If you’re thinking of growing orchids on your own, then the lighting is one of the things that you should focus on. Aside from picking the right mulch, the life of your orchid depends on the quality of light that it receives everyday. Although it requires special attention, you don’t have to necessarily break the bank just to get quality lights that are grow lights orchids. Here are some of the tips that you can use to find that grow lights orchids for your plant provided by a sand bagging dealer who also delt with flower deliveries and compost.
 
Consider the area measurements where you are going to place your grow lights. It has to be the right size so that you won’t end up getting a set of grow lights that are bigger than your space. One way to avoid this is by getting the exact diameter and other measurements of the place where you are going to place your orchid lights.
 
Since your Grow Lights for orchids will be left turned on for a very long time, you should pick the one that saves energy. Taking care of your orchids doesn’t have to be expensive. It is all about making sure that you spend less while getting so much more. Look at the specifications of the grow lights that you are going to buy carefully. Make sure that you know the watts per bulb.
 
You should also consider the brightness of your grow lights. Since there are grow lights for different plants, it is best to inform the person that you are buying from that you are buying these lights for your orchids. Most of the time, they know exactly what to give you. However, always remember that it doesn’t have to be the most expensive light in the store. Choose wisely.
 
It is also best to get those grow lights for orchids that are adjustable since your plants can still grow. This way, you don’t have to reinstall it or even buy a new one just so that the light can still be used for your orchids. You should also consider any renovation possibilities.

How are your orchids growing? I hope it is doing well because if it is then you are probably on the right lines. If you are having problems then having a bit of knowledge about orchid care will help you. Once you have mastered the basics then you will be in a much better position and feel more relaxed about it.

When you are researching orchid care for the first time it is tricky to know where to start. This puts a lot of people off having orchids. This is a real shame as with experience it will be a lot easier for you.

Not a lot of people know how much water they should be giving the orchid. This is often where people go wrong and if you get this part of the orchid care wrong then your plant will die. Please don't start over watering the orchid. It only requires watering about once per week, no more than that. Prior to watering, check the soil, at least an inch under the surface to check it is dry. If you are unsure then don't water just yet.

If you have just received your orchid then you shouldn't have to re-pot for a while. You should re-pot during spring. When you do re-pot choose a pot that is not too big, the orchid will prefer to have its roots packed in. You want to soak the soil when you re-pot.

All orchids thrive on light. The more light you give it the better... up to a point. Once you get better at orchid care you will get a feel for how long you should leave them in direct sunlight.

My aim was to give you some of the basics of orchid care. I hope that you can use some of these techniques on your orchid. Please keep at it because although you will make mistakes you will learn from them.

Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to care for, but they don't have to be as long as you follow certain instructions. Some of these are more critical to the health and beauty of your orchids than others, but you can't go wrong by paying attention to everything you can learn about orchid care.

There are innumerable tips for orchid care that people depend on to help them keep their orchids in the best condition. Following is a look at a few of the key ones. If you're a novice to growing orchids, you will want to start here, or you're not likely to progress any further.

Just like any plant, water is a critical component to the health of your orchid.  Orchid plants need water to grow and if you water them too much or not enough, they are going to suffer and end up withering and dying. In relation to other plants, orchids require considerably less water. Rather than watering your plant a couple of times a week, you need to hold back and only give it a drink every five to 10 days.

You can discover if your orchid requires some water by lifting it up by the pot and assessing the weight. You will get a feel for this over time, but essentially you determine the weight of the pot to see if it requires water or not. Wait until the soil in the plant is quite dry before watering again.

Ventilation is another critical factor in caring for orchids. The role of ventilation is to prevent the water from soaking directly into the soil, and it also provides the blooms with adequate oxygen.

There are certain problems that a lot of people deal with when they are caring for orchids. If you ever notice that you have over watered the plant, for instance, then one of the best things that you can do is take a rag or a paper towel and use this to soak up the excess water.

Another problem that people often complain about is that the leaves on the orchid flower are burning.
This means that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight which is causing the leaves of the plant to burn as a result.

There are a lot of different types of flowers that you can grow, but the orchid is a favorite of many gardeners. Once you know the ropes on caring for orchids, you're sure to receive years of enjoyment from these beautiful blooms.

Many orchid lovers can say that taking care of their orchids takes simple and easy steps. But there are some that are very fond of having orchids right in their garden but don’t have any slightest idea about the right orchids care? But why do they care? After all, most of the orchids can be found in the wild and they can grow by themselves, right? Wrong. Just like any other living things, like the dog. The dog was a wild animal of long ago but because people found it to be a good house pet, they trained it and domesticate it. With the orchids, it’s the same as that. You can definitely “tame” or learning the art of caring for orchids and learn how to grow them the right way in your own garden.

You may think that because orchids are naturally “wild” plants that grow anywhere, you don’t need some special skills to make them grow in your own garden, right? Wrong. If you want to grow orchids in your own turf, you have to consider a lot of thing like lighting, temperature, air moisture and air circulation. If you want to do indoor-growing of orchids, you have to be specific with what species of orchids you would like to care for. According to orchids experts, two species are best to grow indoors: the Moth Orchids and Lady's Slippers. Both have enduring flowers, and the latter has such an exotic look with unusual warts, hair and striped colors. Sometimes, it’s best and more enjoyable to grow orchids indoors and it would be quite a challenge and not only that, indoor orchids can truly make a house more beautiful and appealing.

But the problem is, if you want to learn the art in growing orchid plants on your own, how? Right now, there are actually a lot of learning tools that you can invest and most of them come in the form of book guides. But of course, you need to find something that fits your preference and in order to do this, you should first read some product reviews so you can choose the best or the one that suits your taste.

Orchids (more formally, Orchidacea) are a grouping of plants comprising more than 20,000 known species, a large number of which are highly valuable commercially. Many people think that they are far and away the most interesting order of plants in the entire vegetable kingdom because of their astonishing mode of growth and existence, their bizarre habits and the multitudinous shapes and forms of their blooms, which are different from those of all other plants -- fine in texture and with exquisite and glowing colors.

Orchids are also to be remarked on owing to their well-known adaptability and the degree to which they will easily cross breed or cross-fertilize. This is the case in their natural environs as well as under cultivation. This fact also accounts for the practically endless varieties of flowers and colors that can occur from hybridization.

