Is an African Violet Safe for Kids?

Threats

• African violets are classified as non-toxic. They do not pose a serious health threat to children or pets if touched or eaten. But, if a young child eats a piece of the plant, it can pose a choking threat or upset the child's stomach, according to the Poison Control Center of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In addition, any plant may cause a person to have a reaction if the person is allergic to it. If your young child has plant allergies, touching the African violet may cause a mild reaction, as may consuming a piece of it.

Treatment

• If you suspect your child has consumed a part of an African violet, remove any pieces of the plant from his mouth and rinse it out. Then, call a poison control center or your family doctor for more advice. Save a part of the plant to bring in to your doctor if the doctor requests that you bring your child in for treatment. If your child touches the plant and develops a rash, make an appointment to see your family doctor, and bring the plant or a part of it in so that the doctor can determine the best course of treatment.

Culture

• It's best to keep your African violet out of reach of any young children. Place it where it will receive bright but indirect sunlight. The plants need a lot of light to bloom, but direct sun on the leaves will cause white rings to appear. They can be easily over-watered, so water only when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Use lukewarm water and avoid getting water on the leaves or foliage.

Other Considerations

• African violets have a tendency to become infested with cyclamen mites and mealybugs. Resist using an insecticide to kill the tiny insect pests. You don't want to spray chemicals in your home, and even if you take it outside before you spray it, the residue left on the leaves could pose a danger to young children if they touch or consume the foliage. Instead, try knocking the pests off the plant with a strong stream of water, or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to individually kill each bug. In cases where the infestation is bad, it's best just to throw away the plant and start with a new, clean plant.