Even if you have a green thumb, you may have shied away from orchids thinking that they are too challenging, but orchids are easier to grow that you think. In fact, the American Orchid Society believes that if you can grow houseplants, any houseplants, you can grow orchids.

There are a number of orchids varieties, and within those varieties there are hundreds of color variations. Breeders are coming up with new plants every day, and many of them will bloom for up to three months at a time. Considering their variety, color, and longevity of bloom, orchids are an excellent indoor plant and can bring nature and color into your home long after the last leaves have fallen from your trees in the fall.

Orchids are classified as epiphytes, lithophytes, saprophytes, or terrestrials. These differences have to do with the medium in which the specific varieties like to grow. Some like to grow on rocks, some on dying vegetation, some in the soil; and some like to grow on tree bark, sending their roots into the air. This last variety, the epiphytes, are the most plentiful, and are the orchids most readily kept by hobbyists.

Epiphytes are characterized by thick roots that grow up out of their pots and need a growing medium of tree bark and pebbles. They also share a love for humidity and the need to dry out between waterings.

If you are just starting out with orchids, try growing a moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) first. It is the most beginner friendly orchid, and with proper watering will grow well in a variety of conditions. The moth orchid is probably the most commonly available orchid on the market today.

Moth orchids can be identified by their moth like flowers, and thick, rounded leaves. Commercial orchids are usually sold with transparent pots, so when you are evaluating a specimen make sure it has fat, healthy roots, dark green leaves, and closed buds on the flowering spike. Choose a healthy specimen, and it will give you years of vibrant, colorful blooms.

Your Plant Needs the Right Light

When you get your orchid home, place it in an eastern facing window. Keep the plant well back from the sill in areas where the temperatures will dip below 60? F. Water your plant once a week, and be very careful to avoid over watering.

Understand How Your Plant Uses Water

Never let your plant sit in water. In nature, the roots of your orchid are elevated, and are designed to quickly absorb moisture from rainfall. They have no tolerance for prolonged exposure to water, and allowing them to sit in water, even for a short period of time, is the most common way to kill your plant. If you remember this one simple rule, you will be on your way to becoming an orchid expert.

Don?t Forget Fertilizer

A good rule of thumb is that your plant will need to be fertilized once a month with fertilizer designed especially for acid loving plants. When your orchid is in bloom, it requires a little more fertilizer, when it is dormant, it requires less.

For the Best Results, Create a Microclimate

Your plant will also benefit from increased humidity. This can be achieved easily by creating a microclimate around your plant with the addition of a humidity tray. This will create the extra humidity and help keep the plant healthy.

If you follow a few simple rules, orchids are hearty and easy to grow. They are becoming less expensive, and are more readily available every day. There are a huge number of color variations to choose from, and in some varieties, one spike can continuously bloom for up to three months. If you love fresh color in your home, but have been afraid to try keeping an orchid, you owe it to yourself to give them a try. You won't be disappointed.