A little botany: The orchid flower as a rule consists of these parts: sepals, the petals, the labellum (or pouch), and the column (or crest).

On most orchids the labellum is generally the most notable part as well as the most important organ of the flower. Insects enter it looking for the sweet juices held within the spur or walls of the flower, pollinating the plant as they do so and bringing about cross-fertilization in the bargain. This is how such a large number of new varieties come about in the wild, and these are termed natural hybrids.  But under cultivation this task must be accomplished by human caretakers using tiny camel's hair brushes and with a careful eye and judgment as to the proper moment for fertilization. It is in this manner that the most beautiful hybrids are produced, and these are known as garden hybrids.

One of the the things that makes orchid growing so exciting is the possibility of producing our own hybrid orchids. It takes knowledge and much patience, but even first-timers have created breathtaking orchids by experimenting with hybridizing.

If you are wishing to experiement with the hybridization of orchids, you should first gain some good experience in basic cultivation of these plants.  Only when you feel confident in growing and taking care of orchids should you venture on the more demanding task of hybridization. Orchids are slow growing plants, and slow to produce blooms, so you must be comfortable with waiting often years to learn if your hybridizing experiments are successful. Nontheless, when you do succeeed, it's fantastic experience.  You can produce not only some beautiful flowers by this process, but also orchid types never before seen in the world.

Certainly, you must seek out all the knowledge that you can before attempting to hybridize orchids. Fortunately, there are good books available on all aspects of orchid growing, including step-by-step instructions on hybridizing orchids.

The most thorough guidebook to 21st-century orchid care, in the opinion of many, is Orchid Care Expert by a Mr. Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded over the Internet. Mr. Howard's ebook is a complete course in itself, suitable for the novice as well as the more experienced. As well, check out the Orchid Secretsweb site, which features an ever-expanding library of articles on a broad range of aspects of orchid cultivation.

Orchids are in general placed into two major varieties, epiphytal and terrestrial. The epiphytals are plants that grow on trees. There are a number of methods for growing this type of orchid in the house or in a greenhouse. It all begins with the potting.

Epiphytal orchids, in nature, have their roots more exposed to the air than the majority of other plants do.  As a consquence, by "potting" we do not mean to pack them all around with dense potting soil.  Rather, we want to place them in a pot containing loose, organic material, from which they can draw necessary nutrients, along with rocks or broken pottery shards to create open spaces as well as to assist the plants to stay upright.

The usual recipe for potting material suitable to epiphytals is one part sphagnum moss to one part peat moss. Place a layer of this matter in the bottom of the pot, followed by a layer of rocks or pottery pieces, then another layer of the mix, and so forth. When the pot is around a quarter or at most a third full, carefully place the orchid's roots down into it. Then continue adding rocks and compost, packing all of this potting material just firmly enough to support the plant.

Gradually build up the compost up to and above the top of the pot. The height you should go above the top of the pot depends on the size of the pot as well as the depth to which you have placed the plant. The general rule is to allow the plant's crown to rest on top of the compost. By crown, we mean that section of the plant from where the roots begin.

If you happen to be repotting a plant, you must be careful about extricating it from the old pot. If there are any new roots attaching themselves to the outside of the pot, you should try to ease them off with a penknife. It there is a mass of vital roots -- that is, roots that have sap in them -- attached to the interior of the pot, then you might need to break the pot and pick away all of those roots that you can. You might need to repot it with pieces of the old pot still clinging to the roots, and this is fine.

It is preferable not to water the orchid for a day or so before and after potting it.

This has been a general introduction to potting epiphytal type orchid plants. The subject can be more complex than this, particularly in the case of some of the more delicate or senstive species. People have written entire books on the subject of potting all the different types of orchids!  Luckily, most of us don't need books devoted only to the potting art to achieve success with orchids. A recognized, step-by-step guide to all aspects of orchid growing is usually sufficient.

Today there is an abudance of good, accurate information to be had by anyone who wants to cultivate orchids. The most up-to-date guide to contemporary orchid gardening, without a doubt, is Orchid Care Expert by a Mr. Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded from the Internet. Howard's clearly written guide will furnish a thorough education on the subject. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which is publishing a growing database of postings on a wide range of topics of orchid care.

Previously, orchids were deemed as the extraordinary plants and just the very rich that can grow these plants. However, this deliberation is no longer appropriate today. Recently, every person can grow these lovely plants as they are more affordable and acknowledge on how to care for them is available readily. For people who have grown orchids for years, these plants are the queens of horticulture world.

Can I Really Grow Orchids?

Generality, those who are not familiar with orchids, may have heard that they are very difficult to grow well. A mystery seems to be surrounding them. Some would be plant fanatics may think orchids to be the job of experts, and are not meant to the beginner or hobbyist.

In fact, all of those ideas are absolutely wrong. Growing orchids is the oldest and perhaps the most highly organized of plant hobbies and people in all walks of life can enjoy them. If you can grow pot plants, you can fruitfully grow orchids. However, before estimate these plants to your home, recognize some fundamental facts first.

Fast Facts

One that you have to put in mind chiefly in growing orchids is determine the right sort of indoor environment that you will be offering. There is a credence that these plants are "exotic". Hence, they won't grow well in the general home.

As the largest group of plants in the world, they are not a rare and delicate species. While they do call for definite treatment, many species are sturdy and you may even find a variety growing wild in one of your local parks.

Orchids have developed over the years, with the type you buy in a local garden center being particularly bred and cultivated for your particular area. By reason of selective breeding and hybridization, the plants you buy will do pretty well in your home if you meet their basic needs.

A greenhouse isn't required to grow these pretty plants. Growing them indoors will be as easy as nurture to other houseplants. However, pick a species of orchids that has been cultivated for your area.

There are a lot of species of this plant, and some may include careful care only since they are not able to last out the conditions that are in your home. Conversely, there are lots of varieties that will blossom in your house, with normal and routine care, since they have been adapted for your specific area.

You won’t feel sorry of growing orchids at your home as they can offer you a lifetime of happiness. It asks a patience to grow these plants but give the relevant pleasure. Happy growing orchids!

Want to know more about orchids? Learn about the species of orchids here.

