Is Phalaenopsis Orchid Poisonous to Dogs?

Dogs and Toxic Plants

• Plants enrich our lives with color, fragrance and form. More than 700 of them, however, contain poisons potent enough to harm animals, according to the Humane Society of the United States. As born explorers, dogs circulate through the garden, sniffing and licking the vegetation to determine who’s been hanging around. Even indoors, they occasionally lick or chew the potted plants. Always consider a plant's toxic potential before introducing it into Fido's environment.

Moth Orchid Toxicity

• Whether you grow moth orchid indoors or in the garden, you'll never have to worry about an up-close-and-personal encounter with your family members or pets. Unless you spray it with toxic disease, pest or weed deterrents, the moth orchid is safe for all concerned, assures the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Treat it with the same degree of care you give your pet, and they’ll grow old together.

Growing Conditions

• Moth orchids thrive in low light, such as that from an east-facing window. Outdoors, they need lots of shade. Filtered morning sun until 10 a.m. is acceptable; more than that burns the foliage. During their spring-to-fall bloom, moth orchids like cool nights and warm days with temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Nightly temperatures between 52 and 54 degrees F during their bud formation period in fall ensure maximum flowering.

Food and Water

• A blooming moth orchid loves weekly to biweekly doses of 20-20-20 fertilizer. Mix 1/4- to 1/2 tablespoon of the fertilizer in 1 gallon of unchlorinated water, advises the Florida SunCoast Orchids website. Feed monthly in fall and winter. Water the plant in the sink whenever its roots are just dry to the touch. Run tepid tap water over it for a full minute, and then let it drain completely. Soggy growing medium invites root rot. Wipe excess moisture from the area where the leaves join in the center to discourage crown rot. An outdoor moth orchid may not need supplemental water during cool, rainy weather.

Preventing Problems

• To protect your dog from plant poisoning, place all indoor plants -- including your moth orchid -- out of reach, so he doesn't see them as toys. Don't let him wander outdoors at will, and keep chemically treated plants or lawns out of bounds until they dry. If you suspect your pet's been exposed to a toxic plant, don't wait for symptoms to surface. Call your vet immediately; if doggie has symptoms, take him to the veterinary clinic.