Exotic orchids have been a favorite for indoor gardeners for ages. But as much as we love these tropical beauties, they don’t always return the favor. Believe it or not, orchids are actually known to trigger allergic reactions in some people.
It’s All in the Sap
The culprit is usually the sap found inside the leaves and stems. If it gets on your skin, it can cause a classic allergic reaction. And it’s not just an issue when you’re pruning; even a quick touch can do it. Simply pinching off a withered leaf as you walk by can be enough to trigger a flare-up.
Spotting the Symptoms
Here’s the tricky part: orchid allergy symptoms don’t usually show up right away. In most cases, you won’t see a reaction until 48 to 72 hours after contact. Because of this delay, many people don’t realize their orchid is the problem—especially if they only touched it briefly a few days prior.
If you notice any of these signs on your skin, you might want to look at your orchids as the potential cause:
- Itching or burning at the point of contact.
- Redness, swelling, or small blisters (in more severe cases).
- Skin that becomes scaly or starts to weep.
Good News: You Can Still Enjoy the Scent
If your skin is sensitive to orchids, don’t panic—you don’t have to kick your plants to the curb just yet! You just need to take a few precautions. The good news is that smelling the flowers is generally considered safe and isn’t known to trigger these types of reactions.
How to Protect Yourself
If you know you’re sensitive to orchid sap, the best defense is a good pair of gloves. Make sure your skin is covered whenever you’re handling your plants. This is especially important during bigger tasks like pruning or repotting.
Check Your Beauty Products
One last tip: keep an eye on your skincare routine. Orchid extracts are popular ingredients in many cosmetics and lotions, and these can trigger the same skin reactions. Take a quick peek at the labels on your bathroom shelf and swap out any products that list orchid as an ingredient if you notice your skin acting up.