Green and Safe: Kid-Friendly House Plants

Bringing a little greenery into your home is a great way to add life, fresh air, and a touch of nature to your living space. But when you’ve got little ones running around, it’s important to choose plants that are not only beautiful but also safe for curious hands and tiny mouths. Luckily, there are plenty of kid-friendly house plants that can thrive in your home without posing a risk to your children. Here’s a list of the best plants to keep your home both green and safe!


1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is a popular houseplant for a reason. It’s hardy, easy to care for, and non-toxic to both kids and pets. With its arching leaves and little offshoots (or “spiderettes”), it’s a fun and visually interesting plant that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly: Spider plants are non-toxic and grow quickly, making them a great option for teaching kids about plant care.

2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

The Areca Palm, also known as the butterfly palm, adds a touch of tropical flair to your home. This tall, feathery plant is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for households with children. It’s also a fantastic air purifier, helping to keep your home’s air fresh and clean.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly: The Areca Palm is safe for children and pets, and its soft fronds won’t cause any harm if they’re touched or played with.

3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are lush, attractive plants that thrive in indirect light and high humidity. They’re perfect for bathrooms or other humid areas of your home. And best of all, they’re non-toxic, so they’re safe for children to be around.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly: Boston ferns are not only safe but also add a calming, natural vibe to any room. They’re great for homes with young kids who love to explore.

4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calathea plants are known for their striking, colorful leaves with intricate patterns. These plants are a bit more temperamental, preferring indirect light and consistent moisture, but their beauty is worth the extra care. Plus, they’re non-toxic, making them safe for kids.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly: The vibrant leaves of Calathea plants are sure to catch the eye of your little ones, and you won’t have to worry if they get too close.

5. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)

Peperomia plants are small, easy-to-care-for plants with a variety of leaf shapes and colors. They thrive in low to moderate light and are non-toxic, making them a fantastic option for homes with children. Whether you choose a peperomia with thick, rubbery leaves or one with delicate, trailing foliage, you can rest easy knowing it’s safe.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly: Peperomia plants are durable and non-toxic, making them perfect for little hands that may want to touch and explore.

6. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Bamboo palms are another excellent choice for a kid-friendly home. These tall, elegant plants are non-toxic and thrive in low light, making them perfect for indoor spaces. They’re also effective at purifying the air, helping to create a healthier environment for your family.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly House Plant: The Bamboo Palm’s soft leaves and stems make it a safe addition to any room where kids play.

7. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

African violets are charming, flowering plants that add a pop of color to your home. They’re small, easy to care for, and bloom frequently, which makes them a hit with kids. Best of all, they’re non-toxic, so there’s no need to worry if your child decides to investigate up close.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly: The bright, cheerful flowers of African violets are sure to bring joy to both kids and adults, and their non-toxic nature makes them a safe choice.

8. Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)

The Chinese Money Plant is known for its unique, round leaves and easy care requirements. It’s also non-toxic, making it a safe and stylish addition to any kid-friendly home. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and occasional watering, so it’s relatively low maintenance.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly: Its unusual leaf shape makes it a fun plant for kids to observe, and it’s safe to have around the house.

9. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

The Christmas Cactus is a delightful plant that blooms with bright, vibrant flowers in the winter months. It’s easy to care for, thrives in indirect light, and is non-toxic, making it a safe and festive choice for families with children.

**Why It’s Kid-Friendly:** The colorful blooms can be a source of fascination for kids, and since it’s non-toxic, you can let them enjoy it without worry.

10. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley, etc.)

Growing herbs indoors is a great way to bring some green into your home while also having fresh ingredients on hand for cooking. Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are all safe for children and can even be a fun way to get them involved in gardening.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly House Plants: Herbs are safe, edible, and can be a fun learning experience for kids who want to help with the gardening.


Creating a kid-friendly home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or greenery. With these safe and easy-to-care-for plants, you can enjoy the benefits of indoor gardening while ensuring that your little ones are safe. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color, purify your air, or just bring a bit of nature indoors, these plants are perfect for any family home.

Pin 📌 for later! Kid-Friendly House Plants

Kid-Friendly House Plants

p.s. Getting Your House Ready for a New Baby

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