The home has always been a place where people can express their personalities and make the space uniquely theirs.
As people become increasingly conscious of creating healthier, more aesthetically pleasing living spaces, house plants have emerged as a popular addition to the home.
Not only do they look great, but they also offer plenty of health benefits, such as improved air quality and a calming atmosphere.
However, it’s important to choose the right plants, particularly for families with children, where safety and air quality are top priorities. “Knowing which plants suit your lifestyle can help you cultivate a thriving indoor garden without compromising your family’s well-being”, says Daniel Ufland, the founder of Flitch, an online home styling platform.
Flitch’s expert home stylists know just what plants go with what pieces of furniture and how to perfectly integrate houseplants into the flow of your home life, which they share here.
The Best House Plants According to Your Lifestyle
Families with Young Children: Safe and Air-Purifying Choices
For homes with young children, safety comes first. Some plants can be toxic if ingested, so select non-toxic options, especially during the teething phase. Spider plants, Boston ferns, and areca palms are excellent choices that also help purify the air.
With young children going in and out of daycare and school and bringing illnesses with them, you will want the air to be as pure as possible, so having these plants around is one small thing you can do to make your young household healthier.
“Spider plants are especially easy to care for and safe for curious toddlers who might touch or pull at them”, says Daniel. “These plants thrive indoors and help keep the air fresh by filtering out common pollutants”.
Families Focused on Health: Air Quality Boosters
For those prioritising air quality, especially in homes where allergies or respiratory concerns are common, English ivy and bamboo palms are top picks.
English ivy can reduce airborne mould by up to 60%, making it a great choice for families looking to boost their home’s air cleanliness. “English ivy’s rapid growth makes it a perfect hanging plant that will look like a natural chandelier in any room”, notes Daniel.
These types of plants work overtime to improve indoor air, creating a healthier space for everyone while also being visually appealing.
Apartment Dwellers: Compact and Adaptable
For small-space living, compact and adaptable plants work best. Pothos, aloe vera, and Fittonia (nerve plant) are perfect for apartment dwellers who may not have much room but still want to enjoy the benefits of indoor greenery.
Pothos, for example, can be placed in hanging pots or shelves, where they’ll thrive without requiring much care. These plants bring life to any space, big or small, without taking up too much room.
“Although these compact florae are great for apartments and young couples who are busy and out of the house most days, it’s important to read up on each plant you buy if you plan on getting pets who might mistake them for food, as some of the plants that require less maintenance are toxic to pets”, warns Daniel.
Pet-Friendly Homes: Safe for Furry Friends
In homes with pets, it is well known that everything in the house is up for grabs. Dogs love to chew on things and cats climb as high as possible to check out and rub up on things they find interesting. Because of this, selected plants must be safe for both children and animals.
“Believe it or not, there are several common house plants that are actually toxic to dogs and cats if they consume them”, advises Daniel.
These plants include common choices like aloe which, if consumed can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in pets. A big one to avoid completely if you have pets is lilies. These flowers are so toxic to cats that even if a piece of pollen lands on them and they lick it off, they could experience kidney failure.
Some pet-safe plants include the Calathea, baby rubber plant, and parlour palm, which are non-toxic to pets. These plants provide the same aesthetic benefits while giving peace of mind that your pets and kids won’t be harmed if they decide to nibble on the leaves.
Daniel Uflant, Spokesperson for Flitch, Comments:
“House plants are a fantastic way to enhance a home’s interior, bringing a sense of peace, beauty, and freshness to any space. For families with children, the key is to choose plants that are not only visually appealing but also safe and functional. Non-toxic plants and air purifiers like spider plants or snake plants create a beautiful atmosphere while offering tangible health benefits. Don’t let their names fool you – they’re safe for both pets and children”
“By selecting the right plants, parents can create a healthier environment for their children while also teaching them about nature and responsibility. And even if you aren’t a parent to children or pets, being a plant parent is a rewarding way to make your house feel more like a home.”
