English Ivy

Nearly all indoor plants will add a bit of life to a room, but none more so than the English Ivy. Capable of growing 50 feet long, English Ivys have a love affair with attaching to trellises, walls or whatever space is available. All you need to do is place them in an area that receives partial light, and keep them well-watered until they’ve reached adulthood. Place them on an empty shelf or table and watch as they turn your space into a secret garden.

For the student looking to purify their air… Garden Mum

If you’re wanting the cleanest air in your stuffy apartment, the flowering Garden Mum will get the job done. According to a NASA experiment, this plant can remove ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and xylene from the atmosphere – all toxins that permeate our breathing air. Blooming a variety of chrysanthemum flowers in yellows, oranges and pinks, they’ll brighten up any space for spring. Once they’re done blooming, you can even move these babies outside and grow your own little garden.

For the student who wants a plant large and in charge… Bird of Paradise

When I had a blank space in my room, I immediately searched for a large plant that could transform that area. In the plant section of IKEA, the Bird of Paradise called out my name. With its huge leaves and towering height, the Bird of Paradise is a tropical plant that makes any room come alive. Capable of growing five to six feet tall, they love to be placed in sunny spots and warm climates – perfect for Texas. Within a few years, this leafy plant will even produce orange or white flowers after all your hard work.