If you're looking for more information on orchid care, then this guide will give you the information you're looking for. In particular, we're going to discuss whether it's a good idea to grow orchids indoors, which variety of orchid is suitable for you, and the length of time it can take for an orchid to bloom. By the time you've finished reading this guide you'll have a better understanding of orchid care, and which orchid is right for you.

The first thing to consider when you buy an orchid, is where you are planning on growing them. Many gardeners love to grow their orchids indoors. If you want to do this, then you need to make sure you pick a variety of orchid which doesn't grow too tall. Some orchids only grow a few inches tall, and these are ideal for windowsill growing. On the other hand, there are some varieties which become very tall - some of the biggest ones can even grow to 20 meters! Obviously, you'll need to keep these bigger varieties outside.

So which orchids are best for the beginner gardener? Many gardeners don't have enough time to care for an orchid, which means they like to choose a variety which isn't difficult to care for. The most popular - by far - orchid to grow indoors is probably the "Dendrobium". Many people find this family of orchid easiest to care for, and it's also very beautiful when it blooms. This particular variety only blooms for 3 to 4 weeks, though.

A final thing to consider when taking care of orchids is how long your orchid takes to bloom. There are several varieties or orchid which take several years to bloom. So if you're growing them from seedlings, you may be in for a long wait. For this reason, many gardeners like to buy their orchid as a plant rather than a seedling, so they don't have to wait for years for a bloom.

On the other hand, many gardeners find it more satisfying and fulfilling to grow their orchids from seeds. While this requires more waiting, the bloom is often more satisfying. In the end, the decision will be up to you.

In conclusion, we have covered three important aspects of how to take care for orchids. These aspects where deciding where to grow your orchids, which variety to grow if you're a beginner, and how long they take to bloom. Now that you've finished reading this guide, you should be able to make a better informed decision about which orchids you should grow.

We should appreciate orchid and other flower cultivators, at least in part, for the burgeoningpush to make full use of the water that reaches our homes, in particular that which comes down as rain. If you are an orchid grower orchids, this is a topic you might like to investigate.

Orchids, similar to other plants, have specific likes and dislikes as to what is provided them to nourish their roots. Most of them definitely do not like water that is too hard. Unfortunately, the water that comes out of the taps in many locales is too hard for orchids to thrive at their best. For the most part, hard water won't kill orchids. It might stunt their growth, though, or keep them from ever blooming as beautifully as they would have.

A good thing about orchids is that they possess thick, fleshy roots that can stand up to hard water better than many other sorts of plants. Hardwood plants, for instance, with their fine roots, are too easily destroyed by water that is overly hard. Nevertheless you should take measures to avoid putting hard water on your orchids.

There are filters that you can acquire to install on your water line that will make your water softer while taking out many impurities that are bad for humans and plants alike. Nothing, though, is better than good old rainwater when it comes to your orchids! After all, this is the form of water that nature supplies to plants the world over.

Several companies produce rain barrels that are great for catching and storing rainwater until you need it. Many people set up the barrels below the rainspouts coming from their roofs. With some planning and work, you could set up several rain barrels to direct water directly to your orchids. Then the watering work, presuming you live in a fairly rainy area, becomes nearly hands free.

Whatever kind of water you use, don't use it on your plants if it has a chill on it. For example, I would not use water collected from an outdoor tap on a cold day, without first allowing it to come to room temperature in my home or in the greenhouse. Chilly water can lead to spotting, rot young growths and harm roots.

Some orchids will get benefit from water with a little lime mixed with it. In years gone by, people noticed that imported Cypripedium orchids often were covered in chalky lime deposits due to the plants having grown in limestone rock crevices where the water trickled down upon them. So if you have a Cypripedium, you could try adding lime to the water, a little at first and then more if you determine that the plant is thriving on it.

The art and science of orchid cultivation is a fascinating subject. Orchid growing is not as difficult as some people like to make it out to be, but you must arm yourself with solid information before plunging in to this rewarding pastime. 

The most thorough guide to expert orchid growing, in the opinion of many, is Orchid Care Expert by master orchid grower Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded from the web. Mr. Howard's guide is a complete education all to itself, practical for neophytes as well as those more experienced. As well, visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which is publishing a growing library of information on all topics of orchid care.

Since tulip mania (or "tulipomania") reached its height in the Netherlands until the present day no one group of plants has acquired such a firm hold on popular passion as the orchids. Believe it or not, though, today's orchid craze hardly compares to the fevered devotion that the plants inspired in our Victorian forebears, especially in England and the United States.

Certainly, of course, many other plants were greatly admired in the Anglo-Saxon world of the latter half of the 19th century.Among these were ferns, cacti, chrysanthemums, palms and roses. But orchids to a much greater degree represented the height of horticultural respectability in the 19th century garden. So highly were the tropical epiphytes held that on May 12, 1885, the first huge orchid conference was held in London. This event brought together both commercial and amateur cultivators to exhibit their prized specimens and to discuss such vital questions as the culture and nomenclature of these fascinating flowers.

At the time of that great conference in London, the exotic tropical orchids had been known to most of the world for only around a hundred years. The Spanish botanist Francisco Hernandez casually mentioned a few orchids as curiosities in his account of his 16th-century voyage to Spanish America. Almost two centuries later, naturalist Engelbert Kaempfer and botanist Georg Eberhard Rumphius, both working for the Dutch East Indies Company, described some of the Asian orchids. It was not, though, until just prior to the opening of the 19th century that many Europeans became aware of these exciting, mysterious plants.

By the early 19th century, botanists were attempting to cultivate a handful of specimens at such places as London's famous Kew Gardens. Until 1820 orchids were looked upon as curiosities in botanical gardens, but about that time some showy Cattleyas and other species produced some stunning flowers, piqueing greater interest among the public. By the middle of the 19th century, new orchid specimens were making their way to Europe from all around the globe. Additionally, more and more people were attempting to cultivate orchids at home.

The first great orchid craze was going full throttle by the late 1800s and continued undiminished for many years to come. Somewhat suprisingly, a solid scientific understanding of orchid botany and what was needed to be consistently successful in growing orchids did not arrive until the 1920s.

Nowadays, of course, we have an abundance of good information on the proper way to grow orchids. The most accurate and clear guidebook to contemporary orchid care, it is widely acknowedged, is Orchid Care Expert by a Mr. Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Mr. Howard's guide is a full education in itself, wonderful for novices as well as the more experienced. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets website, which is publishing a growing library of information on many aspects of orchid care.

