Nontoxic Indoor Plants for Montessori Practical Life Work
Plants are a Montessori essential! Not only do they help you breathe more deeply and feel more peaceful, they provide opportunities for the child to learn about the Earth. And it all happens right in your very own home.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Disclaimer: I am no botanist and make no claim that these suggested plants are 100% non-toxic to humans or pets. Some children have more sensitive skin than others, and some are still in the “mouthing” stage. If you suspect that your child might eat your plant and you are concerned, keep it out of reach.
Use this post to guide your research and decide for yourself what is and is not appropriate to include in your home. These plants are all on the non-toxic plant list provided by the University of California.
PLANTS GENERALLY CONSIDERED NONTOXIC
1. African Violet
This sweet, flowering plant will teach your child how to be gentle with living things. Its leaves are covered with soft hairs that do not like to be wet. You will need to teach your child how to water lightly at the base when the soil is dry.
It likes to be near a bright window but without too much direct sunlight. I have had much success growing mine under a skylight or on a table in front of a sheer-curtained window.
2. Spider Plant
Despite it’s creepy name, you will grow to adore this happy go lucky plant, especially when it has “babies”! Teach your child how to lovingly clean or “polish” each long, spindly leaf. Get excited with your child when the mother plant sprouts noodles from within containing mini versions of itself to hang in the air below.
The best part? When the baby seems sturdy enough, you can pluck it and dangle it inside a glass of water for a week to grow roots. When they are visible and healthy, transfer the baby to its own pot. This way, one plant quickly grows into many!
3. Ferns
Ferns, such as the popular Boston, are generally recognized as safe for children. They are also lovely to look at and are happy in a moist, shady environment. It’s a fantastic opportunity to break out the plant mister and teach your child how to spray a fine mist into the air near the plant.
4. Hen and Chicks
Succulents, like Hen and Chicks, are often completely nontoxic and also very easy to care for, provided that you have planted them in sufficiently sandy/gravely soil and offered them a spot in a sunny window. They are also prone to populating mini-versions eventually, although you may have to wait a while and cross your fingers.
Your child will admire the plant’s natural ability to absorb and retain liquid, and the tough skin will be satisfying to touch without too much harm.
5. Indoor Palms
A little palm tree, whether in a tiny bowl on the table or in a big pot in the corner of the living room, will make your space come alive! Like ever-present verdant fireworks, these plants soothe the eyes and invite watering and polishing.
My tip: give your child a teeny, tiny (dollhouse sized!) pitcher and allow them to water as often as they want. Palms have both durability and swank! Lean into it.
A WORD ON TOXIC PLANTS
I have owned many houseplants over the years with my own small children. Pothos, snake plants, and ficus bushes are some of my personal favorites. At one time, I thought my child was past the “mouthing” stage and bought a diffenbachia. One day he tasted it, and it must have felt like his mouth was on fire! Super scary for his mama, too. So do your research and know your child. Stay away from the worst offenders and teach your children.
