Houseplants come in many varieties and serve various functions. Which plant type is best for your home? We want to sow the seeds of curiosity and help you find which plant might make a new, healthful addition to your home.
Beyond providing living beauty, house plants also bring with them many health benefits including air purification, stress reduction, improved mental well-being, and a calming atmosphere.
Just as every plant is unique, every household has their own demands. As such, there are a few things to consider when choosing what type of plant is the best fit for your home:
- While houseplants play many beneficial roles in a home environment, certain varieties can be toxic if ingested. It would be best to avoid the hazard altogether and forgo these varieties if your home includes small children, pets, or people with dementia.
- Each plant has its own needs. Whether it’s the amount of light required or frequency of watering, make sure that the setup of your home and the demands of your lifestyle are a suitable match for the selected plant.
Our team at Urban Acres has put together a list of our favorite kid and pet friendly houseplants. Whether you’re an expert gardener or have never touched a plant in your life, these three plant varieties are sure to bring cheer to your house without interrupting a busy lifestyle.
Christmas Cactus
Despite the misleading name, the Christmas Cactus poses no finger-poking threat to the little ones. In addition to being kid-friendly, this lovely plant brightens up any room with its colorful blooms that arrive anytime between November and January.
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight.
Water Requirements: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. This can vary from every 2-3 days in the summer to every week in the winter, so make sure to check it every few days to assess the watering needs.
*Fun with Family* Start a Christmas Cactus legacy by sharing your own Christmas Cactus with friends and family. This is a quick, easy, and meaningful gift that can live on for years to come. Check out this helpful tutorial to learn how to propagate your very own Christmas Cactus.
African Violet
Tiny but mighty, the African Violet fills any room with cheer. This easy to maintain plant has furry green leaves with clusters of small flowers ranging in color from white, pink, blue, and more. When cared for properly, the African Violet can bloom for months on end.
Light Requirements: Moderate to bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Moist but never soggy. It is important not to get water on the leaves, so we recommend using a self-watering pot.
Spider Plant
Don’t let the name deter you – there are no creepy crawlers directly associated with this variety of plant. Instead, the name comes from the spiderettes which dangle down from the mother plant like spiders on a web. The Spider Plant is one of the most adaptable and easy to grow houseplants, so it would be a perfect option for even the busiest of households.
Light Requirements: Moderate to bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Keep the soil moist and well-drained
We absolutely love Moss in downtown Iowa City. The above image features some beautiful plants available from their store. The friendly staff will help you pick out the perfect plant for your home. Bonus: Buy a pot and they will pot it for free!
