The answer depends on what type of orchid you’re talking about. There are five orchid species that can be eaten, all of which produce flowers for pollination and are grown for their exotic foliage rather than their plant material. If you’re growing these types of plants, know that the flowers may not taste all that great, but many people like to enjoy them because they’re interesting in a decorative sense.

Epiphytes or flowering plants, orchids are an exception to this rule. They don’t have flowers on their leaves and tend to be rather large, sometimes towering above even the largest pet stores or gardening centers. If you’re considering growing orchid plants, you should be aware that they can be poisonous if ingested. This applies to both plants and soil.

Some orchids, such as the Dogbane orchid, are commonly eaten as food. Ingesting any part of the plant may cause death if it has been prepared incorrectly. Specifically, orchid parts contain oxalates, which are commonly found in milk, juices, and soft drinks. Excessive exposure to oxalates may cause severe skin irritation, even leading to blistering or burning of the mouth and throat. Ingesting a lot of orchid leaves can also lead to kidney failure and a potentially life-threatening condition known as “ketoacidosis.”

On the flip side, orchids like the Anemone orchid aren’t usually consumed. However, they are one of the few orchid plants that can actually be toxic to humans, although very few orchids make it that far. Anemones grow in the ocean, and as such are often consumed by birds and crabs. Ingesting any part of the orchid leaf, stem, or root will cause severe stomach upset and diarrhea. Even more toxic than orchids that are consumed are the plants that produce latex, such as the orchid plant’s latex-producing flower, the “Meadow flower.”

All orchids grown commercially should be eaten only in their natural state. To ensure eating only orchid flowers, choose an orchid with a large bulb with a long, flexible stem. If you plan to include a plant that produces latex, such as the Dogbane orchid, be sure to keep it in a place where it can receive direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will help evaporate the plant’s protective but drying, covering, and drying again will quickly kill it.

Another consideration is the humidity of the plant. Air-conditioned orchids are fine to grow in, but an extremely high humidity level can be toxic to them. It’s best to plant your orchid in a room that has a humidifier. If you’re growing your orchids indoors, be sure not to place the plant in an overly hot or drafty area, as high humidity can also kill the plant. Keep humidity levels around 55% for the best results with your orchid care.

Some of the more dramatic changes in a plant’s appearance and blooming can occur after the blooming period has ended. If you cut off a portion of the orchid flower and hang it, then it will dry out and fade color. You can also take a cutting and place it in a bowl of water with some salt and let it sit for a few days. The salt in the water will help draw out any of the water from the roots, which will encourage the plant to begin growing again.

Plants that do not have access to the sun or air can still blossom and bloom. There are two varieties of epiphytes that can survive without sunlight, air, or water, but they are very rare species. This type of orchid is called the Saka epiphyte, and it grows solely in Japan. Only around three percent of orchids actually survive outside of their natural habitat, so it is best to keep your air plants inside if you cannot move them. It will be well worth the effort spent if your plant blooms and dies from lack of exposure.