No, spider plants are non-toxic to babies; the bigger risk is choking or a mild tummy upset from chewing leaves.
Parents bring home spider plants for a reason: they’re tough, they grow fast, and they brighten any shelf. When there’s a crawler in the house, the question shifts from décor to safety. Here’s a clear, parent-friendly look at what’s known, what to do, and how to keep both plant and child out of trouble.
Quick Take On Spider Plant Safety
Botanically known as Chlorophytum comosum, this houseplant is listed by poison centers and pet-safety databases as non-toxic. That means it doesn’t contain known dangerous plant chemicals for people. A baby who nibbles a tip isn’t expected to face poisoning, but leaf chewing can still bring on minor stomach upset. The larger everyday risk is gagging on a thick leaf or a fallen plantlet. Keep reading for smart placement, cleanup habits, and when to call for help.
Spider Plant Safety At A Glance
| Topic | What It Means | Action For Parents |
|---|---|---|
| Toxicity To Humans | Classed as non-toxic; poisoning is not expected | Keep but use child-safe placement |
| Gut Upset | Chewing leaves can lead to spit-up or loose stool | Offer water; watch for repeated vomiting |
| Choking Hazard | Thick leaves and plantlets can lodge in the mouth | Hang the pot or trim runners |
| Skin Contact | No known toxin; rare irritation is still possible | Rinse skin and hands after messy play |
| Pet Chewing | Non-toxic to cats and dogs; mild tummy upset can happen | Use a hanging basket to cut access |
| Plant Care | Fast grower; sends out long, dangly runners | Clip runners that dangle into play zones |
Why This Plant Is Considered Low Risk
Houseplant safety lists from poison hotlines put this species in the “non-toxic” camp for people. That label matters for parents because it signals a low risk of systemic poisoning from small tastes. The plant doesn’t carry the needle-sharp oxalate crystals you see in many common houseplants. You still might see drool or a short episode of spit-up after a taste, which is common with any leaf material.
Spider Plant Safety For Little Ones: What Parents Should Know
Curious hands will tug the longest piece they can reach. Spider plants send runners with baby plantlets that hang like toys, which is great for propagation but not ideal for a teether. The fix isn’t to toss the plant. Place it so a seated or crawling child can’t reach the leaves, and keep the floor clear of fallen pieces after trimming.
Setups That Work In A Family Room
- Hanging basket over a side table: high enough that a standing toddler can’t grab the runners.
- Wall shelf above shoulder height: great for bright, indirect light and out of reach.
- Plant stand with a raised rim: slows tipping and keeps leaves inside the edge.
Trimming For Safety
Those long, arching stems are easy to snip with clean scissors. Clip close to the base to stop the play-lure effect, and pot the plantlets later when nap time allows. A quick trim once a month keeps the plant neat and less tempting.
What To Do If Your Baby Chews A Leaf
- Remove any plant bits from the mouth and offer sips of water.
- Wipe the face and hands to stop rubbing in the eyes.
- Watch for repeated vomiting, coughing that won’t settle, wheezing, or rash.
- If symptoms worry you, call your local poison hotline for free, round-the-clock advice.
In many cases you’ll be told to observe at home. Seek urgent care if breathing looks labored, if vomiting won’t stop, or if a piece seems stuck and gagging continues.
How To Place, Pot, And Water With Kids Around
Placement
Bright, indirect light keeps leaves green without brown tips. A north or east window does the job. Keep at least an arm’s length above a standing toddler. If the plant sits near a play mat, hang it so runners clear the floor by a wide margin.
Pot Choice
Pick a pot that’s light enough to hang but not so light it swings wildly. A plastic nursery pot nested inside a decorative hanger works well. If you use a floor pot, choose one with weight and a broad base to cut tip-overs.
Water Habits
Water when the top inch feels dry. Let extra water drain away so the plant doesn’t sit in a soggy saucer. Overwatering leads to droop and more leaf shed, which means more bits on the floor where small hands roam.
