If you’ve ever tried keeping a houseplant alive while also keeping tiny humans alive, you know which one usually loses. (Sorry, fern. You tried.) But here’s the good news: you don’t need a greenhouse-level skill set to enjoy low-maintenance houseplants in a home with kids.
With the right plants, your home can look lush, cozy, and a little bit “crunchy mom aesthetic” without you constantly checking soil moisture like it’s another full-time job. This guide walks through the best low-maintenance, kid-friendly houseplants that work beautifully for busy families, scrunchy moms, and anyone who wants their home to feel calmer and more connected to nature.
Why Houseplants Work So Well in Family Homes
Houseplants do more than sit there looking pretty (although honestly, that alone is doing important emotional work). They also:
- Add calm, organic texture to overstimulating family spaces
- Help improve indoor air quality and support a healthier home
- Make rooms feel more “finished” with almost zero decorating effort
- Bring nature indoors—especially helpful in long winter months
- Support that slower, more intentional lifestyle so many crunchy and scrunchy moms are craving
In other words, houseplants are the crunchy mom version of an accent pillow: natural, grounding, and surprisingly powerful for the mood of your home.
Quick List: The Best Low-Maintenance Houseplants for Homes with Kids
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Parlor Palm
- ZZ Plant
- Spider Plant
- Pothos
- Bird’s Nest Fern
- Money Tree
We’ll break down why each one is great for busy parents, how to care for it, and where to buy it from The Sill, with a few accessory ideas from Amazon to keep everything simple.
1. Snake Plant: The Easiest Low-Maintenance Houseplant for Busy Moms
Light: Low to bright, indirect
Water: Every 2–3 weeks (less in winter)
Kid Safety: Mildly toxic if chewed; keep out of nibbling range
If houseplants had a survivalist handbook, the snake plant wrote it. It tolerates low light, missed waterings, and the occasional kid barreling past it on their way to the snack drawer. The tall, structured leaves give your home a modern, organic look with almost no extra work.
For scrunchy moms who want a low-maintenance houseplant that looks high-end, the snake plant is an easy win.
2. Parlor Palm: Soft, Non-Toxic, and Totally Family-Friendly
Light: Low to medium, indirect
Water: About once a week
Kid Safety: Non-toxic to kids and pets
The parlor palm is the gentle, fluffy, low-drama plant of your dreams. It brings a soft, tropical feel without needing tropical-level care. It’s especially great for crunchy moms who want kid-friendly houseplants that won’t cause panic if a toddler gets curious.
It thrives in medium light, forgives the occasional missed watering, and looks beautiful in living rooms, bedrooms, or even playrooms.
3. ZZ Plant: The “I Forget to Water” Champion
Light: Low to bright, indirect
Water: Every 2–3 weeks
Kid Safety: Mildly toxic if ingested
The ZZ plant is for the parent who says, “Look, I’m doing my best,” and means it. This is one of the most forgiving low-maintenance houseplants you can own. It handles low light, dry air, and a watering schedule that is, at best, “flexible.”
Its deep green, glossy leaves add a polished, modern look that pairs perfectly with neutral, natural interiors that crunchy and scrunchy moms love.
4. Spider Plant: The Underrated, Kid-Friendly Classic
Light: Bright to medium, indirect
Water: About once a week
Kid Safety: Non-toxic
Spider plants have been around forever because they’re just that good. They’re tough, they bounce back from neglect, and they grow adorable little “baby” plants your kids will love pointing out.
They work beautifully in hanging planters or on shelves, especially in homes where floor space is full of toys, blocks, and that one random shoe no one claims.
5. Pothos: Fast-Growing and Incredibly Forgiving
Light: Low to bright, indirect
Water: When the top inch of soil is dry
Kid Safety: Mildly toxic if chewed
Pothos is the overachiever of the houseplant world. It grows quickly, looks lush, and trails beautifully off shelves and cabinets. It’s ideal if you want a small home to feel more alive and cozy without adding visual clutter.
It’s an excellent choice for scrunchy moms who love a lived-in, layered look but don’t want a fussy plant that throws a fit the second you miss a watering.
6. Bird’s Nest Fern: Soft Texture, Zero Drama
Light: Low to medium, indirect
Water: Keep soil lightly moist (not soggy)
Kid Safety: Non-toxic
If you want a plant that looks fancy but behaves like a low-maintenance friend, the bird’s nest fern is a great pick. Its wavy, frilly leaves add soft texture to nightstands, bathroom shelves, or a calm corner of your living room.
It’s especially nice for crunchy moms who want safe houseplants for kids and still want their home to feel like a peaceful retreat.
Shop Bird’s Nest Fern at The Sill
7. Money Tree: A Low-Maintenance Plant with Good Vibes
Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Every 1–2 weeks
Kid Safety: Non-toxic
The money tree is a favorite for a reason. It’s symbolic (who doesn’t want abundance?), beautiful, and surprisingly low-maintenance. The braided trunk and bright leaves make it feel like a statement decor piece, not just “a plant in a pot.”
It’s perfect for living rooms, offices, or any space you want to feel a little more hopeful and serene— especially for busy parents juggling work, kids, and home life.
Simple Plant-Care Tips for Busy Parents
You’re not bad with plants—you’re just giving most of your energy to small humans who think pants are optional. Here are simple ways to keep your low-maintenance houseplants alive without adding stress:
- Pick a “plant day” once a week. Water everything on the same day so you don’t have to remember 7 different schedules.
- Use self-watering planters. These are amazing for busy families and you can find great options on Amazon that still look aesthetic.
- Group plants together. They naturally create a tiny humidity zone, which many indoor plants love.
- Keep plants out of high-traffic zones. Use shelves, plant stands, or hanging planters in spaces where kids can see but not knock them over.
- Choose plants that “talk” to you. Pothos, spider plants, and money trees visibly droop when thirsty, then perk up again after watering—so helpful when your mental load is already full.
Do you already have some plants in your home but maybe just need to spruce them up a bit? Shop some accessories that will remind you to care for them OR EVEN BETTER... to encourage your kids to care for them!
Final Thoughts: Plants Make Homes Feel Like Homes
Even if your house is full of toys, snacks, crayons, and that one random sock no one claims, houseplants bring warmth, life, and calm to your space. They’re an easy way for crunchy and scrunchy moms to make their homes feel more grounded and intentional—without needing a massive budget or endless free time.
You don’t have to water perfectly. You don’t have to keep every plant alive forever. But bringing in a few low-maintenance, kid-friendly houseplants is a small change that can make your home feel more peaceful the second you walk in the door.
Start with one plant, see how it goes, and build from there. Your future, calmer self (and your home) will thank you.
