Here, a phalaenopsis hybrid brightens a bathroom. Photograph copyright Charles Marden Fitch .
Many orchids are rewarding indoor plants.
Once a home owner has succumbed and bought his or her first orchid, or received one as a gift, meeting a few cultural requirements will coax the plant to flower again. Orchids are far tougher and hardier than most people think, and are, by and large, extremely adaptable. There is a long-standing myth that orchids are difficult, if not impossible, to grow, especially without a greenhouse. With at least 20,000 species and some 100,000 artificial hybrids, there are some notoriously fussy orchids. Explore the options and assemble a collection that will put forth exotic flowers year-round.