When Not To Rely On A Safety List
Plant names get mixed up at stores. Spider plant is sold under several common names, and look-alike plants sit nearby on the same shelf. If a tag is missing, verify the narrow, strap-like leaves and the thin stems that carry small baby plants. When in doubt, place the pot out of reach until you confirm the ID or swap it for a labeled specimen.
Babyproofing Moves That Cut Real-World Risk
Keep A Clean Zone Under The Pot
Leaf tips and plantlets drop as you prune. A handheld vacuum or quick sweep under the hanger stops a curious crawler from finding a snack.
Give Safe Teethers
Many chews and silicone toys scratch the same itch that leads to leaf nibbling. Keeping a teether within reach redirects the urge to mouth the nearest plant.
Use Room Layout To Your Advantage
Place the plant on the wall farthest from a crib, playpen, or activity table. Babies will reach across rails toward anything green and swaying.
When To Call A Poison Hotline
Call any time you’re unsure, even if your child seems fine. You’ll get step-by-step advice that fits your situation. Keep the plant’s common name and Latin name handy. If a different plant was involved, a specialist can tell you what matters next and what symptoms to watch for.
Spider Plant Pros For A Family Home
Beyond safety, there are everyday perks that make this plant a keeper:
- Tough and forgiving: dries out and bounces back.
- Easy to share: plantlets root fast in water or soil.
- Kid-friendly look: arching leaves are cheerful and bright.
Common Myths, Cleared
“Non-toxic Means No Reaction Ever”
Non-toxic doesn’t promise zero reactions for every person. Any plant material can upset a sensitive stomach. Watch your child and call if symptoms keep going.
“Pets Can Eat It Like Salad”
Cats often bat at the leaves and may chew them. Pet stomachs can get irritated by fiber, so lift the plant out of daily reach or trim the dangling stems. A safe plant still isn’t a snack.
Houseplants Near Babies: Safer Picks And Ones To Avoid
Many families keep a mix of easy growers. Here’s a short list to guide your next plant run. If a relative gifts a mystery pot, park it high until you’ve nailed the ID.
| Plant | Toxicity To Children | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Non-toxic | Best hung or shelved to avoid leaf chewing |
| African Violet | Non-toxic | Soft leaves; keep soil out of reach |
| Parlor Palm | Non-toxic | Slow grower; gentle fronds |
| Pothos/Devil’s Ivy | Toxic | Can irritate mouth; hang well out of reach |
| Peace Lily | Toxic | Mouth burning and drool if chewed |
| Dumb Cane | Toxic | Strong mouth and throat irritation |
Simple Checklist For A Baby-Friendly Plant Corner
- Placement: hang or shelf above reach, with space below.
- Pruning: clip runners before they dangle into play space.
- Floor check: after trimming, pick up leaves and plantlets.
- Labeling: keep a tag with both names in the pot.
- Contacts: save your local poison help number in your phone.
How We Built This Safety View
This guidance leans on plant-safety lists from poison centers and pet-safety databases, backed by practical steps used by pediatric poison hotlines. You’ll see linked resources below that match what parents actually ask: Is the plant poisonous to people? What should I do if a child chews a leaf? Where should the plant sit in a room once a baby starts pulling up?
Helpful Resources For Parents
For non-toxic status and a quick species ID, see the Kansas Poison Center spider plant page. For step-by-step advice on what to do after any plant taste, read Poison Control’s illustrated guidance on poisonous and non-poisonous plants. Pet households can also check the ASPCA entry for ribbon plant to confirm non-toxic status for cats and dogs.
Bottom Line For Busy Parents
Keep the plant; change the setup. Spider plants are safe to own around babies when you hang them high, trim the dangly stems, and keep the floor free of fallen bits. Save the poison hotline in your phone, and you’ll be ready for the rare “I just chewed a leaf” moment without panic.