4 Easy Steps To Choose Kids Safe Plants For Daycare

Have you ever wanted to add some greenery to your daycare but worried about keeping the kids safe from toxic plants?

It can feel overwhelming, right? But trust me, it doesn’t have to be!

Imagine creating a beautiful daycare that provides a soothing, nurturing space for the little ones.

The right plants can clean the air, calm the atmosphere, and spark curiosity in the kids. Best of all, I’m here to help you choose the safest, easiest-to-care-for plants that fit perfectly into your busy schedule.

In this post, I’ll discuss the best non-toxic plants for daycares, 4 simple steps to set them up, and fun ways to involve the kids in plant care.

I’ll also share quick tips and a handy checklist to ensure your plants thrive without any extra stress.

By the end, you’ll be ready to create a daycare that’s safe, green, and full of life—both for the kids and the plants.

Let’s get started!

Non-Toxic Plant Lists

You might wonder, “How do I know which plants are safe?”

I’ll help you confidently choose non-toxic plants, so you can protect the kids and create a soothing, educational environment. After thorough research, I have gathered the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants, and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) ‘s list of safe plants for kids.

So you can ensure all plants within the daycare are non-toxic and safe for children.

Here’s a quick list of non-toxic, child-safe plants you might consider for your daycare.

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Easy to care for and great for air purification.
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Adds a lush, green touch to any space.
• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): A beautiful palm that thrives indoors.
• Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): A delicate plant that’s safe and lovely in small pots.
• Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): An elegant choice perfect for creating a tropical feel.

Research indicates that interacting with plants can enhance children’s cognitive abilities and emotional well-being, fostering a more positive and productive daycare environment.

Now as you know about the right plants to have in your daycare, it’s also important to consider how you’ll care for them without adding stress to your already busy schedule. So you can be confident about kids safety.

Next, we’ll dive into exploring 4 easy steps to get best plants for daycare, where I’ll share practical advice on keeping your plants healthy with minimal effort

4 Easy Steps To Get the Best Plants For Daycare

Have you started thinking about which plants would fit best in your daycare? The transformation will be both exciting and rewarding!

Let’s choose fitting pants first to bring in your daycare.

Step #1 – Choosing the Right Plants

When was the last time you double-checked whether the plants in your daycare are truly safe for little hands?

I’m going to guide you through the process of selecting the right plants for your daycare. By learning how to pick the right plants, you’ll ensure your space is both beautiful and safe.

When selecting plants, assessing plants’ variety and health at nurseries or garden centers is crucial. Furthermore, avoid plants with visible signs of pests or diseases.

To ensure a longer period, look for vibrant, strong foliage and fresh buds rather than fully bloomed flowers.

Let’s figure out an easy criteria to choose the right plants

• Non-Toxic to Humans: Ensure the plant does not contain harmful substances if ingested or touched.
• Non-Toxic to Pets: Many households have pets, so it’s also essential that plants are safe for animals like cats and dogs.
• Low Allergen Potential: Plants should not produce significant pollen or other allergens that can cause respiratory issues or skin irritation.
• Durability: Plants should be robust and withstand occasional rough handling by children.
• Non-Thorny: Avoid plants with thorns, spines, or other sharp parts that can injure children.
• Low Maintenance: Plants should be easy to care for and require minimal upkeep so that caregivers can focus more on the children.
• Hardiness: Plants that thrive in various conditions, including low light and inconsistent watering, are ideal.
• Non-Invasive: Plants should not grow too aggressively or invasively, ensuring they remain manageable and do not take over the space.
• Compact Size: Choose plants that stay relatively small or can be easily controlled to fit the daycare space.

Ensure plants have robust root systems and healthy main stems. Avoid pot-bound plants or showing signs of root distress through the drainage holes.

