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Orchids have the reputation of being among the hardest plants to grow. For some species, that’s definitely true. But there are thousands of species of orchids and some are no more difficult to care for than an African Violet. Some are even nearly as trouble-free as a cactus.

Selecting a species of orchid to grow will, of course, be heavily influenced by personal taste. But within that broad spectrum, those choices can and should be influenced by the care a given orchid needs. That, in turn, is determined by the native conditions of that species.

Many islands support orchid populations. One of the most well known is the big island of the Hawaiian Islands chain: Hawaii. Often referred to as Orchid Island, this tropical paradise is festooned with flowers of all types.

Like most plants, orchids are vulnerable to many different diseases. Treatment ranges from simple brushing off to a whole routine of ‘hospital’ care.

Everyone will have his or her favorite flower, but there’s a reason that orchids have been so popular since their introduction to Victorian society over 100 years ago. Orchids are exquisite.

The title is actually a little misleading since orchids don’t really live in soil.

There are over 20,000 naturally occurring orchid species, and over 100,000 hybrids. That leaves an enormous range of possible choices, a variety that can be overwhelming. But the choice can be made easier by investigating a few examples.

Orchids thrive in unusual circumstances in the wild. They adapted to cling to trees, rocks or make a home in leaf litter on the forest floor. They receive water wherever it happens to fall - down the side of a tree, dripping from the leaves on a branch, sliding down the side of rocks.

The Phalaenopsis genus is one of the most popular orchid groups. And for good reason - they’re attractive and easy to grow. Most orchids have the reputation of being hard to care for. That’s justified in some cases. But the Phalaenopsis is very forgiving. And they produce flowers that simply say ‘orchid’.

Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to care for. Some species are. But most will respond well if you remember the old saying ‘feed weakly, weekly.’ Fine advice, but feed what?

Orchids from the Cymbidium genus retain their popularity year after year. The ease with which they can be cared for and their beauty virtually guarantee it.

Orchids are native to every continent except Antarctica. But some of the most interesting species hail from Africa. The blooms are colorful and the plants may grow to unusually large size.

Orchids possess an anatomy that is unique. Though there are over 20,000 natural species and possibly as many as 100,000 or more hybrids, they share many common characteristics. Those give the orchid its distinctive appearance.