6 Low Maintenance Houseplants for Kids

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Are you ready to start a new hobby with your family? What better way than with low maintenance houseplants for kids!

There are many options when looking for low maintenance houseplants for kids. Show them the joy of watching plants grow while also purifying the air in your home. You can start with seeds or take a trip to the nearest nursery to buy mature plants.

When we did this at my house, we went to Patuxent Nursery in Upper Marlboro, picked out the plants, and repotted them in new soil and bigger pots. My four-year-old enjoyed this part the most. I recommend using a tarp if repotting the plants inside. This can also be the perfect opportunity to discuss what elements and environment plants need to grow.

If you are looking to get started, here is a list of some common low maintenance house plants for kids:

1. Pothos Plant

This is the best beginner and low maintenance houseplant for kids since pothos can be grown in well-draining soil or a water container with the roots submerged in the water and the foliage growing outside. Pothos are hardy and can withstand dry conditions, so they easily rebound if the kids forget to water them. Pothos are often found in hanging baskets to allow their vine-like qualities to hang down. They can also be seen growing up walls, bookcases, or other household structures.

Low Maintenance Houseplants for Kids
Pothos Plant in hanging basket

2. African Violet

While small, this plant adds vibrant colors to your houseplant collection. Whether your African Violet produces white, blue, or purple flowers, you can count on this plant to bloom at various times throughout the year. Their beautiful flowers are paired with larger, fuzzy leaves, which can be susceptible to rot and fungal spotting if becoming wet. These plants prefer a smaller pot with well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. Play it safe by watering from the bottom, allowing the roots to bring the water up to the plant. While these small plants may look delicate, they are hardy and can withstand touching and moving. This can lead to a great, hands-on discussion with your kids about the plants.

Low Maintenance Houseplants for Kids
African Violet

3. Spider Plant

Spider plants are another low maintenance houseplant for kids. They thrive in temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer bright or moderate indirect light and being watered so that their soil stays moist and dry. If spider plants become damaged by the sun or receive too much or too little water, the tips of their long leaves will turn brown. It is recommended that this brown tip be cut off. Kids enjoy these silly-looking plants and their unique way of producing plant babies, or “pups.” These pups look like spiders and can be used to start a new plant after they grow to approximately two inches in diameter.

Low Maintenance Houseplants for Kids
Spider Plant

4. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are known for their dark green foliage and peaceful white flowers. While they may not produce many flowers at the same time, the flowers that grow have a long life. Being a tropical plant, peace lilies thrive in humid conditions. To mimic this, occasionally mist leaves with a spray bottle–kids love this part! Peace lilies are great at showing you when they need water. Their leaves will droop and quickly perk back up once watered. Peace lilies can become damaged if placed directly in bright sunlight. They prefer indirect light and can tolerate low light, making them a great, low maintenance houseplant for kids. 

Low Maintenance Houseplants for Kids
Peace Lily

5. Chinese Money Plant

Chinese money plants, sometimes called pancake plants, are another easy low maintenance houseplant for kids. They have unique round, disc-like leaves. They will tell you when they are thirsty by drooping and will perk back up once watered. Chinese money plants prefer soil that is well draining. Although they thrive in medium to bright indirect light, they can survive in areas with low light. The lower light will cause the plant to grow smaller leaves. Leaves may collect duct and can be wiped off with a moist towel. Kids will love misting the leaves occasionally to replicate a more humid environment, if necessary.

Low Maintenance Houseplants for Kids
Chinese Money Plant

6. Polka Dot Plant

Are you looking to add some color to your kids’ houseplant collection? This plant can be found in shades of red, pink, or silver and appears to have polka dots on its leaves. Polka dot plants prefer to stay in moist, well-draining soil and bright indirect light. The polka dot plant is tropical, so it loves humidity. Allow your kids to mist the leaves with a spray bottle occasionally.   

Low Maintenance Houseplants for Kids
Polka Dot Plant

Need growing tips for your low maintenance houseplants?

You can learn how to successfully grow houseplants in the previously published article, 6 Tips from a Plant Lady.

Are you looking to buy plants native to the DMV area?

A list of local plant-buying locations can be found on the DC Gardens website.