Thriving Greenery for Your Van Life, Minus the Sunlight
For those embarking on the van life journey, bringing a touch of nature into your space can significantly improve the atmosphere and air quality. The ideal plants for campervans are those that require minimal sunlight, can survive in various climates, and do not need frequent watering. This feature is particularly beneficial when you’re boondocking and conserving water.
Let’s explore five fantastic, low-maintenance plants that thrive in campervans, withstanding both cold and warm temperatures, and demand very little sunlight.
1. Chinese Evergreens
Chinese Evergreens are beginner-friendly, easy-to-grow plants that are forgiving even to novice gardeners. As they mature, these plants produce beautiful flowers similar to calla lilies. Their compact size allows them to comfortably fit on a desk, small shelf, or any corner. Additionally, Chinese Evergreens are excellent air purifiers – a great benefit in the confined spaces of campervans. However, they should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching.
2. Cast Iron Plants for Campervans
Known for its resilience, the Cast Iron Plant can survive various conditions, making it ideal for van dwellers who may occasionally forget to water. The plant boasts vibrant green leaves, adding a touch of the tropics to your space. As low-light plants, they prefer indirect sunlight. Regular dusting of the leaves is recommended for optimal health.
3. Parlor Palms
Parlor Palms are lush, leafy plants reminiscent of bamboo, bringing a tropical ambiance to your campervan. They can thrive in any light conditions, including artificial and low light, and can also be positioned near windows for variety.
4. Peacock Plants for Campervans
The Peacock Plant, with foliage resembling peacock feathers, is an attractive addition to any campervan. These plants require a bit more attention with watering and prefer humid environments. Distilled water or rainwater is best, and the soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf discoloration.
5. Pothos
As an excellent plant for beginners, Pothos grows as vines and requires little space. They make excellent hanging plants or potted greenery for your desk or counter. Ensure they receive indirect sunlight, as too much sun can cause the leaves to yellow, while too little may result in pale-green leaves.
Bonus Plants for Campervans: ZZ Plants
Reputed as nearly indestructible, the ZZ plant is an ideal choice for those who consider themselves less-than-stellar plant caretakers. Its compact growth habit suits the limited space of campervans perfectly. This hardy plant can thrive under minimal fluorescent light or even without natural light.
Tip: The color of a plant’s leaves often indicates its sunlight needs. Darker leaves typically require less sun, medium light is suitable for lighter-colored leaves, while very light green-tinted leaves usually need full sunlight.
Incorporating these resilient plants into your campervan can enrich your van life experience, enhancing your mobile living space with a breath of fresh air. We’re curious, do any of you vanlifers travel with plants in your campervan? What are some of your favorite plant companions on the road? We’d love to hear about your experiences and tips.
