There are nearly 30,000 different species growing in the wild, and more than 150,000 hybrids have been created by crossing different orchids. Orchids woo you, wow you, and eventually win you over. Many orchids are amazingly easy to care for. Before you take a particular variety home though, make sure you can meet its requirements. Give them an east-facing window where they'll receive a couple of hours of early sun and reasonably bright indirect light the rest of the day.
Orchids grow on trees, in the ground or in the home.
They can be small or large, sweet-smelling or unpleasantly scented. Orchids come in single blooms, clusters, sprays and chains, with sometimes bizarre shapes and patterns. Give them southern or western exposure for the best bloom and let them dry out a little between waterings. One of the petals of the Paphiopedilum orchid forms an enlarged pouch that resembles a lady's slipper. Like the moth orchids, the paphs require less light than many other varieties.