Not that long ago, people believed that growing orchids was a hobby reserved for the rich among them, or certainly at least the very affluent. These days, most people know that orchid cultivation is a pastime available to nearly everyone.Yet there is another mistaken assumption that continues to be passed along: that growing orchids is so difficult it is almost not worth the effort. You should be relieved to know that this is not so.

The fact is, many of the most astonishingly lovely orchid types are in actuality pretty easy to grow. What you need is foreknowledge, gathered easily from books, whether they are the hard-copy kind or the convenient digital kind that you can find and download from the World Wide Web. If you live in a mild or warm climate, you will be able to grow many varieties outdoors, in your yard or garden.But even if your climate is a cold one, you can still grow gorgeous orchids in a greenhouse or even a regular room, dedicated to the purpose.

Why grow orchids rather than other types of plants?If you have spent any time in caring for an orchid, the question wouldn't occur to you. Orchids can grip us, infecting us with a sort of fever that never goes away once we catch it!

Regardless, here are a few answers to the question. One huge advantage of growing orchids as opposed to other flowering plants is their extreme showiness paired with the great length of time they will stay in bloom. Some orchids will continue in bloom for three or four months. A select few are even known to keep their blooms for as long as six months. Even with a small collection of different species of orchids, you can have blooms all year round since these plants vary in their season of blooming.

The topic of orchids, and how to cultivate them, is both broad and deep. You should dig deep into the subject, learning as much as you possibly can before acquiring your first plant. Nontheless, there are some basics you need to know at the very start. Among those basics is that orchids can be classed into two great groupings, based on growing habits.

One of the major orchid groups is the epiphytals. These are orchids that grow on trees, or sometimes in moss or fungus on rocks. These are the "air dwelling" orchids, that seem to thrive on nothing but sunlight and air, although this, of course, is not really the case. It was these mysterious species that first grabbed the imaginations of collectors and resulted in the first great orchid mania of a more than a century ago. They are still the ones that most fascinate people today.

These epiphytal orchids should not be thought of as parasitic, though. The get only a little of their sustenance from the tree bark on which they grow, and this doesn't harm their hosts at all. They also pull nutrients from water, fungi and moss, as well as the decomposing leaves that sometimes get caught on them. Orchid growers love the epiphytals because of the fun--and sometimes challenge--of recreating their growing environment in a greenhouse or garden.

The other major grouping of orchids consists of the terrestrial ones. As you can guess, these are the kind that grow in the soil like "normal" plants. Growing them means pottting them, as we do with most other of our familiar houseplants. Some of the most beautiful species of orchids will be found in this group.

Many orchid growers start out by concentrating on one of these two main groups of orchids. As you might guess, though, they end up growing at least a handful of species from both groups. It''s recommended to learn about both types of orchids if you are serious about joining the world of orchid growers.

These days, of course, we have an abundance of solid information on the correct way to grow orchids. The most thorough guidebook to today's orchid cultivation, many growers agree, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which can be downloaded from the web. Howard's well-written guide is a thorough education all by itself. And, it's appropriate for beginning gardeners as well as more experienced orchid growers. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which features an ever-growing database of information on all aspects of orchid cultivation.

Do you have an orchid that continues growing, one year after another, but that never produces more than one blooming pseudobulb. If you desire to increase the number of blooming growths, you can accomplish this by a method of cutting with a knife in order to produce back shoots. With luck and a suitable type of plant (those from the Cattleyas family are best), you will eventually have a really spectacular orchid.

Proceed as follows: Take a plant that has several back pseudobulbs, say four or five. Cut the rhizome in two between the bulbs, being careful not to otherwise disturb it. That's basically it, but here are some things to keep in mind:

• The best time to cut most orchids is during their resting phase, usually fall or winter. When they again enter their growing phase you may then observe them producing two growths from one pseudobulb where you have cut it.
• Cutting should not be attempted on an orchid that is not in good health. Cutting as described above will not harm a healthy plant, but could be stressful to a weak or sickly one.
• If you cut the same plant for back shoots every year, you will eventually have an orchid that is both bigger and more stunning that it would have been without the knife. This is how some of the amazing specimens are produced that you come across in orchid showings.

There is more that can be said about the art of cutting to produce more blooms, as well as the process of taking cuttings to start more plants. To learn more about these and other secrets of orchid cultivation, a respected guide such as that written by Nigel Howard is highly recommended.

The most complete guide to contemporary orchid cultivation, I have found, is Mr. Howard's Orchid Care Expert, which is available to be downloaded online. Mr. Howard's ebook is a full course of study, helpful for novices and the more experienced cultivators alike. Also, be sure to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing library of postings on many facets of orchid cultivation.

The Cattleya fly is one of the most potentially damaging pests that canfind their way to your precious orchids. In fact, this pest is closely associated with orchids rather than any other type of plant, as you might guess from its scientific name, Eurytoma orchidearum.

Cattleya flies deposit their eggs in the orchid plant's young growths. The eggs hatch and then nymphs (or maggots) hatch and begin to feed voraciously. The nymphs quickly swell to a grotesque size within the bulbs. One signal that these maggots are doing their dirty work is that the bulbs themselves will swell becoming club-shaped at the location where the pests are feeding.

Finally, the nymphs turn into flies, which munch their way to the outside by chewing through the flesh of the bulbs. Adult flies are deep black, have clear wings, and are about a quarter inch in length. Sadly, by the time you see them, it could be too late to salvage many of your plants. Nonetheless, you should try to kill the flies before they get a chance to inject their eggs into your remaining good plants.

If you have plants that are already infested, the best remedy is to slice away any bulbs that you notice are swelling more than is natural. Then just drop the nymph or maggot into some water to drown it. It's disheartening to have to cut away your plant's young growth, but this is better than leaving your other plants open to being attacked by this pest. With luck, the plant that you had to do "surgery" on will grow a new bulb in place of the old one.

Now for the good news about Cattleya flies. They are fortunately not especially common, and most orchid growers will never see them. Regardless, it is just good practice to inspect every new orchid for the signs of these flies and their maggots. Besides looking out for abnormally swollen bulbs where the fly's nymphs might be feeding, inspect for tiny holes where a female fly's ovipositor might have inserted eggs into the orchid. If you don't see these signs, you are probably safe from Cattleya flies.

