Naming the Plants in the Classroom

I recently embarked on a new journey of the naming of all the plants in the classroom. Thanks to the encouragement and suggestions of a houseplant enthusiast group I’m part of. It wasn’t really something I had thought about since we have so many in the classroom. But it has been fun. I even had a little contest for my IG followers to help me name them. Here is what they came up with.

Meet our Classroom Friends:

I have an abundance of plants in my classroom. I know many teachers are not looking for the added stress of caring for plants on the weekends and over breaks. You can always add artificial greenery to your classroom. This will help with the natural feel, but leave you room to be a human, who isn’t obsessed with watering schedules, south-facing sun drenched windows, and fertilizer options.

I usually purchase my artificial greens at HomeGoods, or Ross, but have been finding good deals online as well. Artificial plants are great classroom plants for the teacher with allergies, young students who still put things in their mouths, and for those who don’t want the added stress of caring for live plants.

My Love of Plants

I have gained an appreciation for plants over the years, after adding a lavender plant to the bedroom to help me sleep at night. Growing up I certainly didn’t have a green thumb, even though I come froom a long line of farmers.

I actually learned to care for plants from my grandfather when he lived with us. He raised an apricot orchard and taught my dad and his sisters the ins and outs of farming. Likewise, my mom comes from a family of prune farmers. She spent summers, with her older brothers, picking prunes and cleaning fruit to sell in her grandparents’ country store.

As I’ve gotten older I realize all of my house plants have fun, quirky personalities, just like my students. Subsequently, it has been a neat experience to give them names each year.

As a result of my work with plants in the classroom. In addition to my advocacy for nature-inspired learning spaces in every school. As well as my love of all things nature based I have put together some amazing finds for you. I have spent some time researching and creating a plant safe list for you. I also created a 2-minute quiz that will help you decide which style of plants would best suit your classroom. You can take the quiz here, and get a more detailed classroom design specific plant list today.

If you are looking for more information on how you can create your own classroom sanctuary. One inspired by nature, defined by the principals of Hygge. And most important: one that helps you leave the stress of the world behind when you walk through the door. You can grab the Master Guide to the Natural Classroom. It’s a FREE workbook that will walk you through the steps to create your own sanctuary space today.

Until Next Time, Keep Learning to Play the Nature Way,

Welcome to the Classroom Little Plants

• Spider Plant (Charlotte and her babies)
• Snake Plant (Kaa)
• Aloe (Abra)
• Zebra Plant (Marv)
• Blue Echeverria Triplets (Galaxy, Periwinkle, Indigo)
• Christmas cactus (Nick)
• Succulents (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego)
• Ferns (Finley, Flora, Fiona, Felicity)
• Cactus (Spike)
• Bromeliad (Copper)
• Stringy Plam (Sansa)
• Brand new baby Tillandsia (Sprout)