Super safe plants suggestions for your daycare

To reduce decision fatigue, I have compiled a shortlist of recommended plants with visual aids and simple explanations. These plants are not only safe for children but also easy to care for:

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Hypoallergenic and great for improving indoor air quality.
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Adds lush greenery and is safe for children.
• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Space-efficient and hypoallergenic.
• Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): Compact and safe for kids.
• Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): Enhances indoor air quality and is child-safe.

For detailed plant care guides, visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s Plant Finder.

Use apps like PlantNet, PictureThis, and LeafSnap to identify plants, diagnose diseases, and get care tips.

Choosing safe, durable, and low-maintenance plants can prevent accidents and health issues, creating a worry-free environment where kids can explore and thrive.

Up next, we’ll dive into Prepare Daycare Space For Planting, where I’ll share tips on how to set up your space for these new additions, ensuring they thrive in your daycare environment.

Step #2 – Prepare Daycare Space For Planting

Did you know! You might have the perfect plants, but they could struggle from day one if your space isn’t ready. Preparing your daycare space for plants is just as important as choosing the right ones.

I’m going to walk you through four steps to ensure your environment is set up for success. These include assessing space, space constraints, safety and layout, including tips.

It would help you set up the healthiest plants with the right conditions to experience the joy and satisfaction of creating a nurturing environment.

First things first, you need to assess your daycare space.

Think about the amount of natural light each area receives. Some plants love bright, indirect light, while others thrive in low-light conditions.

If you want to capture the natural light in your daycare for plants this blogpost of mine is worth reading. Please check Implementing-natural-lighting.

Do you have sunny windowsills or shady corners that could use some greenery?

Next, consider the space constraints.

Identify areas where plants can be placed without causing obstructions or hazards. Maybe there’s a corner that could use a tall plant or a shelf that would look lovely with a few small pots.

Make safety a priority.

Secure heavy planters and choose non-toxic plants to keep everyone safe. For comprehensive information on plant safety, visit the USDA’s Plant Database. Rest assured, these plants are safe and easy to care for, making them perfect for busy daycare environments.

Setup plants layout

If you’re worried about space, don’t be!

Plenty of creative ways exist to integrate greenery into small or shared spaces.

• Consider using vertical gardening to utilize wall-mounted planters or trellises for a visually appealing display.
• Hanging baskets can add greenery without taking up floor space.
• Think about using multi-tiered plant stands.

Multi-tiered plant stands can hold several plants at different levels, creating a visually appealing display without taking up much space.

Successfully setting up your daycare environment involves four crucial steps: assessing the available space, understanding space constraints, ensuring safety, and optimizing the layout with practical tips. With these measures in place, you can confidently create a space where plants and children alike will thrive.

So, why does all of this matter? A well-thought-out space means your plants will thrive, enhancing the environment and making your daycare a more inviting, safe, and educational place for the children.

Next up, I know you will be confused about Planting & Initial Setup. Let’s begin with the steps of getting your new plants settled in their new home.

Step #3 – Planting & Initial Setup

Ahh are you thinking if planting is just filling a pot with soil and adding a plant? What if I tell you it is more than that. It’s about giving your plants the best start possible to thrive in your daycare environment.

I’m going to guide you through the 5 essential steps for planting and setting up your plants, including tips to ensure they grow healthy and strong. So you can utilize plants to foster a calming environment.

Trust me, it’s easier than you think! Feeling excited?

Here are some simple steps and DIY tips for getting your daycare looking vibrant and welcoming without breaking the bank.

Let’s begin planting!

1. Choose Safe Plants: Choose safe, non-toxic plants. Some fantastic choices include spider plants, Boston ferns, and peace lilies. They’re not only safe but also super easy to care for.
2. Prepare the Soil: Use high-quality potting soil. It’s the foundation of healthy foliage. You don’t need to spend a fortune; many local garden centers or online stores offer affordable options.
3. Planting the Plants: Fill your pots with soil, making sure to leave enough space for the plant. Then, gently remove the plant from its nursery pot and loosen the roots if tightly bound. Hence, place the plant in the new pot and fill it with soil, pressing gently to secure it.
4. Water the Plants: Give your plants a good watering right after planting. This helps them settle into their new home and start strong.
5. Adjust to Light: To prevent shock, begin by placing your plants in shaded areas and slowly moving them to their final spots with the right amount of light.

