Hi Mick,

Orchid Plants are considered to be non- poisonousPlants are a great addition to homes and offices, but it’s important to know whether your plants are dangerous to children, pets, or even adults. Some plants contain chemicals such as oxalates, solanine, glycosides, or alkaloid lycorine that may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling and redness of the mouth, throat, and lips, and trouble breathing. Touching parts of certain plants, especially the sap, may cause various skin irritations. The weight and age of the human or pet involved, and the part and amount of plant eaten determine how severe the reaction to the toxins will be. Although plants may be listed as non-toxic, they can still cause individual allergic reactions. If there is any question after a houseplant has been ingested or touched immediately call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 The Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants [Paperback]is an excellent reference to keep around if you have young children and pets. and make a lovely gift for Mother’s Day. That said, individual people or pets may have an allergic reaction to certain plants so always keep that in mind. Here is a list of some of my favorite easy care orchid plants that don’t require much time and effort.

Phaleonopsis (Moth Orchids):easy to find, not too expensive, may bloom for months. Flower colors can be yellow, pink, white, purple, orange, and even green or red.

Cymbidium: these usually bloom in late winter and early spring. Cymbidium Orchid HousePlants have long, thin, grass – like leaves. Sturdy stems or spikes emerge from the leaves of the plant and each spike produces 15-30 beautiful waxy- looking flowers.

Dendrobium: long lasting blooms for a month or more often seen at florists in bouquets, offer long-lasting blooms (they stay looking good for a month or more). They keep their leaves all year and produce flowers on the new stems.

Cattleya: This orchid has scented flowers in red, yellow, pink, white, and orange.

Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchids): Rather than a few large flowers, Oncidiums have clusters of 30-50 small blooms. Flowers in yellow, purple, white, and pink may have attractive streaks of other colors.

Here are a few orchid pictures so you can see what they look like:

Phaleonopsis Orchid
Moth Orchid

Cymbidium Orchid

Dendrobium Orchid

Cattleya Orchid