To many beginners the thought of trying to grow exotic flowers such as orchids seems out of

their reach, thinking they won't be successful. As an orchid enthusiast of many years, this is disheartening because it's simply not true and you'll be amazed that with knowing the right info, any budding home gardener will overcome any orchid problems, to successfully grow these magnificent plants.

Today it's easier than ever. With around 25,000 orchid species and hybrids to choose from,

you'll find selecting one that's easy to maintain and nurture is not as daunting as you might have thought.

Here is some simple tips you should keep in mind

1. Firstly, make sure when selecting your specific specie of orchid, that you find out if there are any special requirements. A good place to start would be selecting the Phalaenopsis orchid. These are often found by enthusiasts to be easier to grow for beginners, offering amazing purple or silky white blooms. This particular specie of orchid can bloom for as long as three months when well looked after.

2. Be mindful when placing your orchids in sunlight, as some varieties don’t fare well in the harsh midday sun. Ideally choose a direction facing the east near a window or bench as the best choice for your orchid during the daytime, to avoid any orchid problems. You could also choose to use artificial light. Fluorescent lights make good alternatives to natural sunlight, keeping the hours exposed the same as any normal sunny day. It’s important to remember to place your orchid plant around a foot away from the light source.

3. Orchids thrive in high temperature environments with humidity levels ranging upwards of sixty degrees Fahrenheit in tropical climates. They hold their colorful blooms by gathering moisture in the air, but can lose their blooms and buds from extreme changes. So, holding moisture is critical for growing orchids successfully, but not all orchid species are the same. Vast differences in watering requirements are found with different orchid species, from extreme dry periods, watering every eight to ten weeks to watering your orchids weekly. Be sure to check what is required when selecting your type of orchid.

4. Next you want to consider potting and choice of soil. First, simply check for dampness, if you feel it’s dry, it’s likely the orchids watering frequency needs adjustment. It’s important to check whether the roots are dry, as well as checking the dryness on the top soil. The majority of orchid types will need to be kept moist. Along with watering, providing good attention to fertilizing your orchid will help keep its optimal health. Adding a good quality mild fertilizer before blooming season can often prolong their flowering time.

5. Orchids have amazing colors when flowering so to extend their bloom, carefully prune them a little with scissors and you may possibly have a second batch of flowers come through! Keeping to these tips and good practices, you’ll no doubt see your orchids grow to become healthy, vibrant plants.