If concerned hobby gardeners consider the poison content of orchids, they cannot fall back on scientifically based results. In view of the more than 30,000 species, a generally valid statement should not be possible anyway. Read here which findings based on practical experience serve as reference points.
Orchids are generally non-toxic
Commercial orchids are harmless
Since orchids found their way into the supermarkets, the former luxury plants are affordable for everyone. We have this fact to thank for a wealth of experience that not only relates to the right care. We also owe the knowledge that dealing with orchids has no negative effects on human health to the lively exchange among passionate orchid gardeners.
These exceptions prove the rule
The following exceptions to the rule that orchids are non-toxic are known to exist:
- Vanilla planifolia triggers skin rashes, headaches and nausea with permanent contact
- Oncidium cebolleta causes hallucinations after consumption
The negative effects of a vanilla orchid are felt even if you don't cultivate the orchid as a houseplant. If you suffer from food allergies, eating the pods or their contents is enough to get hives or facial swelling.
tips
There are increasing reports of animal lovers whose cats nibbled on an orchid and then suffered from nausea. It has not yet been possible to clearly clarify which ingredients make house tigers uncomfortable. As a precautionary measure, we recommend avoiding orchids as houseplants in a household with cats.