Many favorite and beautiful houseplants adorn hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms without thought. But, did you know that some can cause irritations, swelling, or even difficulty breathing for children?

When you have kids around, choosing non-toxic plants should be your number one priority for their safety. If your child touches or ingests a potentially harmful plant, the consequences can be terrible. So if you wonder what plants are best, look at these six safe plants, and reduce your stress today!

Prayer Plant

Prayer plant leaf

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The prayer plant, or Maranta leuconeura, is a tropical plant that features waxy green leaves with pinkish veins. This bright leaf color combination adds charm to a shady office, bathroom shower, or shelf in your child’s nursery.

Wherever you choose to place the prayer plant, always avoid direct light. Direct sunlight fades the vivacity of leaf color or causes scorching. Find a spot in your home with indirect light and water regularly, not letting it dry out completely between watering.

Boston Fern

Hanging Boston Fern

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With draping, bright green leaves, the Boston fern is a safe, attractive plant to have at home with the kids. Not to mention, it also purifies the air! The Boston fern grows best in a humid environment, so situate it in a room with a humidifier, ensuring that the spot you pick gives the plant access to bright indirect light.

For those with young children, avoid using plant stands that topple over easily. Instead, choose a spot up high for your Boston fern -- somewhere toddlers cannot reach and pull the leaves.

Baby Rubber Plant

Baby Rubber tree

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The baby rubber plant is safe for kids and displays vibrant green and sometimes yellow leaves. However, do not confuse the baby rubber plant with the similarly named plant, the rubber tree, which is a toxic plant.

The baby rubber plant is part of the Piperaceae family, also known as the pepper family. It is happiest in a pot with a well-draining soil mixture that contains peat. Offer this plant bright indirect light, as well as humidity, through the use of a humidifier or a pebble tray!

Spider Plant

spider plant houseplant combination growing indoors

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One of the most commonly known household plants, the spider plant is a great addition to a family home, often displayed in hanging pots to show off the draping leaves. Besides being non-toxic, it purifies the air and removes hazardous airborne gases like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and other chemicals. 

This plant is not picky, making it a perfect choice for novice gardeners. Just make sure to provide it with full sun, allow the soil to dry before watering, and remember about propagating for the best results.

Living Stone Plant

Living Stones

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Looking for something unusual and novel to add to your home? Living stones are the answer! These strange, small plants are bright, unique, and a non-toxic houseplant kids will love to look at!

The living stone plants, or Lithops, look just like rocks but are actually succulents that are easy to care for! Originating from South Africa, these odd plants come in shades of grey, brown, pink, green, and more!

Because living stones are from desert conditions, they do not require much water -- perfect for the busy parent. These plants do not grow as big as they do in nature, however, if given enough full sunlight, they produce flowers showcasing yellow, orange, or white flowers which are sometimes scented. These succulents are a wonderful non-toxic option to add to your home.

Pro Tip: If your living stones are not flourishing, two common culprits are not enough sunlight or too much water. Water only every two or three weeks from spring until summer. These are drought-tolerant plants that are better to underwater than overwater.

Basil Plant 

a bunch of basil leaves

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If you are looking for a non-toxic houseplant that doubles as an ingredient in the kitchen, then basil is the answer! Growing a basil plant indoors isn't complicated with a few essentials in mind. 

Give it six to eight hours of full sun, and provide it with rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7. Also, water your plant once a week, and use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to pass through. If you want to find a fun activity with your kids, work together to grow your basil plant from seeds and teach them the basics of gardening!

Make Your Home a Sanctuary for Both Plants and Kids!

Choosing non-toxic plants gives you the peace of mind that your child is safe when your attention is drawn elsewhere. Whether they play with the leaves or take a curious chomp, permit yourself to stress less by choosing some of the safe plants listed above.

What is your favorite kid-friendly household plant to add to the home? Does your child help with the watering too? Comment below with your and your child’s favorite green additions!