Pink Orchid flower.

What You Need to Know About the Orchids

Orchids are widely recognized for their exotic and beautifully marked flowers, which last on the plant for a long time. They are also often regarded as being, if not diffi­cult to keep alive, then awkward to bring into flower.

Some varieties do need more specific condi­tions in which to thrive, but there are others that are easy to cultivate, and will reward a little care and attention with a regular display of dramatic blooms.

In their native habitat, orchids occur in both epiphytic (growing on another plant) and terrestrial forms, and this will affect their requirements indoors, in terms of the medium they are grown in and the amount of light they need to flower. None like cold drafts, but good air circulation is essential to avoid disease problems.