To be really successful growing orchids it is vital to know how to deal with all the various threats to your plants, including insects. It isn't as hard to grow orchids as many people apparently believe, especially if you read up on how to properly care for these wonderful plants.

The most accurate and clear guidebook to expert orchid growing, I have found, is Orchid Care Expert by a Mr. Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded from the web. Howard's wonderful guide is a comprehensive education all by itself. And, it is suitable for beginning gardeners as well as more seasoned orchid cultivators. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets site, which is publishing an ever-growing database of entries on all aspects of orchid care.

So, you've nursed and fussed over an orchid for many long months and now it is rewarding you with a gorgeous bloom.  Should you treat the plant any differently now? The answer is: Maybe.

Although the species of your orchid will be the final determinant, as a general rule it would be advisable for you to remove the plant to a cooler and drier place that that in which it was grown. This will help the flowers to last much longer than in a warm and moist greenhouse or other typical growing room.

Most orchids will not suffer by being place in a drier and cooler location when they are in bloom. For most of them, it will be positively beneficial. Nevertheless, you should ensure that the temperature of your orchid's temporary new home should never get below 50 degrees F. at night.

Here's an experiment you can carry out if you happen to have two orchids of the same type that bloom at around the same time. Leave one in your growing room, and put the other in a cool, dry place as advised above. You will almost certainly notice that the one in your "cool room" will have fresh flowers for a much longer time than the one that was left behind.

Naturally, the flowers of even the best-cared-for orcnhids will eventually begin to fade. When this happens it is time to move the plant back to its warmer room. Just take care to shade it from the sun until it has re-adjusted to the warmer surroundings. Otherwise it can become scorched.

One of the keys to success in growing orchids is to understand their life cycles and the different stages they go through. Every stage requires a different kind of care, and the blossoming stage has its own unique "rules.".

The most up-to-date guide to modern orchid cultivation, I have found, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which can be downloaded from the Internet. Howard's wonderful guide constitutes a complete education all by itself. And, you will find it suitable for those just starting out as well as more experienced orchid growers. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing library of articles on all topics of orchid cultivation.

One of the pleasurable side hobbies to orchid apprecation is that of looking for references to these mystery-shrouded flowers in works of literature and popular entertainment.

Among the earliest short stories in which an orchid plays a central role is an odd little piece by the pathbreaking science fiction writer, H.G. Wells.This story is not so much science fiction as it is horror, though. You can easily find it in short-story compilations as well as on the Internet under the title of "The Flowering of the Strange Orchid" or simply, "The Strange Orchid."

Wells lived and wrote during the era of the first great orchid craze, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was also a time when there were still some isolated and relatively unexplored places in the world, which fired contemporary imaginations with fantasies of unknown monsters that could yet be lurking in some jungle or mountain fastness.

For "The Strange Orchid," Wells built on the fact that flowers discharge their scent into the air to attract insects, which in turn spread pollen from one plant to another, assisting the plants to reproduce. What if--Wells wondered--there were a flower that took this a step further by evolving the ability to use its scent to overpower and feed on large animals?

The story centers on an Englishman with a passion for orchids who has acquired a rare specimen. After months of tending to it he is excited to see that it is about to blossom. He goes alone one day, eager to enjoy the first sight and odor of the unknown flower. Three hours later his housekeeper finds him lying unconscious before the orchid, which is  giving out an intoxicating odor and is looking very vigorous and wicked. A blood red-tint suffuses its
leaves and it has already pushed some of its finger-like shoots round the orchid lover's neck and beneath his shirt front.

With an inarticulate cry she ran towards him, and tried to pull him away from the leech-like suckers. She snapped two of these tentacles, and their sap dripped red.

Then the overpowering scent of the blossom began to make her head reel. How they clung to him! She tore at the tough ropes, and he and the white inflorescence swam about her. She felt she was fainting, knew she must not. She left him and hastily opened the nearest door, and, after she had panted for a moment in the fresh air, she had a brilliant inspiration. She caught up a flower-pot and smashed in the windows at the end of the greenhouse. Then she re-entered.

She tugged now with renewed strength at Wedderburn's motionless body, and brought the strange orchid crashing to the floor. It still clung with the grimmest tenacity to its victim. In a frenzy, she lugged it and him into the open air.

Then she thought of tearing through the sucker rootlets one by one, and in another minute she had released him and was dragging him away from the horror.

He was white and bleeding from a dozen circular patches.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the housekeeper in this story, the orchid's victim survives--this time.

Fortunately, orchids that feast on blood do not actually exist.You can, though, view this tale as symbolic of the strange grip that orchids can have on anyone who falls under their spell. People who contract orchid fever, including all who venture on growing them, tend to suffer from it their whole lives long. So now you have been warned!

If these fascinating plants have put their bite on you, you'll want to learn as much as possible about how to grow orchids successfully.  The most thorough guide to expert orchid care, without a doubt, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded from the Internet. Howard's wonderful guide constitutes a comprehensive education all to itself. And, it's suitable for beginners as well as more experienced orchid cultivators. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has an ever-growing library of postings on all facets of orchid cultivation.

Orchids require resting time every year. The particular time for this depends on the Variety, but for most orchids it should start some time in the fall and continue through most of the winter. You must treat plants differently at this time than you would during their energetic growth periods (spring and summer usually). This is an often-overlooked part of growing orchids successfully.

A good general practice is to give your orchids rest from November through the middle of February. You should lower the temperature of your orchid room and you should reduce the amount of water you give the plants.

For tropical orchids, keep the air temperature at around 60 or 65. Cooler-origin orchids can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

At this time, give your plants just enough water to keep them from shriveling. The bulk of the moisture should be supplied by misting or by taking steps to keep the air humid. Occasionally, though, you should poke down into the soil and examine the stem, roots and rooting medium of your plants. If these are beginning to dry out you can water them directly.

Some species will continue to grow during the winter. These will demand somewhat more water than those that truly go dormant. If you see new shoots emerging, though, try to avoid wetting them or they else they could rot.

Some orchids are deciduous. This means they will drop their leaves after they have finished their growing for the year. You need to give these as much sun and light during their resting time as you can. This is to allow their pseudobulbs to ripen, letting them grow stronger and flower more freely.

