Childproofing House Plants
Berkeley Parents Network >
Advice >
Safety >
Childproofing House Plants
Feb 2003
My 8 month old is able to climb up on our large indoor plant pot
and grab the soil. The soil has fertilizer in it and I'm
terrified some of this soil will end up in his mouth. Any ideas
on how best to childproof a beautiful indoor plant that sits in
the corner of our living room? My husband thinks we should put
some bark peices on top of the soil (at least that's better than
fertilizer & soil if it ends up in his mouth). Any other
recommendations? I looked on the website for advice but
couldn't find anything.
Thanks!
-Tina
When our son starting digging in to the house plants, I cut
cardboard circles the same size as the opening of the pot. Then
I made a cut into the center and removed a piece of cardboard
large enough to accommodate the stem of the plant. I secured
the cardboard to the pot with sturdy brown tape. When it's time
to water the plant, I water it though the hole in the center of
the cardboard that the stem comes through.
Anon.
Try covering the pot with either chicken wire or screening,
that way the soil can still get water and air while keeping
little fingers out!
Christine
Move the plant to another room. You can put it back in a year
or so. For each of my 3 kids I cleared out 2 floor-standing
plants from the living room to the bedroom. Also note, some
houseplants are poison.
susan
Depending on the size of your plant, you might try cutting a
pair of old panty hose and covering the soil with strips of the
legs. Attach the ''planty hose'' around the edge of the pot with
an elastic band. This will allow you to water the plant,
without allowing access to the soil beneath. It might not be
the most gorgeous sight in the world, but it will be safer and
eventually your child will outgrow his fascination (or start
eating your dining set instead) and you can remove the hose.
You might also consider putting the bark over the top of the
pantyhose if it is too unsightly. Good luck!
Plant lover
this page was last updated: Jan 13, 2009
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network