A hardy houseplant (ivy, aloe vera, etc.), a small watering can
Help your child choose plants to care for and purchase them at a garden center. When you are watering your houseplants, encourage your child can care for her plants, too.
Talk about how much water the plants need. Have your child measure that amount of water into the watering can. Let your child decide where the plants will get the best amount of sun and fertilize the plant. Say things like, “What do you think the plant food will do to the plant?”; “What does food do to you?”; “What would happen to your plant if you didn’t feed or water it?”; “Do you think your plant looks any greener?”
Don’t forget to have your child dust the leaves when needed and say things like “Can your plant get air with dust on it?” and “What happens to you if you can’t breathe?”
Make sure to use nonpoisonous plants. Some common plants - poinsettias and philodendrons - are mildly poisonous. Other plants - shamrock and dieffenbachia - are highly poisonous.