Caring properly for orchids during their rest is not that difficult. Avoiding all problems, though, requires a good bit more information than can be covered in a short space. The most up-to-date guide to today's orchid cultivation, I have found, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded from the Internet. Mr. Howard's ebook is a full course of study, useful for beginners as well as more experienced growers alike. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which has an ever-growing library of information on all aspects of orchid cultivation.

Cockroaches are among the greatest pests with which you will have to deal in growing orchids. They can do heartbreaking damage in a scant few nights if not intercepted and killed.

Why do cockroaches pose such a big problem?  The answer is that one of their favorite meals is a potted plant's tender young roots and flower stems. It is not unknown for the roots of a plant to be completely chewed up in one night by roaches.

How to fight cockroaches effectively is one big topic. People have been fighting with them in their homes and kitchens for centuries, and we will probably be fighting them for centuries to come. They have evolved to be incredibly successful in living amongst us and in resisting extermination.

A wide array of poisons have been marketed in an attempt to control roaches. If you go the route of putting out poison, you must of course only use the ones that will not do damage to your plants. Check out the garden supplies aisle of your local hardware store.

For a less potentially risky solution, many growers have had success using boric acid, sugar and flour mixed with water to make a paste. The paste must be spread in every possible crevice to be effective. Some people even make sure to put some behind their light switch plates in their walls. To be completely safe, though, don't allow any of this paste on your plants themselves.

You could also set out a few those "roach hotels."  These will catch many roaches and keep them from getting to your plants in the first place.

But really, the only way you can hope to keep roaches reasonably controlled is to hunt for them by both day and night. You should especially search for them on and around your plants in the evening, using a flashlight. They leave their hiding places in the evening to seek food and it is then that they are most easily caught and killed. Don't forget to move your pots and baskets around to uncover ones that may have run into hiding from you.

A good guide to orchid growing will have many more tips and suggestions for making sure that pests such as roaches don't destroy your plants. The most complete guide to today's orchid care, in my opinion, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded from the web. Mr. Howard's guide is a complete course in itself, great for beginners as well as those more experienced. Also, be sure to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has an ever-growing database of articles on all topics of orchid cultivation.

As with any plant we want to cultivate, orchids can be beset by pets--insects and other small creatures. Red spiders are a big threat, and so are cockroaches. Thrips, beetles, and some kinds of snails and slugs can also be pests.

To grow orchids successfully, you must take measures to defeat these pests before they can damage your plants. You can take very specific measures to deal with each specific kind of pest. Your best defense against pests of whatever type is simple cleanliness.

Pests come in on imported plants, despite the best efforts of agricultural control officials.However, even nursery-grown orchids can have pests lurking in their potting soil or within their root structures.

Don't bring any plant into your home until you have inspected it thoroughly. Immediately destroy all pests that you find upon visual inspection. If you don. The flowers also will be ravaged by these invaders, a frustrating thing if you've doled out both care and money on a plant.

Newly arriving orchids should be treated with a certain measure of suspicion. This is especially true if you have other orchids around. You should isolate it for a few days. Place it in a "probationary" room or other structure. Do not rest until you have completely rid your plant of any insects you find on it.

Pests cannot easily escape destruction if you wash every part of your plant's leaves, bulbs and roots. The best procedure is to thoroughly cleanse the bulbs and foliage. Carefully tap the plant out of its pot, trim off any decayed roots, wash the good roots in clean water, and then re-pot using new material and a clean container.

If done well, this will be a sure means of eliminating those pests which a novice grower would have to search closely for to spot. A few pests might be seen in egg shape. Others appear as insects but are so tiny they cannot be seen without a magnifying glass. Cleaning your plants per the above suggestion will clear away all traces of pests, including the ones you can't see with your eye.

A good guide to orchid growing will have many more tips and suggestions for making sure that a pest doesn't put an end to your prized plants. The most complete guide to today's orchid growing, in the opinion of many, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded from the web. Mr. Howard's ebook is a complete course, helpful for beginners and the more experienced growers alike. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has an ever-growing library of postings on all topics of orchid cultivation.

Of the incredible array of flowering plants on our earth, orchids easily exert the most fascination. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but their life stories often have a bit of mystery and wonder clinging to them. Although distributed widely, many can only be found in isolated or exotic locations--misty jungles, the sides of volcanoes, mucky swamps, as examples.

Beginning most earnestly in the nineteenth century, orchid enthusiasts have devoted years and even careers to discovering as well as breeding new types of these flowering wonders. Although most orchids are acquired these days from nurseries that specialize in cultivating the plants, many of them being developed through hybridization, it is good to understand a little of their natural origins.

Orchids are herbacious plants encompassing tens of thousands of known species, with still more being discovered.  They exhibit a startling range of color and form, which has contributed greatly to public interest. Master gardeners often delight in growing a wide range of orchids to demonstrate their mastery of the arts of cultivation.

Orchids grow everywhere in the earth except for the desert and polar regions. Some 85% of all orchid species originate in the tropics or subtropics, but this still leaves a large number that come from colder regions. In some parts of the Himalayas orchids constitute the most abundantly represented family of plants in terms of sheer number of species.

By far the greatest number of orchids occur in three large tropical belts:

• Tropical Africa (including islands to the east in the Indian Ocean). These mostly belong to the genera (families) Angnecum, Bulbophyllum and Disa. Orchids from this region are not so widely cultivated as ones coming from other tropical lands, but Africa nonetheless has many interesting species.
• Tropical Asia. This region, which includes Indonesia and other islands as well as the mainland countries of Southeast Asia, is considered especially rich in orchid genera. Typical of the region are the large genera Dendrobium, Eria and Bulbophyllum and many smaller ones as well.
• Tropical America. This region embraces Mexico, Central America and the tropical parts of South America. Isolated from the rest of the world for millennia, this region contains an unusually high number of indigenous orchid genera, many of which contain hundreds of individual species. Among the large indigenous genera are Epidendrum, Pleurothallis and Oncidium; many smaller genera found here also contribute more than their share to orchids that have found favor among cultivators the world over.

