If you are expecting a new addition to the family, you most certainly consider baby-proofing your place long before the baby’s due date, meaning you are desperately seeking new methods of removing or covering sharp edges or hiding fragile objects from the newborn’s access and sight. But there is another step that people usually forget, do not know about, or simply do not care enough about it. The plants! The main question is: “Are you keeping kid-friendly indoor plants inside your house?”
Plants and kids
Every kid loves playing with the dirt, and potted plants seem like a perfect opportunity to be playful around. So, your child can start playing with the houseplants on the floor and, by accident or even deliberately, cut off the leaves, and since children, especially toddlers, are so fond of chewing stuff, they would probably end up chewing them.
Now you might wonder: “What’s wrong with that? People eat vegetables all the time, and nothing bad happens to them!” There’s a simple explanation: Poisonous plants! When it comes to older kids who can talk and understand you, it is easier to teach them about poisonous and children’s safe indoor plants and tell them not to put anything toxic plant leaves in their mouth. But unfortunately, younger ones do not have that gift.
If they try touching a poisonous plant, they might get a skin reaction, and it will not be a big deal. Swallowing poisonous plants will often lead to a simple upset stomach, even though infants and toddlers are unlikely to swallow these plants due to their bad and bitter tastes. But ingesting some plants will cause lethal, life-threatening consequences.Â
Poisonous plants for kids
Here is a list of five poisonous plants you have to avoid while choosing kid-friendly indoor plants:
1. Foxglove
It has lovely pink, white, or yellow blooms, and it is a bell-shaped flower. People tend to cultivate it in family gardens in the US, so kids have easy access to it. But despite all the nice things you read, this plant is very toxic and deadly. Eating any amount of any part can make your heart rate irregular and slow. So stay away from foxglove.
2. Pothos
Children and even pets get poisoned by Pothos plants. Pothos or Devil’s Ivy plants have an insoluble calcium oxalate crystal within their leaves and stems, which is not usually fatal. These crystals are like shards of glass, ripping, tearing, and shredding the flesh.
The hands, paws, face, tongue, throat, and even the digestive tract are all affected. There have been a few irritation causing edema in the upper section of the airway, albeit these are pretty rare. This can make it difficult to breathe and may necessitate a trip to the hospital.
3. Philodendron
Philodendron is a very common toxic plant in the houses that is not a kid-friendly indoor plant at all. In case of eating can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat.
4. English Ivy
Beautiful but toxic can describe English Ivy. Chewing its leaves can lead to soreness and irritation of the mouth, and severe throat swelling.
5. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia species are attractive plants in tropical parts of the Americas and are widely utilized in gardens and homes. Dieffenbachias are one of North America’s most popular houseplants. This plant is noted for its tall stems and fleshy leaves, which are typically a bright green colour with yellow and green markings.
Dieffenbachia is poisonous to both children and pets. Extreme oral discomfort, salivation, burning sensations, as well as swelling and numbness in the throat are some of its symptoms.
The list can go on and on. Some other examples of toxic plants are Easter lily, peace lily, daffodils, morning glory, azalea, oleander, holly, and caladium.
Kid-friendly Indoor PlantsÂ
Now it is time to figure out children’s safe indoor plants. There are many factors to consider besides safety: your child’s interest, the size, the amount of care, attention and time the plant needs to grow properly. Some plants that are great for your home gardens are as below:
1. African Violet
African violet is the first kid-friendly indoor plant that is also safe for cats and dogs. This plant thrives in bright light; as a result, you need to place it near a windowsill or on a table near a window. Any water on the leaves will turn them brown, so you must water them from the bottom.
For optimal results, irrigate the plant at room temperature and water them only after the soil has dried out. African Violet should be pruned by removing any fading blooms. It is better to keep the plant away from drafts like vents, fans, open doors, and windows.
2. Boston FernÂ
The Boston Fern is a pet and children’s safe indoor plant to keep inside the house, even though other ferns are hazardous. Boston Ferns are extremely easy to maintain. They prefer chilly, humid environments with plenty of indirect sunshine. Because few houseplants fulfil these requirements, the Boston Fern is an excellent choice for that shaded, lonely spot in your living room.
Spray some water on the foliage of your plants if the air in your house is too dry. The leaves of your Boston Fern will become a yellowish-brown colour if it does not get enough water. Pruning the old, discoloured leaves will stimulate them to grow thicker.
source:Serres Fortier
3. Coleus
The Coleus plant is reasonably simple to grow, making it ideal for novices. It’s a pet-friendly and kid-friendly indoor plant. This is a great place to start if you want to get your kids engaged in children’s gardening activities. To disseminate it, simply create cuts and immerse them in water. And there you have it! The formation of roots will begin.
Coleus plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. You cannot go wrong with any of these options. Its colours are usually red, green, and white, and you may utilize them to add variety to the overall aesthetic of your garden. It can be planted in the same container or close to other flowers. Remember that red coleus needs too much light to keep its red colour. So, if you keep it in a container inside the house, put it on a sunny windowsill.
4. Rubber plant
Although it is not safe for pets, the rubber plant is the fourth plant on our list of kid-friendly indoor plants. Rubber plant benefits are numerous. This lovely plant with dark green foliage can purify the air while making a comeback in contemporary interior design.
Rubber plant has the potential to develop into a large tree, but it will make an excellent addition to your indoor plants with proper pruning. Lots of indirect lighting is ideal for this tree. It looks great in front of a sheer-covered window. The soil must be kept moist while it is developing, but caution must be exercised to avoid overwatering.
5. Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palms are the ideal houseplant for anyone looking for non-toxic, low-maintenance, pet & kid-friendly indoor plants. These plants are low-maintenance and can be bred to stay little or grow large. Parlor Palms can grow up to 4 feet tall when planted in a 10-inch pot, or they can be kept in a 6-inch pot and placed on a table permanently.
If the plant’s leaf tips turn brown, it means that you are overwatering it, while yellowing leaves suggest that your Parlor Palm needs to be watered. These plants thrive in medium light and should never be exposed to direct sunshine or harsh light.
Conclusion
Plants are beautiful, helpful, and amusing. They can teach gardening to your kids and let them know what responsibility is. In every house, there are curious, playful children, dogs, or cats, and it’s possible that any of them may nibble on your houseplants at some point.
Ingesting a poisonous plant usually results in an upset stomach, diarrhoea, or a skin response, but consuming enough of it might result in life-threatening symptoms, necessitating a hospital trip or a veterinarian visit. All of us need to begin childproofing our homes, and to start; we shall replace the toxic indoor plant with children’s safe indoor plants.
