Table of contents
- Myths and legends about enchanting orchids
- How dangerous are orchids especially for babies?
- Dangerous plant parts in orchids
- Orchids - a risk in households with small children and babies?
Parents and pet owners take a critical look at the orchid and weigh up whether the houseplant is really suitable. Hardly any other plant is surrounded by so many myths and legends as the orchid, which originally grew in the It grows in rainforests and has the botanical name "Orchis" (from the Greek for German "Hode") wears. Equally legendary is the enormous biodiversity of the plant. There are over 30,000 known species of orchids, some of which are poisonous while others are completely harmless. It is worth knowing that touching the plant by babies, small children or pets does not cause any reactions. Harmful health consequences only arise if parts of the plant and its flower are eaten.
Myths and legends about enchanting orchids
You will not find poisonous orchids in hardware stores or in German nurseries. Problems can only arise with wild plants of unknown species taken from nature. If you buy your orchid in this country, you can place it in the house or apartment without hesitation and enjoy the wonderful flowers in a true blaze of colour.
Tip:
Keep your orchids out of the reach of children and you can be sure that the wonderful plant will not endanger your offspring. A window sill or an elevated position on a sideboard are ideal places for the orchid. It is important that you choose a location with sufficient daylight. Orchids love it bright and bloom for a particularly long time when they are exposed to the sun and are therefore spoiled by the light.
How dangerous are orchids especially for babies?
As explained in the previous paragraph, the types of orchids available in this country are non-toxic. However, it is already pointed out on the care label that the plant and its parts are not intended for consumption. If flowers or stems and leaves of the orchid get into the mouth and are salivated, it can also be in the case of non-poisonous varieties, health impairments and visible signs of poisoning come. Especially the small organism of babies reacts very strongly to the plant substances that lead to headaches, nausea and vomiting. Here, however, the orchid is no exception, but joins the range of inedible indoor plants that are not suitable for consumption.
A notice:
If a baby or toddler has nibbled on an orchid, you should watch it carefully and, if in doubt, consult a doctor immediately. If the parts of the plant do not get into the stomach and you immediately notice the child's curiosity about consumption, you need not fear any health risks.
Orchids that are commercially available here:
- do not contain any toxic substances.
- are not suitable for consumption.
- should be placed out of the reach of children/pets.
- are known in their effect in case of accidental consumption.
- should come from organic nurseries.
Dangerous plant parts in orchids
The foliage and flowers do not usually produce any harmful reaction. The situation is different with the tuber, whose bitter substances attack the liver and cause permanent liver damage. It is therefore advisable that you not only keep your orchids out of the reach of small children, but also in a well-protected cachepot that cannot be reached by children's nimble fingers place. Small children in particular love playing in the ground and tend to dig up the tuber and then put their fingers in their mouths. If the root is damaged and the bitter substance gets on children's hands, this can lead to severe diarrhea and nausea with vomiting. In the long term and with repeated contact of toxins with saliva, the liver is in danger, which should not be underestimated.
A notice:
Poisoning from eating orchid root parts is not directly related to poisonous species. The tuber generally contains bitter substances, which causes irritation in the stomach, intestines and liver.
Orchids - a risk in households with small children and babies?
This question can generally be answered with no. Because if you buy your orchids from an experienced breeder or in a garden supply or hardware store, you won't get to the few poisonous species at all. A careful location away from children's hands ensures that your offspring does not come into contact with the plant. Babies are particularly tempted to put the colorful flowers in their mouths and chew on them. If you counteract this, you can sit back and relax and don't have to fear any danger.
Some orchids have been shown to contain alkaloids. These produce a hallucinogenic effect and temporarily lead to dizziness and visual disturbances. Before buying, ask whether the orchid you prefer is a species with alkaloids and in this case rule out the purchase. A well-known hallucination-causing species that is occasionally available in nurseries is the Oncidium cebolleta. Other conventional strains do not carry any hallucinogenic substances and can therefore be used without worrying about them health of the little ones in your living room, in the kitchen or in the attractive conservatory find.
Tip:
Don't be overly anxious. If you are unsure, we recommend asking a botanist or buying your orchid directly from the breeder. Here you not only get information about the species and its poison content, but you can also find out more about all the important details about the plant.
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