Plant Awareness Disparity
Documented Plants
This page provides basic information about the plants documented during our campus plant survey. These plants were observed in several buildings across Carleton and recorded through photography, mapping, and in some cases 3D scanning. The descriptions below summarize where these plants originate from and some of the environmental conditions they require to grow indoors. Together, they help show the range of plant life that exists inside campus buildings.
Basil Plant
Basil is an aromatic herb originally native to tropical regions of Central Africa and Southeast Asia. It grows best in warm environments with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Because of its strong flavor and fragrance, basil has been used in cooking and herbal traditions for thousands of years.
Monstera Plant
Native to tropical rainforests in southern Mexico and Central America, the Monstera is known for its large leaves with natural openings. It grows best in warm indoor environments with bright, indirect light and high humidity. Monstera plants are often used as decorative indoor plants because of their large and distinctive foliage.
Snake Plant
The snake plant originates from tropical regions of West Africa and is known for its tall, upright leaves. It is a very resilient plant that can survive in both low light and brighter indoor environments. Because it requires little maintenance and minimal watering, it is commonly used in offices and interior spaces.
Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Island pine comes from Norfolk Island in the South Pacific. Although it resembles a pine tree, it is not a true pine and grows best in warm environments with indirect sunlight and moderate humidity. Indoors, it is often used as a decorative plant because of its symmetrical branches and tree-like shape.
Umbrella Tree
The umbrella tree is native to tropical regions of Taiwan and southern China. It is known for its glossy leaves that spread outward like the spokes of an umbrella. This plant grows well in indoor environments with indirect sunlight and moderate watering, making it a common decorative plant in interior spaces. 
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreens originate from tropical areas of Southeast Asia and New Guinea. They are known for their patterned leaves and ability to adapt to indoor environments. Because they tolerate lower light conditions and require relatively little care, they are often used in offices and hallways.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant originally from the Arabian Peninsula. It grows best in bright light and dry conditions with well-drained soil. Aloe is widely known for the gel inside its leaves, which has been used for medicinal and skincare purposes for centuries.
Dragon Tree
The dragon tree is native to Madagascar and nearby islands. It has thin stems and long narrow leaves with reddish edges. This plant adapts well to indoor environments and is often used as a decorative plant in offices or shared spaces.
Moth Orchid
Moth orchids come from tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. They grow naturally on tree branches rather than in soil, which means they require well-ventilated growing materials and indirect light. These orchids are widely grown indoors because of their long-lasting flowers.
Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)
The Zanzibar Gem is native to eastern Africa and is known for its shiny dark green leaves. It is extremely tolerant of low light and requires very little watering. Because of its durability and low maintenance, it is a common indoor plant in offices and classrooms.
Musa Plant (Banana Plant)
The Musa plant, or banana plant, originates from tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It grows rapidly and produces large, broad leaves that give it a strong visual presence. Indoors, it requires bright light, warm temperatures, and regular watering.
Begonia
Begonias are a large group of plants native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are known for their colorful foliage and sometimes bright flowers. Many begonia varieties are grown indoors because they thrive in warm environments with indirect sunlight.
Jade Plant
The jade plant is a succulent originally from South Africa. It has thick stems and fleshy leaves that store water, allowing it to survive in dry conditions. Because it is easy to care for and requires little watering, it is a common plant for indoor spaces.
Pothos
Pothos is a trailing vine plant native to French Polynesia. It has heart-shaped leaves and grows easily in a wide range of indoor conditions. Because it tolerates low light and irregular watering, it is one of the most common houseplants found in offices and homes. 
Banana Leaf Fig
The banana leaf fig is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its long, narrow leaves. It grows best in warm environments with steady temperatures and indirect sunlight. Indoors, it is often used as a decorative plant because of its elegant shape and upright growth
Several of these plants were also documented through 3D scanning as part of this project.