Best Plants for Baby Nursery – Baby Nursery Plants

If pinks and blues, florals & abstracts are not up to your alley, just grab the best plants for baby nursery and you’re sorted! Also, decorating a baby nursery with plants is inexpensive, super-easy and of course, good for your baby’s health. But, how do you know what plants in the baby nursery are really safe? Read through this article to find the best indoor plants safe for babies and introduce a touch of nature to your bub’s life at a young age!

Plants In Nursery: Take A Cue From The Nature

Whether you are a minimalist, nature lover or adore the Bohemian decor style, baby nursery plants add a perfect pop of colour, texture and aesthetics to any room. Furthermore, they not only spruce up your tiny tot’s space to make it soothing but also provide them with a plethora of benefits including purer air quality, refreshing smell and love for nature right from the beginning.

If you were considering fake plants for the baby nursery to avoid the hassle of maintaining them, did you know there are many baby-safe plants that require little to no maintenance? Well, if not, in this article, you’ll find many baby nursery plants to amp up your bub’s room and make it more appealing and alive.

List of the Best Plants for Baby Nursery: Decorate The Most Picturesque Nursery

If you are looking for some fake plants for the baby nursery, you can go for a lush green faux eucalyptus tree, the cordyline plant, an olive or fig tree or a natural-looking ficus tree, but the choice gets really difficult when you have to find some real plants for a new baby. Hence, if you are searching for the best plants for baby nursery, here are our top picks for the same.

Some Really Popular, Affordable Nursery Plants:

1. Snake Plant

Requiring very low light and water, the snake plant is one of the most common plants for a baby room. The plant features long, interesting leaves and is available in a range of patterns to choose from.

This resilient succulent can tolerate most indoor conditions and can grow anywhere between 6 inches to several feet. Most importantly, it can absorb cancer-causing pollutants, help regulate healthy airflow even at night, and is visually very appealing.

Some interesting types of snake plants you can choose from include:

• The Cylinder Snake Plant (or the Sansevieria cylindrica) featuring round leaves resembling a crown
• The Laurentii Sansevieria featuring upright sword-like green-yellow leaves and yellow margins
• The Bird’s Nest Snake Plant (or Sansevieria Hahnii) with dark, glossy leaves resembling a bird’s nest

2. African Violet

Producing clusters of white, blue, or purple soft flowers over fuzzy leaves, the African Violets are exciting to touch, easy to maintain and can grow from 2 – 6 inches tall to over a foot depending on their species. These plants can add a perfect pop of color to any room and grow best in bright, indirect light.

3. Venus Fly Trap

With a surprising ability to thrive in poor, acidic, damp soil, the Venus Fly Trap is an unusual houseplant that is fun to grow and watch. It is a carnivorous plant that eats flies and features two lip-like lobes united by a hinge with nectar within that draws insects inside.

Perfect to keep your baby safe against bugs, mosquitoes, flies, and other insects, this plant can grow 6 – 12 inches tall and 6 – 9 inches wide. However, many parents are sceptical when it comes to choosing Venus Fly Trap for their baby rooms.

Your baby will be alright if they stick their finger in the open leaves of the plant, but they should not. Hence, to be on the safe side, it is best to keep the plant away from your child to avoid any negative experiences with it.

4. Touch Me Not

Also known as Mimosa pudica, Humble Plant, Shameplant and Sensitive Plant, the touch-me-not is every child’s favorite. Featuring tiny green leaves, the Touch-Me-Not plant instantly reacts to being touched, shaken, dropped, or disturbed within seconds. The leaves quickly fold inward and droop as a way of defence from harm, and reopen a few minutes later.

5. Dracaena Goldieana

Also known as the Zebra Striped Dragon Tree, this plant features smooth & thin, broadly ovate leaves marbled with green and white alternating colors. These plants need very little attention and just some good filtered light to thrive. Furthermore, these plants increase the humidity, absorb lead and purify the air with minimal maintenance.

6. Echeveria

One of our absolute favorites, the Echeveria plant features thick-leaved rosettes with waxy cuticles on the exterior. Belonging to the succulents category, these plants make a great choice for cactus-themed nurseries and succulent gardens

7. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)

Featuring distinctive corn yellow stripes on the leaves, the corn plant is a very popular indoor plant perfect for nurseries. This plant can tolerate low light conditions & missed waterings and contributes to naturally clean air.

