I hear all the time "I love orchids but they are so hard to grow" You can grow orchids right in your windows like many of the flowering plants that are typically grown in the home.

   You can keep track of your orchids and their blooming time using my easy Orchid Inventory Database program. As you learn more about orchids you will be experimenting with different types.
   Be sure to read what each type needs before purchasing one that you will not be able to provide the right conditions to grow it in.
   Study orchid books - this will save a lot of disappointments.
   There are many orchids that you may be able to grow in and around your home. One of the easiest and most popular orchids to grow in the home are the Phalaenopsis and Doritaeniopsis or better known as the "Moth Orchid" hybrids. They require average house temperature and moderate light, much like the African Violet.
   Read more about these orchids in my Moths or Orchids? article.

   Other commonly grown orchids are the Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium (Lady Slipper) species and hybrids, among them many forms are also low light growers. Basics of cultivating these orchids successfully in your home can be read in my Slippers Can Be Orchids and A New Slipper In The Garden articles.

   The Cattleya (Catt.) alliance is a very rewarding group and is often used in corsages or as cut flowers. In general, many forms of these orchids are grateful for lots of light but otherwise are no difficult to cultivate.
   Read more about them in my articles titled "The Orchid of Love" or in the articles suggesting orchids for Christmas or for Valentine's Day.

   Oncidiums (dancing dolls), Vandas and Dendrobiums, all need bright light to flower.

   If you have a cool area try growing the beautiful "Pansies" the Miltoniopsis hybrids.

For those of you that live in mild climates growing Cymbidiums in your gardens is a lot of fun.
Many orchids can be grown in your home if you give them what they need:

Water Don't over water, this kills more orchids than anything else!

Light Too much light will kill your orchid as will too little light.

Temperature Orchids, like people, like to have a comfortable temperature.

Fertilizer Remember the old saying, "weakly, weekly" when fertilizing orchids.

Humidity Orchids like 40%-70% humidity.

Air movement They don't like stagnant air, but then neither do you.
   You grow orchids much like you do any blooming house plant.

   Remember most orchids are epiphytes and are planted in orchid bark, lava rock, or mounted on pieces of bark.

   Then there are special peat based mixes that should be used and not your common garden or house plant soil.
Always use pots with good drainage as the peat base mix will tend to hold water and the orchid can rot.

   Read more, specific requirements at my advanced DHTML Orchid Nights site designed for Internet Explorer 5.0 or newer

   Now if you just can't grow the orchids you want, the new silk flowers may be just the item for you. Silk flowers are absolutely life-like. You can purchase a beautiful silk orchid for around the same price as a live one and you never have to water it!