Spider Plant 'Variegatum' Is Not Toxic to Humans (2024)

By Kiersten Rankel

Jun 18, 2024•3 min read

Ease your mind with the kid-safe 🧒 Spider Plant 'Variegatum'—a worry-free splash of green for family homes. 🌿

Debunking the Toxicity Myths

🧪 What Science Says

Scientific research confirms the Spider Plant 'Variegatum' (Chlorophytum comosum) is non-toxic to humans. This green companion is often mistaken for a botanical bad boy, but in reality, it's as harmless as a week-old bagel. No records exist of it causing harm to humans, which is a sigh of relief for plant lovers.

🌿 Real Talk from Experts

Botanists and pediatricians give the Spider Plant 'Variegatum' a green thumbs up for its safety around kids. It's like the Cape Myrtle of houseplants—non-toxic and family-friendly. So, while toddlers might find its leaves tantalizing, the worst you can expect is a brief tummy ache, not a trip to the emergency room.

When Kids Meet Plants: Safety First

🌿 Accidental Ingestion: What Happens?

Curiosity can lead to kids sampling a Spider Plant 'Variegatum' leaf. If this happens, don't panic. This plant is non-toxic, and while it may not taste great, it's unlikely to harm them. You might see some spitting and a grimace, but serious symptoms are rare. Still, keep an eye out for any unusual reactions and consult a healthcare provider if you're concerned.

🧒 Keeping Plants and Kids Happy Together

Supervision is key when mixing kids and plants. Place your Spider Plant 'Variegatum' high up or in a less trafficked area to avoid temptation. Teach your little ones that plants are for admiring, not munching. And remember, knowing the plant's scientific name, Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum', is crucial in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Teaching Kids About Plant Safety

🌱 Making Learning Fun and Effective

In the quest to educate kids on plant safety, creativity is king. Turn lessons into games—guess the plant, or what's safe to eat in a garden versus what's not. Use time-lapse videos to show them how plants like the Red Prayer Plant move with the light. It's a visual feast that can spark conversations about photosynthesis and plant behavior.

🧑‍👦 The Role of Parents in Plant Education

Parents, you're the role models. When gardening, show kids how to handle plants with care—gloves on, hands washed after. Make plant safety chats as normal as reminding them to look both ways before crossing the street. And remember, it's not just about avoiding harm; it's about fostering respect for the greenery sharing our space.

In Case of Curiosity: First Aid and Prevention

🚑 First Aid for Plant Munching Mishaps

If a child decides to taste-test a Spider Plant 'Variegatum', keep cool and act quickly. Remove any plant remnants from their mouth and offer water to sip. No vomiting—this isn't a DIY moment. If symptoms like a rash or swelling occur, rinse the affected area with soap and water and apply a cool compress. For any concerns, especially if symptoms persist, contact a healthcare professional or poison control center without delay.

🛡️ Proactive Measures to Avoid Plant Accidents

Prevention is key. Keep your Spider Plant 'Variegatum' out of reach—think high shelves or less-trafficked areas. Educate your kids early on: plants are for admiring, not for appetizers. Reinforce this rule regularly, and keep the Poison Control Center number handy, just in case. Remember, it's not about paranoia; it's about being prepared for those "just in case" moments that curious kids are famous for.

Keep your Spider Plant 'Variegatum' 🌿 thriving and your family informed with Greg's custom care reminders and safety tips, ensuring a happy, healthy home for all!

#VariegatedSpiderPlant

8 posts on Greg

What do I do with the babies? #VariegatedSpiderPlant This is an older pic of Baesil, he's had about four babies just fall off. What do I do with them?? I've set them aside for now, but do i just replant them? Put them in water? Was not expecting this so soon!
I got into work today after helping at a different location for a couple days and Addy flowered!!!! the flowers are so pretty!!! #spiderplant #vareigstedspiderplant #floweringplant #happyplant
Been absent on here and most social media for most of the week, but I'm back! Here's a little update on Addy!! Her babies are growing like crazy! She's actually made from 3 individual plants, and each one is producing a stem with spiderettes!!! #spiderplant #spiderplantbabies
SpiderPlant My Spiderplant at work has this growing out of it. Are they flower buds? I'm not concerned, just never seen it do this before #spiderplant #airplaneplant #plantsmakepeoplehappy #happyplants #plantaddict
Send help 🙃 I had a sneaking suspicion that my big spider plant was due for a repot, and therefore, I've been procrastinating on it. Turns out, I was right 🫠😵‍💫Do I cut the roots, or even attempt to untangle and pull through? #plantsmakepeoplehappy #happyplants #plantaddict #newgrowth #rootp*rn #spiderplant