Are Snake Plants Safe for Kids?
Snake plants aren’t entirely safe for kids due to mild toxicity, could they harm your little ones? 🌱
Snake plants aren’t entirely safe for kids due to mild toxicity, could they harm your little ones? 🌱
I’ve always loved how Snake Plants add a sleek, green touch to my home, but as a parent, I had to check if they’re safe for my kids.
The truth is, Snake Plants, also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, aren’t completely safe for children because they contain saponins, a chemical that can cause mild toxicity if eaten.
I found out through my plant community that while they’re great air purifiers, they can pose risks to curious little ones who might chew on them.
Here’s what I’ve learned to help you decide if a Sansevieria belongs in your home with kids around! 🪴
Plant Tip:
Hang snake plants in baskets to keep them away from kids! 🪴
Babies are at risk because they explore with their mouths, and Snake Plants can be poisonous if eaten.
I’ve read on safety guides like BabyCenter that if a baby eats any part of a Snake Plant, they might feel nausea, vomit, or have diarrhea due to saponins.
One mom in my group shared that her baby got a tummy ache after nibbling a leaf, though it passed quickly.
In rare cases, swelling in the mouth or throat can happen, making it hard to breathe, which needs a doctor right away.
It’s not usually life-threatening, but it’s best to act fast if your baby takes a bite.
I keep my Snake Plants out of reach to protect my little ones. I place them on high shelves or in rooms babies can’t get into, since their curious hands love to grab.
Gardening forums also suggest using hanging planters, which I’ve tried and found to be effective.
Teaching older kids not to touch or taste plants helps, and I always rinse my baby’s mouth with water if I suspect they’ve touched a leaf, since the sap can irritate skin.
These steps let me enjoy my Sansevieria without worry!
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Care Hack:
Use a baby gate to block off rooms with snake plants! 🌿
Yes, Snake Plants are toxic to children if they eat them, though the effects are usually mild.
I’ve seen on sites like Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia that kids might feel a burning sensation in their mouth, drool a lot, or get an upset stomach after eating a leaf.
In gardening community, a parent mentioned their child vomited after chewing a piece but felt better after a few hours.
Severe symptoms like trouble breathing are rare, but I always keep the poison control number (800-222-1222) handy just in case.
You don’t have to avoid Snake Plants completely, but I’d be cautious if your kids are young.
I keep mine because I love their look, but I make sure they’re out of reach.
Some parents in our group skip them altogether, choosing kid-safe plants like spider plants instead.
If you’re careful and your kids know not to eat plants, you can still enjoy a Sansevieria. I’ve had mine for years with no issues by keeping it on a tall shelf! 🌿
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Fun Fact:
Snake plants are called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue for their sharp leaves! 🌱
Embrace the spirit of horticulture and spread the seeds of wisdom
