How to Choose a Kid-Friendly Houseplant

Kids, especially little ones, are curious and love to explore and taste the world around them. Houseplants are one of the most common household items that kids will eat. Houseplants are considered poisonous when they cause some type of reaction ranging from minor to serious. Symptoms can range from a skin rash to having difficulty breathing. Ridding your home of toxic houseplants is very important when child proofing, but can often be overlooked. Here are some simple steps to ensure your family is safe.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Research plants that are poisonous. There are many Web sites that list poisonous houseplants that you should avoid having in your home. You can also call your local poison control office and ask for a list of poisonous plants that are common in your area. Flamingo lily, amaryllis, angel's trumpet, sago palm and snake plant are among the popular house plants that are poisonous.

2. Research plants that are not poisonous. There are many Web sites that list houseplants that are safe to have around children. You can go to your local nursery and ask about non-toxic houseplants. Yucca, African violet, dracaena, coleus, Japanese aralia and orchids are popular non-poisonous houseplants.

3. Choose a plant that you know for sure is not poisonous. If you are unsure of a type of plant you want to buy or if it is on the poisonous plant list, it is best to not purchase it until you know for sure. Write down the name of the plant you like and look it up when you get home. If it is not poisonous, go back and purchase the plant and enjoy.

4. Keep all of your houseplants up high so that young children cannot pick and eat the leaves, flowers or berries. Tall coffee tables, bookshelves, dressers and counter-tops are great places for your houseplants.

5. Teach children not to pick up and eat plants. Delight in the teaching process and watch your little one learn about the world around them.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider hanging baskets for awhile until your kids are older.
• If you have houseplants in your home for which you do not know the name, take a piece of the plant to your local nursery and ask someone to help you identify it.