They grow as terrestrial plants or as epiphytes on tree branches or trunks. They can be found growing in the cracks of cliff faces. Orchids are found all over the world outside of the Arctic, Antarctic and true desert regions. Flowers can last for only 1 day to several months. Most plants flower regularly each year but some can be constantly in bloom.
Plants tend to produce better flowers as the size increases with age.
It is rewarding to grow orchids from the viewpoint of conservation. Many orchids grow in South America and with the continual destruction of the rain-forest many species are near extinction. Growing them in cultivation ensures that such plants are available for future generations. Amateur growers make a valuable contribution to the world wide conservation of orchids. Thanks I must express my thanks to the British Orchid Growers Association, the Journal of the Orchid Society of Great Britain and the British Orchid Council who have provided much of the information in respect of the commercial nursery and other orchid society details.