Are there safe houseplants for children?

Houseplants not only add beauty to your home, but they also provide a unique opportunity to teach children about nature and responsibility. However, when you have young kids, choosing the right plants is essential to ensure a safe, engaging, and educational experience. Many plants are non-toxic and safe to touch, smell, and even taste. Here’s a detailed guide to child-friendly, safe houseplants that you can consider, starting with some of the best edible varieties.

Edible, Kid-Safe Plants

Starting with edible plants can be a fantastic way to engage young children with houseplants. Edible plants are safe if accidentally ingested and can even be a fun way to introduce kids to fresh herbs and medicinal plants.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a well-known medicinal plant with gel inside its leaves that’s commonly used to soothe minor burns or scrapes. It’s an excellent plant for kids because the gel can provide immediate comfort if they accidentally touch a hot surface. Aloe vera is safe if touched, although ingestion of the gel in large quantities is not recommended due to its mild laxative properties. Keep the plant in a sunny spot and water sparingly to keep it thriving.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is often grown outdoors, but it can also be kept indoors in a sunny spot. Its calming scent is known to reduce stress, and it can be used in small amounts in teas and recipes. Lavender’s soft, purple flowers make it a child-friendly plant that’s safe to touch, smell, and even taste in moderation.

Herbs (Mint, Basil, Rosemary)

Herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary are great for kids to explore, as they are edible, aromatic, and easy to grow indoors. Mint, in particular, is resilient and spreads quickly, making it an exciting plant for children to observe as it grows. Kids can safely handle and taste these herbs, making them ideal plants to keep on a sunny windowsill or in a small indoor herb garden.

Non-Toxic Houseplants Safe for Touch

Some houseplants, while not necessarily edible, are safe for children to touch. These plants are ideal for encouraging sensory exploration without the risk of harmful effects if a curious child touches them or smells their leaves.

Spider Plant

Spider plants are incredibly resilient and are safe for children and pets alike. They produce “baby” plants or “pups” that hang from the main plant, which kids find fascinating. The plant’s long, arching leaves add an interactive element, as children can touch and observe how the plant produces new growth.

Boston Fern

Boston ferns have delicate, feathery fronds that are safe for children to touch. They’re known for their ability to improve air quality and add humidity to indoor spaces, making them especially useful during the drier months. The gentle texture of the fronds is inviting for kids, and Boston ferns thrive in indirect light and a slightly humid environment.

Parlor Palm

The parlor palm is a low-maintenance, non-toxic palm that can safely coexist with children. Its soft, feathery fronds won’t cause injury if brushed against, making it ideal for kid-friendly spaces. Parlor palms are excellent for adding a bit of a tropical feel to a room, and they are easy to care for with low to medium indirect light.

Interactive Plants that Respond to Touch

Plants that have a response to touch are great choices for kids, as they provide a hands-on learning experience and foster curiosity about nature.

Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)

The sensitive plant, or Mimosa pudica, is a fascinating plant that reacts to touch by closing its leaves. This unique feature is highly engaging for children and can spark a child’s curiosity about plants’ responses to their environment. While the plant is safe to touch, it should be handled gently to prevent stress.

Peperomia

Peperomia plants come in various colors and textures, some with ridged or patterned leaves that are exciting for kids to examine. Although they don’t react dramatically to touch like the sensitive plant, their varied leaf textures make them interesting for children to explore. Peperomia plants are safe for kids and are non-toxic if touched or accidentally ingested.

Plants with Unique Characteristics

These plants may not be edible or particularly interactive, but they add educational value due to their distinctive features that children will find intriguing.

Prayer Plant (Maranta)

The prayer plant has leaves that fold up in the evening, resembling hands in prayer. This daily movement provides a fantastic opportunity to teach children about plant behavior and circadian rhythms. The plant is non-toxic and safe for children to touch and observe up close.

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus is a low-maintenance, flowering plant that blooms around the winter holidays. It’s non-toxic, making it safe for children, and its bright, cheerful blooms are a wonderful way to introduce kids to the beauty of flowering plants indoors.

Safety Tips for Parents with Houseplants

Even with safe houseplants, it’s essential to take a few precautions to ensure that kids can enjoy them responsibly.

Place Plants Strategically: While these plants are safe, placing them out of reach of very young children can prevent accidental messes and excessive handling.

Teach Plant Safety: Explain to children that some plants are for touching, while others are not meant for eating. Setting ground rules will help children understand how to interact with plants safely.

Supervise Young Children: If you have toddlers or young children, supervise their interactions with plants to prevent any excessive handling or accidental ingestion.

Benefits of Having Houseplants for Children

Houseplants offer a range of benefits for children, from improving indoor air quality to teaching responsibility and patience. Studies have shown that interacting with plants can help reduce stress and improve mood, which is especially beneficial for children who may be sensitive to environmental changes. Additionally, caring for a plant fosters a sense of accomplishment and responsibility, giving kids a hands-on learning experience in biology and ecology.

Bringing plants into a family home doesn’t have to be risky. Choosing child-safe, non-toxic plants like aloe vera, lavender, and spider plants allows parents to introduce their children to the joys of plant care while creating a safe, beautiful, and educational environment. Whether you’re creating a small herb garden or simply adding a few low-maintenance plants to your space, these plants are a wonderful way to help your child connect with nature indoors.