I am passionate about indoor plants, not just in the children's areas but throughout our home. A home doesn't feel like a home without a bit of greenery. I've been into classrooms who do indoor plants really well, and I've also been into a few classrooms with next to no living things in them (other than the students and staff). Indoor plants are fantastic for purifying the air and creating a feeling of warmth. 

Today I wanted to get everyone thinking about their own environments, children's areas in the home or classroom. Is it vibrant, is it alive? Could your space do with an extra plant or two?

I'm always bringing home (or propagating from friends and family) more plants and at the moment I am striving for greater diversity. Different shapes, textures, different ways of growing plants for the children to explore! There are many types of really practical indoor plants (too many for me to mention) but here are a few ideas. 

Nontoxic (for children) indoor plant suggestions:

• Maidenhair, Button, Boston, Lace Ferns
• Jade
• African Violets
• Coleus
• Marigold
• Herbs - basil, rosemary, parsley
• Spider Plant
• Prayer Plant
• Zebra Plant
• Christmas Cactus (when flowering these look gorgeous)
• Bamboo
• Baby's Tears
• Grape Ivy (hanging)
• Croton

Many of our favourite indoor plants need to be used with caution. These are not to be ingested and I would recommend for older children only (some are toxic under some circumstances):

• Air plants (Tillandsia) - oh so easy to care for! 
• Plants in a terrarium - I'm hesitant to mention terrariums as I've had my failures but they are well worth pursuing. 
• Climbing plants, Hanging plants - Philodendron (is toxic when consumed).
• Succulents, Aloe
• Carnivorous plants - these are fun, there are some really unique and interesting varieties. 
• Big glossy-leaved plants - Peace Lilly, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Monstera.
• Indoor trees - I've had the most success with the Ficus varieties. 
• Sprouts, growing food from seed.

With all plants check their toxicity before introducing them to your children. There is a good guide to what plants are toxic at UW Health and here at Safe Kid. For Australians, Raising Children has Dangerous Plants Checklist. I love many of these plants but would keep them out of range of small children. All have different requirements for sun/shade and water and some work better in each locality. I also love exploring plants, seeing what can be propagated, what will grow in water and in jars! 

I'd love to hear what plants you have in your home or classroom!