Article: Some orchids are easier to grow than others. Cattleya, Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum orchids are amongst the easiest to grow and are recommended for most beginner gardeners and orchid growers. There are, however, believed to be over 40,000 species of orchid species that's two times the amount of existing bird species and four times the amount of existing mammalian species. There's almost literally an orchid for any type of person. Perhaps the most common genera of orchids found for sale include Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium and Oncidium. Phalaenopsis is known as the "moth orchid" and is extremely popular among beginning growers; the genus Dendrobium contains about 1,200 species of orchids and is the classic epiphyte of orchids; Oncidiums are characterized by column wings and a callus at the lip of the flower. Different genera of orchids have different ideal humidities, growing temperatures, watering schedules, and light requirements. Talk with your local nursery or visit the local chapter of your orchid society to find out what makes your genus of orchid grow best. Some first-time orchid growers make the mistake of assuming that orchids need to be potted in soil like other blooming flowers, choosing potting soil as a conduit. That would likely kill your orchid. Most orchid roots need far more air than potting soil would give them, but they still need something to anchor their roots, and so they benefit from a looser, more porous mix. Many people use bark chips, sphagnum moss, coconut husks, charcoal, perlite, and even styrofoam pellets as potting mix, often in combination. Experiment with porous, breathable mixes that you have on hand, or ask an expert for his or her special recipe. For simplicity's sake, you can make two basic kinds of potting mixes that will work for most kinds of orchids. Make sure to add water to your mix and strain it before using for best results. Make a fine potting mix, suitable for slipper orchids, most oncidiums, miltonias, and orchids with small roots that enjoy moisture more than most: 4 parts fine (grain) fir bark or fine (grain) coco husk 1 part fine (grain) charcoal 1 part perlite Make a medium potting mix, suitable for cattleyas, phalaenopsis, and other mature orchids. If you're unsure of which mix to use, try the medium-grade potting mix before the fine-grade mix: 4 parts medium (grain) fir bark or medium (grain) coco husk 1 part medium (grain) charcoal 1 part perlite Many orchids are comfortable being root-bound. Choose a smaller pot to place your orchid in, making sure that there are plenty of holes in the pot itself for drainage. Make sure to avoid decorative pots as well because the glaze is harmful to orchids. Remember, the enemy of orchids is often over-watering. Some orchids, such as cymbidiums, will require longer pots to accommodate very long root systems. The following types of pots offer a break from the traditional clay pot (which is perfectly acceptable and preferred by most orchid growers): Net pots, which have wire mesh and allow for a breathable environment. These can be hung in advantageous locations for better sunlight. Clear plastic pots, which get better sunlight to the roots. These allow the grower to inspect the root systems without disturbing the orchid. Wooden pots, which are constructed of rot-resistant wood. Line any wooden pots with sheet moss before adding your potting mixture. Remove the orchid from its original pot, making sure to cut off any dead or rotting roots. Divide the root matter into several different sections, if needed, before placing the plant in its pot. The most mature section of growth should be positioned towards the bottom of the pot and newer growth should be positioned near the sides of the pot. Lightly add the potting mix, barely covering the root system. In general, you will need to repot your orchid every two years or whenever you notice that the lower leaves have died. You may also need to repot your orchid if the plant outgrows its pot or if the roots are dying.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Select a species of orchid. Choose the right kind of soil for your orchids. Try a potting mix, or combination of several different mediums. Choose a snug pot for your orchid unless it is large. Pot your orchid. Know when to re-pot your orchids.

Sometimes, when someone we care about feels crappy, the best thing we can offer is a listening ear. Give your loved one the opportunity to air his or her grievances about academic problems. Being able to express oneself in this way can be incredibly soothing. Plus, allowing your loved one to vent shows that you care. Demonstrate active listening by turning to face the person and making regular eye contact. Nod your head or make appropriate sounds to show you're listening, such as "uh-huh." When the person is done talking, try to reflect back what he or she has said using emotion. For example, you might say "It sounds like you're really angry about your performance on the test." At this point, simply let the person talk. Refrain from trying to "fix" the problem just yet. One humbling way to support your friend during this tough circumstance is to share a situation in which you struggled. It might pertain to academics or it might merely be an anecdote about a different obstacle you have to overcome. Just make sure that the message is clear, and that you don't make yourself seem better than your friend. It may be scary at first to open up and tell someone about a difficulty you faced. However, it's important to note that sharing your story may help your friend see that everyone encounters hardships and that it's entirely possible to succeed despite setbacks. Although you can't fix the situation, there may be something you can do to help the person through it. Are you good in the subject that he or she is struggling in? Perhaps you could casually offer some tips on how to improve. Do you have pretty good study skills? Maybe you can share some of those nuggets of wisdom with your friend. Keep in mind that your friend may not want your help. Instead of thinking in advance of how you will help, simply ask "Is there anything I can do?" and see what the person's response is. If he or she wants help from you, let them make a specific request. That way you don't put your foot in your mouth by coming off like you're superior. Give your loved one a much-needed self-esteem boost. It's normal for someone's self-esteem to take a hit after performing poorly in school. Take a moment to offer a sincere compliment on some other attribute. Remind the person what else he or she has going despite having a bad grade. You can say something like "I know it sucks that you got an F in math. Luckily, you don't have to worry about that in English. You're the best student in that class!" Just make sure the compliment is true and the person knows you're not just saying it to make them feel better. If your friend is upset over bad grades, the very best comfort you can offer is your presence. Just be there. Extend a shoulder for them, if they'd like. It's not really your job to fix the situation or make it better in any way, really. It's up to your friend to deal with poor grades, but he or she will certainly appreciate you showing support and acknowledging that it's a sucky situation.
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Let the person vent. Share a story of how you overcame adversity. Offer to help however you can. Remind them about other talents. Be there.