5 Safe Houseplants for Children and Pets

Floral ornaments can beautify any home, adding extra color and energy to the spaces in which they are placed. The choice of plants that we use to complete the design of our house must be made taking into account the small members of the family and also the pets.

Any houseplant can be dangerous, especially if children or pets can easily access it. Even non-toxic plants can cause severe reactions in some people. For example, a plant that is not necessarily dangerous may cause an allergic reaction to a child or pet with sensitive skin. However, the health benefits of houseplants outweigh the risks, as long as you choose them carefully. Plants purify the air, provide oxygen and add color to complete the decor.

Here are 5 recommended houseplants if you have children or pets:

1. The Christmas Cactus

The Christmas Cactus is a species of cactus (without thorns) from Brazil, and the flowers are charming, delicate, and graceful, red, purple, pink, or white. As the name suggests, it blooms during the winter, from November to January, which is why it is used to decorate the Christmas house.

In our country, it is also known as "I don't mind" - from the fact that the plant loses its buds if it is moved in the phase of its formation and growth, as they are very fragile.

Christmas is not a pretentious plant. It needs to be watered all year round, more abundantly - during flowering and less - during the rest period (August - October). Summer can be great outside, but not directly in the strong sunlight, but in more shady places. It moves indoors in October, the heat inside accelerates flowering.

2. The Spider plant

This houseplant is excellent for several reasons. It has grass-like leaves that can range from pale green to emerald green. It is one of the most recommended plants for all homes because it is an excellent source of air purification.

It is a safe plant for children and all pets, but if it tastes like this plant, cats and dogs can get sick. This is not a toxic reaction, it is just a normal reaction caused by excess.

To avoid such situations, place the spider plant in high places, such as above a refrigerator or chest of drawers. In terms of care, it is recommended that it be placed next to a north-facing window or in a place where it can benefit from filtered light.

It should be watered regularly, but less in the winter, as falling leaves are an indicator that it has been watered excessively.

3. The Jade plant

This hard-growing plant can survive for decades if given the bare minimum: strong light. It is a very popular houseplant because it does not consume much water, it has an interesting tree look, with gnarled and juicy branches and fleshy leaves.

It is perennial, which makes it a pleasant houseplant throughout the year. Under optimal conditions, certain species of the jade plant can grow to almost 1.8 meters in height, which is less desirable for someone with limited space, but most jade plants are about 30 centimeters tall.

In terms of care, the plant prefers room temperature during the growing season, but it grows even better if it is placed in a cool and watered area to prevent the leaves from wilting in winter. The jade plant is safe for both children and pets.

4. The Parma-African Violet

If you like flowering plants, violets are the best solution. As the name suggests, African Violet (Saintpaulia) is native to Africa, specifically East Africa, where the climate is tropical. In some homes, these plants may need special lighting before flowering. African violets are also loaded with historical significance and symbolism.

The relatively simple care, the flowering throughout the year, the existence of a large number of varieties, which differ in color, shape, size of flowers and leaves, make African Violet to be considered the queen of houseplants. The plant is safe for children and pets.

5. The Boston Fern

The Boston fern is safe for both children and cats and dogs. If left untreated, cats love to play with their leaves. Ferns grow in a humid environment and are placed in a place where the sun's rays do not fall directly on them. They look great if placed in hanging baskets.

The apartment fern prefers semi-shaded places. Therefore, it is recommended to place it in a place close to the window, but in such a way that the sun's rays do not hit it directly, but the light is reflected indirectly.