Expert reveals the best indoor plant tips and tricks for parents

Top tips on keeping plants alive when you are busy parent

• Look for plants in the nursery that are advertised as “low maintenance” and “easy to care for,” as these are a great starting point for time-poor parents.
• Place plants in groups and have more plants in bigger pots than lots of plants in smaller pots.
• Use self-watering pots or place the original potted plant into a pot with no-holes to minimise water seepage if overwatered.
• Add water saving products to the potting media to reduce the need for watering and use ‘premium grade’ potting mix when repotting.

Plants suitable for different age groups

Regardless of your child’s age, fostering a love and appreciation for plants and gardening is a great way to get kids outdoors and into nature.

Creating an edible garden is a great way to get kids excited and involved in gardening. Also providing a great way to teach them about which plants are for eating and which ones aren’t.

When selecting plants or seedlings, it’s always important to read the labels to ensure they are suitable and safe for your home and family.

Suitable plant suggestions

When planning a home nursey, it’s important to create a safe space for all ages. Choose any of the many great varieties of indoor ferns, the spectacular and rewarding Calatheas (Zebra or Peacock plants), Maranta (Prayer plant) and even the ever popular Chlorophytum (Spider plant) with its baby spider like pups hanging down from pendulous stems. But you don’t have to compromise on beauty either. Ponytail Palms (Beaucarnea recurvata) and Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis) are also great ways to add a splash of colour to the home.

If you’re looking for plants that are more durable and hardier inside, then the Golden Cane Palms and Parlour Palms can be placed indoors in larger pots and won’t tumble over. The toughest of all indoor plants must be the old-fashioned and much-loved Aspidistra (Cast-Iron plant) – the name is a giveaway.

General plant safety tips

• Keep your plants out of reach of little hands by placing on a windowsill or high shelf or even try hanging baskets indoors – these not only look great but are also hard to reach.
• Always remember to read the label or ask an expert when buying a plant whether it is safe for all ages. Keep in mind there are some plants that can be poisonous or can cause an allergic reaction and should be avoided.
• If you’ve got children, it’s best to avoid plants with thorns or spikes that may not be poisonous but may harm your child if they encounter or fall on them.
• Always use caution and wash your hands before and after dealing with plants and soils. If your children are getting involved, make sure they do this too!

For more information and a wide range of gardening products and D.I.Y. advice, head to the Bunnings website. Workshop is our friendly online community for D.I.Y. and gardening discussion. To share your home renovation projects with like-minded people, ask D.I.Y. questions and get tips and inspiration, join the community at workshop.com.au.