In the temperate zones of the southern hemisphere may also be found many orchds, though not in so abundant number as in the tropics. In southern Africa the Disa and Calanthe genera furnish a few species judged valuable to cultivation. Australia contains many genera in common with the tropical Asia. Southernmost South America boasts many temperate-zone orchids, but they are unfortunately overshadowed by those
from the vaster tropical-zone part of the continent.

in the norhern hemisphere's temperate areas, we should take note of the United States, particularly the New England/norhteastern region, as well as Canada. There we find about 20 native genera, whose member species grow mostly in swamps and moist grounds. The most famous of these are the Cypripediuins or Lady Slippers.

Europe also has many native orchids, but undoubtedly the most famous and showy is the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera). The Bee Orchid grows on dry or semi-dry turf, often in open areas within woodlands. Bee Orchids are common near the Mediterranean coast of Europe, and grows (albeit less abundantly) as far north as Germany and the UK.

Orchids differ greatly in the ease with which they may be cultivated, but by and large they are not the difficult plants that folk wisdom would have it. The most up-to-date guide to today's orchid care, I have found, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded from the Internet. Mr. Howard's ebook is a thorough course, useful for novices as well as more experienced growers alike. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing library of information on all facets of orchid cultivation.

Orchid culture is so widespread today that it is diffcult to imagine a world without these wonderful flowers. Yet, not so very long ago, the people of the so-called civilized world were completely ignorant of the overwhelming majority of species of orchids.

Europeans of course knew about their local orchid types, such as the lovely Bee Orchid. But knowledge of the many gorgeous tropical orchids had to wait on the results of explorations into the jungles and mountains of South America and the eastern Indies. Even then, orchid specimens were slow to make their way back to England and other European countries.

Perhaps the first living orchid to find its way from the tropics to England was an Epidendrum cochleatum, one of the more showy of its family. It flowered in London in the year 1787. Another species from the same orchid family was brought in to England in the year 1778. It took a decade for its caregivers to bring forth flowers from the plant.

Admiral Bligh, of Bounty fame, took 15 species of epiphytal orchids to England from the West Indies some time in the early 1790s. These were planted at the well-known Kew Gardens in London. For many years the West Indies, along with India, were the primary sources of tropical orchids for Europe. In 1793, though, a species of Oncidium was transported to England from Panama, followed several years later by orchids from Uruguay.

By 1818, Brazil in partcular was contributing to what had become a steady stream of orchids back to England and other European lands. By 1830 the Royal Horticultural Society had sent representatives traveling throughout Brazil looking for unusual species.

The orchid trade quickly turned into a serious profit making enterprise, with businessmen in Brazil negotiating deals with their opposite numbers in London to ship plants to England to be resold there. William Harrison, a merchant in Rio de Janeiro during the 1830s and 1840s, sent many beautiful orchids to his brother Richard in Liverpool. Richard's house soon became a magnet for orchid fanatics who pilgrimaged there to see the latest arrivals.

Of course, it was one thing to import orchids into Europe, but another thing to get them to thrive and reproduce. For more than half a century England was known as the grave of tropical orchids. The plants that survived did so in spite of rather than because of the treatment they received. Growers continuing experimenting and making mistakes until, by about 1850, they had largely figured out the art of orchid cultivation. That's when the orchid craze really took off, because now the knowledge was available by which even non-botanists could grow these stunning plants.

Knowledge of successfully growing orchids has greatly expanded during the intervening years and today we know so much more than did those Victorian enthusiasts. We also have, of course, better technology to assist us in the greenhouse and garden.

The most complete guide to modern orchid cultivation, many agree, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded from the Internet. Howard's wonderful guide is a complete education all by itself. And, you will find it suitable for beginners as well as more seasoned orchid growers. Also, be sure to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of postings on all topics of orchid cultivation.

It is common "knowledge" that the orchid is a tropical/subtropical plant. But in truth, orchids can be found in almost every part of the globe outside of the deserts and the polar regions.

About 85% of orchid types may inded be found in the tropics and subtropics, but that leaves a large proportion to the more temperate zones. Among other things, this means that you will not be out of luck if you live in a cool area and want to grow orchids, but do not have a greenhouse or other warmed area in which do so so.

The number of orchid species known to botanists is in the tens of thousands. You could be surprised to learn that there could well be orchids growing in your own vicinity, even if you make your home in a cool region. Take the fairly common Lady Slipper.

Lady Slippers (also written Lady's Slippers and Ladyslippers) is the name given to a large subfamily of orchids, the Cypripedioidea, with many species that grow in cool climates over much of North America and Europe. If you live in the New England states of the U.S., or the Appalachian mountain region, or even in Canada, you might find Lady Slippers of one variety or another growing in the woods near your home.

A species of Lady Slipper is the state flower of Minnesota. Another is the official state wildflower of New Hampshire. The Canadian province of Prince Edward Island has a Lady Slipper as its official flower.

If you're thinking of growing orchids, especially in an outdoor garden, you would do well to consider a native species. It will already be used to your specific climate, and--if you live in a place that has low temps in the winter--you might not even need to bring it inside when cold weather arrives.

Among the loveliest American orchids is the Yellow Lady Slipper. It is also among the easiest orchids to grow in a garden. On the other hand, the Pink Lady Slipper is extremely difficult to grow.Clearly, unless you are already experienced with growing orchids, the Yellow Lady Slipper is the preferred choice.

Nurseries that specialize in orchid plants tend to run out of stock from time to time. Nevertheless, Lady Slippers are generally some of the easiest orchids to acquire. They're also less expensive, for the most part, than orchid plants that originate in far-away places. They are an excellent orchid for getting your thumb green, so to speak, before you take on the challenge of rarer or more "foreign" species.

All of the rules governing successful orchid gardening apply to the Lady Slippers and similar plants. You need accurate information before you begin attempting to grow these or other orchids, and  the best, most thorough guide to modern orchid cultivation, without a doubt, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which can be downloaded from the web. Mr. Howard's guide is a comprehensive course of study, useful for beginners and more experienced growers alike. Also, be sure to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of articles on many aspects of orchid cultivation.

Even amateurs can successfully grow orchids if they take the time to learn about the differences between the major families of these wonderful plants, as well as their varied requirements.

