Kidproofing (& Pet Proofing) Houseplants

Aren’t houseplants beautiful? The endless green leaves, the air freshening qualities, the… DIRT. Dirt, the stuff of kid’s dreams and my nightmares. What’s a plant AND kid loving person to do? It’s simple, really. Figure out…

Last year for Mother’s Day, my husband gave me a gorgeous hibiscus tree that amazingly made it through the summer. Once cooler temps hit, I had a choice: say goodbye to the tree, or bring it inside and attempt to keep it alive amidst two crazy kids and a cat. Especially a cat that likes to do this:

Just so you know, her eyes are saying “back AWAY from the Hibiscus.”

I needed a solution that would cover the dirt but also allow for water to get through to the roots. It was easier than I thought, and I had all the materials already on hand so it was free.

First, I cut out a circle of weed fabric with a slit to the middle so it would go around the trunk without finessing it too much. There, all done!

Ah, no. Turns out weed fabric is permeable and works well keeping the dirt inside the planter, but it isn’t the most attractive solution. So I did the same thing with burlap fabric. Burlap may be rustic but it looks great when paired with plants. Cut a circle with a slit, and add it over the weed fabric.

I added tacks around the perimeter to hold both layers down, and made sure there were enough to keep the fabric in place.

It was kidproofed, but still in the {ugly} original pot. I set off for Homegoods with a clear picture of what I wanted in my head, which historically means I would never ever find anything close to said clear picture. Imagine my amazement when I spotted the exact thing I was looking for– a black and white striped basket in a water repellent material. And WOW, it was the perfect size! I think I mowed down three shoppers and a poodle to grab it off the shelf, whispering to it softly: “shhhh, you’re home now.”

Anyways.

Now, water goes through and dirt stays in. And my hibiscus flowers like CRAZY!

Perfect medicine for these gloomy winter days.

After a few days, the blooms fall off and a new huge flower explodes. Waiting in the wings are 10 other buds, waiting their turn.

It’s been 6 months since I kid/pet proofed the hibiscus, and I’m here to say it works. I’m so glad we brought it indoors and gave it love, water, and burlap. Those flowers are the best gift ever! I’m trying my best not to drive my Instagram followers crazy by taking photos of them every day. It’s hard. Ooops, one escaped. 😉