8. Chinese Money Plant

Featuring coin-shaped, shiny, thick, leaves, the Chinese Money Plant instantly adds beauty to baby rooms. This plant grows really fast and is easy to take care of.

9. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus Radicans)

If you are looking for a continually flowering plant for your baby nursery, the Lipstick Plant is simply the best choice. Featuring red clusters of flowers amongst pointy, waxy leaves, this plant doesn’t require too much direct sunlight.

10. Staghorn Fern

One of the most unusual looking plants, the Staghorn Fern looks like deer or elk antlers. This plant is really versatile to use in nursery decor and can grow up to 2 to 3 feet long. The ferns grow vertically and can instantly amp up small baby rooms. One of the most popular reasons why parents love to choose the Staghorn Fern for their baby nurseries is because it helps to purify the room’s air effectively.

Some other affordable baby nursery plants you can consider:

• Kentia Palm
• Spider Plant
• Calathea Medallion
• Herringbone Plant
• Christmas Cactus
• Peperomia
• Prayer Plant

Some Exotic & Rare Nursery Plants:

Here are some of the best plants for a baby nursery if you are interested in getting some rare plants or a tree for the baby nursery:

1. Braided Money Tree

A tall and slender tree that makes a perfect statement in baby rooms through its bright green leaves and braided stems.

2. Bird’s Nest Ferns

Resembling banana leaves, this plant features light green, wavy leaves that collectively form a bird’s nest in the center.

3. Ponytail Palm

If you are going for a tropical-themed or palm tree baby nursery, the Ponytail Palm makes a perfect choice! Although the ponytail palm belongs to the succulent family and is not really a palm or tree, it is known so due to its bulbous trunk that resembles a tree and long, hair-like leaves that resemble a ponytail. This tree-like plant loves direct sunlight and adds a perfect height to the windowsill.

4. Calathea Beauty Star

Featuring long, dark green narrow leaves resplendently stripped in paler green color, the Calathea Beauty Star will grab everyone’s attention without much effort. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and thrives in peat-based, well-draining soil. This elegantly shaped plant requires medium to bright indirect light and can be placed high on the tabletop, wall shelves, etc. to make a statement.

5. Bird of Paradise Plant

Named after its gorgeous, orange crane-like flowers, the birds of paradise plant is sure to add a classic, tropical flair to your baby’s nursery. This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for busy parents looking for a perfect plant for a new baby room so that they don’t have to worry about frequent watering and day-to-day care.

6. Neanthe Bella Palm

Also known as Parlor Palm, this plant features a slender green trunk, narrow and long leaves forming an arched front. Furthermore, the Neanthe Bella Palm slowly grows over the years and is an ideal choice if you are inspired by a palm tree baby nursery.

Some Enticing Hanging Plants to Consider for Nursery Decor:

If your nursery decor inspiration is more drifted towards hanging plants, here are our top three picks:

1. Hoya Kentiana

Featuring brilliant pink variegated leaves fading into inconsistent green leaves, the Hoya Kentiana plant is sure to be the showstopper of your nursery. The best part about this plant is that it belongs to the succulent family thus requiring little water and minimal maintenance.

RareHousePlants – Etsy

2. Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes)

If you are inspired by the Venus Flytrap plant but are looking for a hanging plant, the Pitcher Plant makes the right choice. Featuring pitcher-shaped leaves with deep cavities that form pitfall traps for bugs, mosquitoes, and other insects, this carnivorous plant is perfectly safe for baby rooms.

3. Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia Caperata)

Another baby and pet-safe indoor hanging plant that is fairly easy to maintain, the Ripple Peperomia plant is sure to add plenty of colors and textures to your baby’s little space. This plant features dark-green heart-shaped leaves with deep veins and beautifully fits into any type of decor.

Here are some other hanging plants you can consider for your baby’s nursery:

• Fittonia
• String of Pearls Plant
• Baby’s Tears (Helxine Soleirolii)

Some plants that can add the perfect pop of colors to your nursery:

• Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
• Polka-Dot Plant (Hypoestes)
• Purple Passion Vine (Gynura Aurantiaca)
• Scarlet Star Bromeliad (Guzmania)
• Bloodleaf Plant

Plants Not to Use in a Nursery

It is no brainer that not all indoor plants are safe for babies. Some toxic plants might cause skin reactions while others might cause minor respiratory infections or tummy troubles if ingested. Furthermore, some people are also against cacti as they might prick your baby’s delicate skin if they reach them when you are not around.
However, with the right type of cactuses and perfect positioning, you can still go for a cactus-themed nursery without hindering your baby’s safety. Hence, here are some popular indoor plants that are a strict no-no from our side for baby nurseries.