Orchids come from a wide variety of environments which differ from one another in almost every respect. As a result, you will find that some species produce their flowers early in spring, others in summer and yet others during the dull days of winter. Their times for beginning their seasonal growth also varies; nevertheless, for convenience, feel free to rest all of your orchids over the winter. The majority will then begin to push up their young shoots as soon as the days lengthen and the sun gains increased power.

When your orchids are in their growing periods, you should treat them differently with respect to heat, according to their native origins. The East Indian orchids need a good amount of heat. Inside, maintain the air temperature around them at 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 70 degrees at day. Outdoors they will thrive at up to 75 degrees in the early spring, and temperatures as high as 85 or even 90 are acceptable during the high summer months. Nevertheless, you should shade the plants from the direct rays of the sun.

Therefore, this type of orchid must be well supplied with atmospheric moisture at all times. These plants need lots of misting! As well, you can simply pour water over the tables and paths of your greenhouse or other growing area. A nice, moist, rising heat will be produced this way. Be sure and do it every day.

Brazilian orchids come from a cooler climate one that is not so highly saturated with moisture. These, natrually, need both less heat and less moisture, but they do require warmth during the peak growing time. The same applies to the majority of orchids that originated in Mexico. They should be heated artificially to approximately 60 degrees at night and 65 or 70 by day during the spring. As the days lengthen, temps may be allowed to increase. During approximately May through August the night heat may range between 65 and 70 and
by day from 70 to 85 degrees.

There are also the cool orchids, so called. These should be kept in a separate area from other orchids, if you can. These plants come from places such as Ecuador and Peru, where they grow high on mountainsides. These must be grown at lower temperatures. Try 45 to 55 degrees in the winter and 50 to 65 in the summer. Wherever you grow them, you should see that they are well shaded from the sun most of the time. Too much heat is definitely dangerous to cool orchids!

There are many other groupings and subgroupings of these plants, too many to go over them in this short post. If you want to learn more, the best and most thorough guide to modern orchid growing, hands down, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Now, there are lots of books about orchids but Mr. Howard's guide is a complete course in itself, suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of articles on all aspects of orchids.

The means to grow great orchids is now available to just about everyone, unlike in past ages. This happened as a result of studying these plants both in their native habitats and in greenhouses, gardens and even the laboratory.

A crucial discovery was the finding that some of the most ornamental species need less heat and less elaborate growing equipment than previously thought necessary. This understanding opened orchid gardening to everyone who would take the time to read up on the subject.

In the 1800s, when the mania for orchids really boomed, many would-be growers were initially discouraged by one huge problem. World travelers sent home one exotic species after another, but often without any notes at all as to their local growing conditions. Orchids vary greatly in their requirements. They need widely differing amounts of ight, heat and water. Ignorance of a plant's unique needs could and often did lead to disaster. "The want of some such information has been a source of extreme vexation to many lovers of these plants," complained one orchid enthusiast complained in 1885.

Nowadays we are much luckier with respect to understanding the orchids entrusted to our care. We can stand on the shoulders of previous orchid enthusiasts who meticulously jotted down all they learned about each type and species of the plants that they encountered.

Yes, it is important to understand the habitat and climate from which an orchid comes. But having said that, let's inject a cautionary note. It is not generally a good idea to try to strictly imitate the natural conditions in which a plant might be found. To some degree it is possible to grow more impressive orchids than nature produces by carefully tweaking its environment. This is an art as well as science.

Again quoting that Victorian orchid authority: "We admit that we should by all means take nature as our guide for the production of good plants but it should be nature in her best garb only and then looking as we do upon cultivation as a help to nature the result can only be an improvement if success in the object aimed at has been attained."

So, what should a just-starting-out orchid grower to do? Can one strike a balance between imitating nature and trying to improve on it? The answer: Brush up. Educate yourself. Immerse yourself in the subject. You can successfully grow orchids if you know what you're doing up-front.

Among the best and most complete guides to modern orchid growing is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. There are many books on the subject of orchids, but Mr. Howard's guide is a complete education in itself, suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced. Also, be sure to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing library of articles on many aspects of orchids.

There is a tremendous variety of plants available these days to ornamen our houses and to touch our rooms and offices with green freshness. Further, we never tire of having them around us--we in fact seek more of them and want to add new ones to our surroundings.

Flowers, in particular -- cut or potted or growing in the garden -- have great appeal to human beings. Many people are especially smitten with that most regal flower, the orchid.

Orchids have been named "conquerers of the light" by both horticultural and literary writers. They amaze us when we first encounter them, and they continue thereafter to draw us to them in admiration. Mother Nature has shown particular partiality to the orchids. Their flowers are elegant and bright. Their fragrant odor is generally described as sweet, yet most people do not find it cloying in the least. Their texture is then, which misleads many into assuming they are delicate. Yet they can last longer after being cut than many another ornamental bloom. Really, the only thing they "lack" from the standpoint of aesthetics is thick foliage. But this is not a serious deficiency: one can always fill the space around them with fern leaves for an attractive arrangement.

For a long time, people assumed taht these wonderful flowers were too delicate to grow with ease. This was mistaken. Orchids are actually rather simple to cultivate, and many amateur growers can consistently raise some of the most extraordinarily beautiful specimens anyone has ever seen. The key is to study up first, using a good modern guide to the art and science of orchids and orchid growing. To assure success, you must educate yourself first; skip this preparation and you may be dooming yourself to failure.

One prevalent myth about orchids is that in order to thrive, they must have high heat. That's not true, though! Yes, it's true that orchids are a "tropical" plant, if you mean by that they originate between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. However, quite many of them, in their homelands, group high up the mountainsides, where it is crisp and cool. It would be a mistake to subject these coolness-hardy plants to high temperatures -- if the heat didn't kill them, it would at least stunt their development.

Whether or not you think of yourself as a skilled gardner, you can grow these wonderful flowers. Imagine surprising a friend or loved one with an orchid you grew yourself. Envision yourself culitvating gorgeous orchids that are so good they win prizes. Picture yourself going so far with your orchid growing hobby that it becomes a business, perhaps one big enough to provide you with a living. These things are all possible to you, even as an orchid newbie.

One of the best and most complete guides to modern orchid growing is undoubtedly Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, available online. Now, there's tons of information out there about orchids. But Howard's is the most complete all-in-one reference that I've ever seen. You might also want to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of articles on all aspects of orchids.

Here's to a great orchid experience!