Easy, Non-Toxic Indoor Plants For The Family Home
I love watching things grow and bloom. Hence, I adore kids. . .and plants.
The value of our rainforests, trees and plants in the ecosystem is well-known and powerful. Growing plants indoors can also have health benefits as they clean up the toxins in our home that are released from plastics, cleaning products, furniture and modern living.
When my son went to Montessori school, I also gained a new appreciation for the value of teaching children about growing and caring for plants. It takes patience, consideration and education about what grows best where. Following, Montessorians often encourage children to do “Practical Life Skills” such as watering plants and cleaning leaves from the toddler years onwards.
With this inspiration, I looked for houseplants that would be tolerant of a little neglect and safe for my family and dogs. I was surprised to find out that many common houseplants are toxic to children and pets including: Philodendron, Pothos, Arrowhead, Lily, Peace Lily, Dieffenbachia, Oleander, Caladium, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, and English Ivy. So, avoid those and consider these.
Spider Plant
If you want to build confidence in growing indoor plants, start with the Spider Plant. They prefer to dry out between waterings so if you think that you might forget to water your plant, this is YOUR plant. It grows in a variety of conditions and is a lovely alternative to Pothos, which is toxic to children and pets.
Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant is a great alternative to the Peace Lily, which is toxic to children and pets. It is a very hardy plant that grows well indoors in almost any low light situation as well as outdoors in full shade. The broad leaves are perfect for giving little hands an opportunity to clean leaves as part of their responsibilities in the home.
Bamboo
I have found Bamboo to be an easy, hardy plant that grows well indoors. It is recommended to give bamboo good lighting, but I have grown it successfully in a room with only indirect lighting. Your child can help “plant” these by just placing them in a solid container, filling it up with pebbles and topping it with water. If you plant it in a clear glass container, your children will also be able to see the roots grow. It may need a little fertilizer every few months, otherwise just keep an eye as to when it is low in water.
Those of you who follow Feng Shui living will want to place your Lucky Bamboo in the East to attract health for family and in the South-East for money and wealth. There are other Feng Shui tips about how many bamboo stalks to clump together depending on what you are trying to attract or avoid. FYI – In case you don’t read the linked Feng Shui article, avoid having only four sticks. It represents a death wish! Yikes! However, eight sticks is said to promote fertility and two stalks is associated with love.
Ponytail Plant
This whimsical-looking plant will also tolerate some neglect and prefers to dry out between waterings. I love the way that the Ponytail Plant gives texture and interest to a dull corner, but I did kill one of these by not giving it enough light. You can buy small 6-inch pots or much larger 3-gallon sizes as shown in the picture. Here is more information about growing the Ponytail Plant.
Haworthia
Haworthia is a safe alternative to an aloe, which is toxic to pets and children. My daughter recently chose one of these for her room, and it has survived beautifully for a few of months completely under her care. It is easy to grow as long as you meet its needs including well-draining soil and bright light, but not direct sunlight.
Basil
Basil needs well-draining soil and at least six hours of sunlight. It is low maintenance and, of course, edible. Our kids love using the basil for one of our favorite easy, delicious and vegetarian meals: mozzarella, basil and olive oil sandwiches with tomato basil soup. Meatless Monday? Yummy!
Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is a good alternative to English Ivy, which is toxic to children and pets. It is not difficult to grow but has specific needs such as high humidity and indirect light (i.e. sounds like a perfect bathroom accent, eh?). The Boston Fern needs to remain damp so if you have a little one who would really enjoy frequently watering a plant, this could be your perfect family plant!
Gerbera Daisy
Want flowers or to grow something from seed? The Gerbera Daisy is a safe option. If you have a good place where the Gerbera can receive morning sunlight, you will have the most success. Read here for more of the Gerbera’s specific needs for growing indoors.