1. Oleander Plant

The Oleander plant is one of the most versatile, rapidly growing evergreen shrubs that can enhance the decor of any room. However, this plant should be avoided for baby rooms due to its poisonous milky sap.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Also known as Devil’s Ivy, this is a tropical vine with glossy, green or variegated leaves and long, trailing stems that is toxic to adults, children, and even pets. However, you will still find many websites suggesting it. The plant can harm the skin and also damage the mouth as well the digestive tract if ingested.

3. Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

If you are a fan of creepers, you’ll be drawn towards the aromatic, perennial Ground Ivy plant to decorate your baby’s room. However, this plant is strictly warned to be not used in baby nurseries by the California Poison Control System (CPCS) due to its toxic nature.

Apart from these popular unsafe plants, here are some other plants that must not be used in baby nurseries as they are considered toxic to babies and pets:

• Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
• Elephant’s ear (Alocasia or Colocasia)
• Lilies
• Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)
• Cyclamen
• Dieffenbachia
• Umbrella palm (Cyperus alternifolius)
• Arrowhead Vine
• Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
• Philodendron
• Hyacinth
• Caladium

Some Additional Tips to Set Up a Nursery With Plants

You’ve found the best plants for the baby nursery but is that enough? Well, not really until you know some bonus tips!

• No matter how sure you are of the positioning of the nursery plants (unless they are hanging), your toddler will reach the pot one day. And no prize for guessing, they’ll grab handfuls of dirt out of the pot to quickly shove it in their mouth. So, the safest step you can take before you encounter such a situation is to pot your plants in organic soil. At least, you’ll be sure of what was in the pot!
• Furthermore, it is important to pick the right type of planter to further ensure your baby’s safety and prevent messes. Don’t choose a plant stand or typical terra-cotta pots for the nursery. It is rather better to choose a metal planter with a heavy bottom so that even if your baby tries to grab it for support, the pot doesn’t tip over or harm them in any way.
• Rather than focusing on aesthetics, choose plants that provide plenty of oxygen, absorb toxins from the air, and have low light & water requirements.
• Another great idea is to choose plants that can withstand some neglect.
• Plants with interesting textures make even better choices as babies find those things more interesting that require them to use more senses.
• It is rather a better choice to pick plants with soft or round edges rather than ones with spiky foliage.
• Whatever plant you are considering, make sure to check the CPCS regulations to ensure the plant is non-toxic and completely safe for your baby.
• You might be excited to bring all these plants into your nursery but remember to not overdo the decor. To make the nursery inviting and serene, keep the rest of the decor simple and instead of adding too many planters, opt for a large tree for the baby nursery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up A Baby Nursery With Plants

Still have some questions related to plants in the baby nursery on your mind? Browse through our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about it.

What should a baby nursery have?

A baby nursery should have an ASTM & CPSC certified crib along with its appropriate bedding, dresser, changing table, glider, and baby closet. Depending on your style inspiration, requirements, and budget, you can add many more items inside the nursery.

Are indoor plants safe for babies?

Not all indoor plants are safe for babies but here are some baby-safe plants that you can use in your nursery:

• Snake Plant
• Spider Plant
• African Violet
• Venus Fly Trap
• Dracaena Goldieana
• Echeveria
• Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
• Chinese Money Plant
• Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus Radicans)
• Staghorn Fern

Is a lavender plant safe for babies?

Although lavender’s scent is known to calm babies and induce deep sleep, it is not a traditional houseplant. Adults might try keeping it in their bedrooms but since a high concentration of lavender scent might make some babies uncomfortable, it is generally advised to not keep a lavender plant in baby rooms to stay on a safer side.

Ready to Create a Tranquil Haven Inspired by Nature?

Decorating the nursery with plants requires the same attention for safe choices just like selecting the crib and other nursery furniture. We hope we helped you select the best plants for the baby nursery. Whether you prefer a sweet and sophisticated, simple and minimalist, or bold and modern nursery design, the indoor plants safe for babies highlighted above will make sure your baby’s little place exudes the most pleasant vibes.

So, are you ready to let your tiny tot indulge in the beauty of nature through one of these plants in the nursery? Which of these plants intrigue you the most? What other plants can make a great addition to this list? Feel free to share your thoughts with us below!