Decorating one's house with plants has become a worldwide trend, with many homeowners and families populating their homes and spaces with some of the most in-demand plants today.
Those planning to create their own indoor jungle, however, should vet all the plants they bring into their homes, given that the majority of today's most popular houseplants are, to some extent, toxic to young children.
The good news is that there are plants that are harmless even to young children, which means that you can still have the indoor garden of your dreams — and have it be completely child-safe, to boot.
Here are some of the most child-safe plants you can introduce into your home:
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Those looking for a beautiful plant for a tabletop or high bookshelf should consider the bird’s nest fern or Asplenium nidus. Native to Southeast Asia, East Australia, and several Pacific islands, this plant is non-toxic and easy to care for.
Bird’s Nest Ferns appreciate bright, indirect sunlight, and a weekly watering schedule.
Another child-safe fern with similar care requirements is the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), which is known for its vividly-colored full fronds.
Top tip: Try to group these two ferns together to achieve an instant jungle-y look for your space.
Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Considered the queen of the indoor plant world, the Bird of Paradise is a large, upright plant that adds an instant tropical flair to any space with the help of its large sculptural foliage.
Native to Africa, the Bird of Paradise is a relatively hardy plant that adapts to a wide spectrum of light conditions, although it grows best when placed in a sunny spot. Water this plant when the soil is mostly dry.
Top tip: Because this plant has long stems and distinctively-shaped leaves, it’s best to put it in a container that complements it, such as a ceramic pot or planter with sharp clean lines.
Calatheas
Native to the lush tropical forests of Brazil in South America, Calatheas are noted for their rich colors and beautiful foliage, both of which make them some of the most coveted plants in the market today.
Aside from their beauty, Calatheas are also noted for being non-toxic towards children, making them striking yet safe additions to your home.
Calatheas thrive under medium-bright, indirect sunlight, and prefer environments with high humidity.
Top-tip: Keep your Calatheas happy by constantly misting them or by using an automatic humidifier to keep the air around them moist.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
A low-maintenance species, the Chinese Money Plant is a popular addition to most indoor plant collections. Noted for its beautiful, coin-shaped leaves and fast reproduction, the Chinese Money Plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, and prefers to be watered once a week.
Top-tip: Try to rotate your Chinese Money Plant every few weeks. Doing this will help ensure consistent growth on all sides.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
So named because of its offshoots which dangle down from the mother plant like spiders on a web, the Spider Plant is an evergreen perennial flowering plant that is native to tropical and southern Africa.
One of the most adaptable of houseplants, the Spider Plant is especially valued for its beautiful leaves, which, when left to cascade from hanging pots, provide a stunning highlight to any room.
Incredibly easy to care for, the Spider Plant thrives when provided with well-drained soil and bright, indirect light.
Need more help with your plants? Read Pots For Plants’ blogs for more plant keeping tips and tricks!
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