If you are passionate about orchids here's some information on orchids. There are many varieties of orchids, with more than 20,000 species found in nature worldwide. Orchids belonging to a huge family called Orchidaceae comprised of more than 800 genera, around 25,000 known species and more than 110,000 registered hybrids - the numbers that continue to rise. Captivating, exotic and amazingly colorful, an orchid plant adds grace to any room.

How to grow Orchids at home:

Many orchids are rewarding indoor plants. Orchids are quite tough unlike what most people think and are extremely adaptable. Orchids do not grow in soil and potting an orchid in soil is actually kills it. Most orchids in the wild are not rooted in the ground but attached by thick roots to the sides of trees and on branches. Clinging to the bark, orchids absorb water and nutrients from the air and rain and the tree. They adapt to surviving when rain is scarce by hoarding water in thick leaves, stems and roots.

Water Requirements for Orchids:
Water orchids thoroughly about once a week and then allow them to dry slightly before watering again. Orchids are equipped to withstand periods of forgetfulness but not over-watering.

Temperature Requirements for Orchids:
In nature most orchids experience a big difference between day and night temperatures. Warm-growing orchids like phalaenopsis require temperatures above 60 F. Intermediate growers like cattleyas, prefer winter nights around 55 F. Cool-growing orchids like cymbidiums are accustomed to winter nights of 50 F.

Light Requirements for Orchids:
Orchids are classified into three other groups depending on the intensity of light they require namely, high (3,000 foot-candles), medium (2,000 foot-candles) and low (1,000 to 1,500 foot-candles). Most orchids require plenty of light. Many orchids, such as phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums require less light. Orchids requiring more light, such as vandas and cymbidiums need natural sunlight or high-intensity discharge lights to bloom. Orchids that do not bloom often require more light to facilitate flowering.

Fertilizing Orchids:
Orchids do not require abundant doses of fertilizer but to maintain healthy plants and regular blooms apply a weak solution fertilizer once a week. Each month, water with plain water to flush out accumulated fertilizer salts. Use a blossom-booster fertilizer during autumn, when many orchids initiate flower buds.

Humidity Requirements:
Orchids greatly appreciate adequate humidity. Raising the humidity around orchids results in better flowering. To increase humidity operate a humidifier near the plants or place the pots on flat, black pebbles set in a tray in which water is added until it almost covers the stones.

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