DIY Planting Tips to Keep Costs Low

• Reuse Containers: Get creative with containers! Use recycled items or thrift store finds as pots. Just make sure they have drainage holes or add some if needed.
• Homemade Fertilizers: Turn kitchen scraps like coffee grounds and eggshells into natural fertilizers. It’s eco-friendly and cost-effective.
• Propagation: Grow your plant collection without spending extra money by propagating plants from cuttings. It’s a fun and rewarding process.

By giving your plants the best possible start, you’re directly supporting the overall atmosphere and safety of your daycare, making it a place where both plants and children can flourish.

As we’ve covered five crucial steps to help you plant and nurture your plants, ensuring they thrive. With these pointers, you can confidently navigate the wide array of plant options without feeling overwhelmed. Now, you’re all set to create a vibrant, healthy garden that’s bound to flourish!

And you know those plants are vulnerable and they need the best care possible. Let’s get to know how can we keep them healthy and happy. To do that we need to make a proper plant care schedule.

Oh, come on! let’s explore the basics…

Step #4 – Plants Ongoing Care & Maintenance

Alright, now that you’ve got your plants all set up, let’s talk about keeping them healthy and happy. Do you know the simple tricks that can keep your daycare plants thriving with minimal effort?

To help you with ongoing care and maintenance of plants, I have listed 3 quick tips to keep plants healthy, along with a few recommendations of plants that would not take too much attention and a routine maintenance checklist with tips to keep daycare clean.

So that you can have straightforward care instructions that fit into your busy daycare schedule.

I know you’re busy, so here are some easy and quick practical tips to ensure your greenery thrives without taking up too much of your time.

1. Watering: Most plants need watering once the top inch of soil feels dry. Stick your finger in the soil to check – if it’s dry, it’s time to water. Remember, it’s better to underwater than overwater.
2. Light Requirements: Ensure your plants get the right amount of light. Snake plants and pothos thrive in low light, while succulents and spider plants prefer brighter spots.
3. Health Assessment: Monitor your plants for signs of pests, yellowing leaves, or other issues. A quick check once a week should do the trick.

Did You Know About Minimal Maintenance Plants?

Here are those!

• Snake Plants: These are nearly indestructible and only need watering every couple of weeks.
• Pothos: Great for low light and minimal care. Just water when the soil is dry.
• ZZ Plants: They thrive on neglect and are perfect for busy schedules.

I have some practical tips for keeping the daycare clean.

1. Self-Watering Pots: These can be a lifesaver. They help prevent overwatering and reduce the time you spend watering plants.
2. Easy-to-Clean Areas: Place plants in spots that are easy to clean around. This way, you won’t have to worry about dirt and debris making a mess.
3. Low-Shedding Plants: To keep the area tidy, choose plants that don’t drop many leaves, like ZZ plants and snake plants.

Healthy plants are less likely to harbor pests or mold, which can cause allergies or other health issues.

As you know quick tips to keep your plants healthy, low-maintenance plants and a simple maintenance checklist to help keep your daycare clean. These straightforward care instructions are designed to fit right into your hectic day.

So, Take a few minutes each week to follow these care tips, and watch your plants flourish! If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your daycare environment, consider researching additional low-maintenance plants or trying out self-watering pots to make your routine even easier.

Did you know we can do plenty of educational activities with plants? Keep on scrolling to know about them!

Educational Activities with Plants for Daycare

Plants can be fantastic educational tools!

Integrating plant care into your daycare activities can teach kids about responsibility, the environment, and the wonders of nature. And the best part? It’s fun for everyone involved!

