Kids are naturally curious about the world around them. If something looks interesting, chances are they'll reach out, grab it, and maybe even pop it in their mouth for a taste. That includes any leafy green plants you’ve got growing inside or out.
In Part 1, in this non-toxic plant series, we looked at which plants are safe for your pets, both indoors and outdoors. Now, in Part 2, we’re turning our attention to child-friendly plants, sharing a fresh perspective and some handy tips for Aussie families. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a solid starting point for Aussie parents looking to choose child-safe plants.
Why does choosing safe plants for toddlers matter?
Plants can do wonders for kids - helping them focus, relax, and get creative. But even innocent-looking common plants can cause harm or trigger allergies, or instigate side effects like:
- Vomiting or Diarrhoea
- Wheezing in Asthmatic kids
Life-threatening plants are rare, but even a nibble on the wrong leaf can give parents a fright. Picking child-safe plants helps you relax and gives kids a safe space to explore.
The good news? There are loads of non-toxic plants you can safely grow indoors and out. In this guide, you’ll find a list of plants to steer clear of, some of the best child-friendly options, and practical tips to make your garden a safe haven for kids.
Common Indoor And Outdoor Plants That Are Toxic to Children X
|
Plant Name |
Side Effects |
|
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) |
Causes vomiting, diarrhea and digestive tract disorders. |
|
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) |
Causes gastrointestinal distress, allergic skin reactions and stinging of the eye. |
|
English Ivy (Hedera helix) |
Causes dermatitis, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. |
|
Lilies (All kinds) |
Causes vomiting, diarrhea, affects heart rhythm and function |
|
Caladium (Caladium bicolor) |
Causes burning, swelling and discomfort of the mouth. |
|
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) |
Causes difficulty in breathing or swallowing, swelling of lips and tongue. |
|
Philodendron |
Causes intense burning and pain, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, swelling, nausea and vomiting.. |
|
Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia) |
Causes intense burning pain and swelling of the throat, obstruction of the airway. |
|
Oleander (Nerium) |
Side effects may vary from vomiting, slow heart rate or even death. |
|
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) |
Causes nausea, vomiting, severe irregular heartbeat, seizures and cardiac arrests
|
Also watch out for Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus / Firesticks)
Plants like the Pencil Cactus release a milky sap that can cause skin burns, blindness, and even promote the growth of tumors.
Note: As a general guideline, many plants that exude a milky latex sap (a white, sticky fluid released when stems or leaves are damaged) contain toxic compounds and should be handled with care, as they may cause irritation or be poisonous to humans and pets.
Safe Indoor Plants for Kids
Below is a list of non-toxic indoor plants for kids that are also featured in our pet-safe plant guide, making them a great all-around choice for households with both kids and pets.
1. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The prayer plant has distinctively patterned leaves that fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer. They are safe for children, and the daily visible movement of the leaves offers a sensory learning experience.
2. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
The beautiful blossoming of the Christmas Cactus hints that the holidays are well underway. The bright fuchsia pink colour offers visual warmth and is known to stimulate energy and enthusiasm.
3. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
The African violets have bright, delicate flowers that liven up any room. These non-toxic plants for kids produce leaves that are soft, fuzzy and velvety to the touch, offering a unique tactile experience.
4. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlour palms are safe for kids, easy to care for, and happy in low light. Their soft, feathery fronds are fine to touch or even taste, and they help clean the air inside your home.
5. Haworthia sp.
Haworthias, or zebra plants, are small, quirky succulents that love indirect light and dry soil. Their vibrant stripes are great for visual stimulation and pattern recognition.
Outdoor Plants Safe for Toddlers
A colourful outdoor garden is like a hands-on classroom for kids, full of sights, smells, and textures. Here are four outdoor plants that are safe for little ones.
1. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Hibiscus is a top pick instead of toxic oleander. It’s safe for kids and puts on a show with big, colourful flowers in red, yellow, or pink. The petals are soft and safe to touch.
2. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are bright, fluffy flowers that add cheer to any garden. They grow quickly, are non-toxic, and make great sensory plants for kids.
3. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are tall, colourful flowers with petals that open and close like little mouths - kids love playing with them. It encourages Interaction and is a safe swap for foxgloves.
