Child-proofing your home or day care centre can be a daunting task, but is not impossible. Anything within a child’s reach can pose a danger. Plants are no exception. Anything can become a weapon.
List of Child Safe Plants
Snake plant / Mother-in-law’s tongue
Latin name: Sansevieria trifasciata
It is hardy and can survive even if you have forgotten about it. Despite extreme conditions such as drought, low light, insect attacks, etc., it still looks fresh. This house plant thrives simply by getting some sunlight and not overwatering it. Could be the perfect house plant! It’s also a great air purifier. Propagation of a snake plant is best accomplished by dividing it into smaller pots as it prefers cramped spaces. However, it is rather prickly, so you may not want to plant it at reach by your children.
Children: Safe for children.
Pets: Toxic for cats and dogs.
Jade Plant / Money tree
Latin name: Crassula ovata
A jade plant is very attractive with its miniature tree-like appearance. You can have it in a pot as a normal houseplant or you can cultivate it as a bonsai tree. It’s very easy to maintain and doesn’t require as much watering as other common household plants. The roots prefer a warm and dry environment. Too much watering may cause them to rot. During the summer, place the jade plant near a window, and in the winter remove it from the cold window sills. Jade plants can be harvested easily by sticking leaves in well-drained soil. They start growing in a few weeks.
Children: Safe for children.
Pets: Toxic for cats and dogs.
African Violet
Latin name: Saintpaulia
The African Violet is a good houseplant for new gardeners. It lives for a long time and adjusts well to a variety of conditions. This plant is extremely low maintenance and can also be grown outdoors. It takes up little space and requires little care. The African Violet comes in a variety of colors, which include purple, blue, pink, red, and white flowers. Avoid direct sunlight and cold temperatures, as they can lead to discoloration. Leave the roots dry before you water again, and water it from the bottom, as water on the leaves makes them brown. Pinch dead blossoms to stimulate blooming.
Children: Kid-friendly plant.
Pets: Safe for cats and dogs.
Spider plant / Ribbon plant
Latin name: Chlorophytum comosum
You can try it if you’re just starting out, because it’s one of the easiest plants to grow. Also it is one of the safest plants for pets and children. Do not let the soil to become soggy when watering the spider plant, but allow it to dry between waterings. As soon as roots begin to emerge from the soil, you need to re-pot it in a larger pot. Plants that have reached maturity bloom in spring and produce small spiderlets, which can be planted to have more of this easy-to-grow plant.
Children: Safe for children.
Pets: Safe for cats and dogs.
Anthurium / Flamingo Flower
Latin name: Anthurium sp.
The Anthurium is a brightly colored plant with big, bright yellow, red, pink, orange or green flowers. It needs very little water, so forgetting to water for a bit is no problem. You should make sure that the soil is well-drained to prevent it from rotting. Anthuriums love light, but also avoid placing them in direct sunlight or close to heaters. The plant is safe to touch for children, but chewing any part can cause facial and mouth irritation if eaten. As a result, we recommend keeping the Anthurium high up and away from small children.
Children: Safe for children if they don’t eat it.
Pets: Toxic for cats and dogs.
Aphelandra / Zebra Plant
Latin name: Aphelandra Squarrosa
It prefers indirect sunlight, just as the plants above. Watering has to be precise. Keeping the soil moist is vital for healthy leaves. Too much water will turn the leaves brown or cause them to fall out. The Aphelandra likes warmth and humidity, as does every tropical plant. If you want it to bloom you’ll have to recreate its natural rhythm. Winterize it instead by watering it less and lowering the temperature. Once it emerges from its hibernation, it will bloom again. You should then place it in the brightest area of your home and offer it generous watering.
Children: Safe for children.
Pets: Toxic for cats and dogs.
Dracaena
Latin name: Dracaena Marginata, Sanderiana, Deremensis, Draco, Cinnabari
Plants from the Dracaena family are very popular for decorating offices, malls, and homes. Their diverse varieties can be used to add style to any room. You may find Dracaenas to be a bit difficult to care for, but following our care tips will ensure you have a healthy and vibrant plant. Dracaenas need moist soil, but never let it get wet. The soil needs to drain quickly, and the plant should be fertilised every two weeks during the spring and summer. Keep your Dracaenas near a window, as they love the sun. Don’t worry about the temperature either, as long as it’s not freezing cold.
Children: Safe for children.
Pets: Some species of the dracaena family can be irritating to pets, so look up the one you have at home.
Begonia
Latin name: Begonia Obliqua
Typically, Begonias grow best when located in shade or partially shaded areas, preferring humid environments with cool soil. During the winter, they prefer to be moved inside after temperatures start to drop. Begonias are valued for their beautiful flowers. They have been cultivated for a long time, and currently there are many varieties to choose from. Most Begonias are either rhizomatous or fibrous-rooted for indoor cultivation, while tuberous begonias are best for outdoor cultivation in hanging baskets or pots. Begonias bloom in red, orange, yellow, or white colours.
Children: Safe for children.
Pets: Safe for cats and dogs.
Weeping fig / Benjamin fig
Latin name: Ficus benjamina
Benjamin figs make one of the most popular miniature trees to take care of at home. You can control how fast they grow, making them well suited for bonsai. On the floor or on a window sill, it is a small plant with pointy (but not prickly) leaves that may be green or have white edges and is common in offices. Keep in mind that the Weeping fig doesn’t like to be moved around the house. It is most likely to shock the Benjamin fig, causing it to shed its leaves. Keep the soil moist, not damp, and you may enjoy this pretty little tree for years to come.
Children: Safe for children.
Pets: Toxic for cats and dogs.
Boston Fern / Sword Fern
Latin name: Nephrolepis Exaltata
Despite being incredibly easy to take care of, Boston Ferns love cool, humid places with indirect sunlight. There aren’t many houseplants with these environmental preferences, so the Boston Fern is the perfect candidate for that shady, lonely corner of your living room. Keep the soil wet and you won’t make a mistake. If the air in your house feels too dry, spray some water on the plants leaves. You can tell if your Boston Fern needs more water by looking at its leaves – they will turn yellowish-brown. Pruning the old, discoloured leaves will encourage it to grow thicker.
Children: Safe for children.
Pets: Safe for cats and dogs.