I am going to discuss 7 educational activities you can do with plants to make your kids fall in love with nature. You won’t have to be concerned about children’s health and safety due to potential exposure to toxic plants.

Here are some fun and educational ideas to get started.

1. Plant Growth Journals: Give each child a small notebook to track the growth of their plant. They can draw pictures, write observations, and measure their plant’s height. It’s a great way to introduce scientific observation and recording.
2. Responsibility Rotation: Assign plant care duties to the kids on a rotating basis. This teaches them about responsibility and helps them feel a sense of accomplishment.
3. The Life Cycle of Plants: Use your plants to explain the life cycle – from seed to sprout to full-grown plant. You can even do a planting activity where the kids plant their seeds and watch them grow over time.
4. Environmental Awareness: Discuss how plants help the environment by producing oxygen and improving air quality. You can link this to other ecological topics like recycling and conserving water.
5. Sprout House: Use a plastic bag and wet paper towels to create a simple sprout house. Kids can watch seeds sprout and grow roots right before their eyes.
6. Leaf Art: Collect fallen leaves and use them for art projects. Kids can make leaf rubbings, collages, or even leaf prints with paint.
   One of my favorite ways to inspire creativity in our little ones is by using natural materials in their arts and crafts. So to have ideas for using natural materials in daycare, read my blogpost incorporating nature using natural material.
7. Herb Garden: Start a small herb garden for cooking activities. Kids can help pick the herbs and learn about different flavors and scents.

As we wrap up our exploration of the seven educational activities you can do with plants, it’s reassuring to know that these projects not only deepen your children’s appreciation for nature but do so in a safe, non-toxic environment. You won’t have to worry about the health and safety risks associated with toxic plants, allowing you and your little ones to enjoy discovering the wonders of the natural world together, worry-free.

What a delightful way to nurture their love for nature, right?

Involving the kids in plant care not only makes your life easier but also provides them with valuable learning experiences. It’s a win-win situation that enriches both their minds and your daycare environment!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Often Should I Water the Plants?

Most plants need watering once the top inch of soil feels dry. Check the soil by sticking your finger in it; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Always remember, it’s better to be underwater than overwater.

2. What Should I Do if a Plant Starts to Look Unhealthy?

If a plant looks unhealthy, first check for common issues like pests, overwatering, or underwatering. Adjust care as needed—remove pests, adjust watering schedules, and ensure proper light conditions.

Sometimes, repotting with fresh soil can help.

3. How Do I Ensure That the Plants Do Not Cause Allergies?

Choose hypoallergenic plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and Boston ferns. Regularly dust and clean the plants to prevent the buildup of allergens. Also, monitor the children for any allergic reactions and remove the plant if necessary.

4. How Much Light Do the Plants Need, and What if My Daycare Has Limited Natural Light?

Different plants have different light needs; some thrive in low light, like snake plants and pothos, while others need bright, indirect light. If your daycare has limited natural light, consider using grow lights to ensure the plants get enough light to thrive.

5. How Can I Prevent the Plants From Becoming Messy or Disruptive?

Choose low-shedding varieties like ZZ plants and snake plants to prevent plants from becoming messy. Use self-watering pots to reduce spills and place plants in easy-to-clean areas. Regular maintenance, like trimming dead leaves, also helps keep plants tidy.

Conclusion

Look at you—now you know exactly how to pick the best, kid-safe plants for your daycare!

You have a list of non-toxic plants, simple steps to set them up, and fun ways to involve the kids. Plus, you’re ready with tips and a maintenance checklist to keep everything running smoothly without adding extra stress to your already busy day.

With this guide, you can create a daycare space that’s not only beautiful but also safe and calming—a space where both plants and children can grow together.

How amazing is that?

I’d love to hear how you plan to green up your daycare! Comment below to share your thoughts, questions, or even your own plant stories.

If you’re looking for more tips and inspiration, don’t forget to subscribe to our email list. Let’s keep your daycare thriving together!