4) Lomandra spp.
Lomandra is a hardy, grass-like Aussie favourite. It caters to your young child’s senses like touch (soft texture), sight (bright green colour), and smell (fresh, earthy scent).
Edible Flowers for Creative Play (Safe + Fun for Kids)
Want to make gardening super fun? Edible flowers are an awesome way to get kids excited! They’re safe, full of bright colours, and perfect for playing and learning in the garden.
1. Pansies
Pansies come in a rainbow of colours with a mild flavour. Let the kids use them to decorate cupcakes, add to fruit bowls, or whip up some pretend fairy food in the garden.
2. Nasturtium
Both the leaves and flowers are edible, with a peppery kick that makes things interesting. Encourage kids to pop them on sandwiches and salads, or to create their own mini-garden plates for snack time.
3. Calendula (Pot Marigold)
This gentle, kid-safe flower is sometimes called poor man’s saffron. Sprinkle the petals over meals or mix them into homemade ‘flower sprinkles’ to brighten up kids’ food.
4. Borage
Also known as star flower, these edible blue blooms have a mild, cucumber-like flavour. Kids can chop them into salads and stir them into yoghurt or cream cheese.
5. Native Violet (Viola hederacea)
The Viola plant blooms with small, delicate flowers that are safe for kids to pick and eat. They can be used to decorate cookies and pancakes, to make edible art on plates, or for sensory play activities.
Safe Placement Ideas of Non-Toxic Plants
When you are placing non-toxic plants indoors and outdoors, think in layers - low, reachable, and intentional.
1. Ground-Level (Kid Access Zone)
The safest, most interactive plants will be placed within easy reach for the kids:
- Grass - for barefoot play and movement
- Strawberries & Mint – safe for tasting and smelling
- Lamb’s Ears – soft, touch-friendly texture
These will be your “touch freely” plants.
2. Eye-Level (Visual + Learning Zone)
The colourful, interactive plants will be placed at the height of the child:
Pansies, Viola, Calendula, Nasturtium - for colour + edible play
These plants will be for colour recognition and creative play (like decorating food).
3. Slightly Elevated (Supervised Interaction Zone)
Delicate but safe plants will be placed on pots, beds, or shelves for the kids to look at but not touch:
African Violet, Fittonia, Orchids – visual interest, minimal touching
Haworthia – for pattern recognition (those stripes stand out)
These plants will be for the kids to “look, observe, and be gentle.”
Creating a “Yes Zone” for Kids
“Yes Zone” is an area where everything is safe to touch, smell, and explore.
How to build it:
- Avoid delicate or high-maintenance plants like Orchid or Calathea
- Keep everything within arm’s reach.
- Use soft edges (grass, mats, or soil beds)
What to include:
- Edible flowers such as pansy, nasturtium, violas
- Herbs such as mint or rosemary
- Textural plants such as lamb's ears
- Open space with grass for movement
How to Create an Indoor Sensory Corner with Plants?
Include indoor herb pots with plants like mint, basil, or lemongrass to introduce gentle, calming scents kids can smell and recognise.
Place Texture trays using natural elements like pebbles, soil, dried leaves, or coco chips for simple, hands-on sensory play.
Add bright window ledge planters with seasonal flowers like pansies or violas to add colour and visual interest indoors.
Keep moveable plant trays that can be easily carried between rooms, making sensory play flexible and part of everyday routines.
Hope you enjoyed this round-up of safe, non-toxic plants for kids. Check out our part 1 guide to pet-friendly plants you can add to your home.
Choosing non-toxic plants isn’t about limiting your garden; it’s about designing a space where everyone in your household can safely enjoy it.
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Disclaimer:
The plants listed in this article as “child-safe” are generally regarded as non-toxic for toddlers and children. However, this information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace professional pediatric advice. Some children may react differently due to allergies, sensitivities, or underlying health conditions. Before introducing any new plant into your home or garden, we recommend considering your child’s specific health needs and consulting with a paediatrician if you have any concerns. Monitor your child’s interaction with plants and seek immediate medical attention if any adverse symptoms occur.
