It's best to choose a orchid variety that's suited to the type of conditions where you will grow the plant. For example, if you have a northeast facing window sill you should choose a orchid variety that will like lower light conditions.

A good circulation of air is a requisite to help prevent disease but cold drafts must be avoided.

Orchids require a humid atmosphere. An inexpensive way to attain this is to use a hand held spray a few times a day. Do not squirt too much at any one time. And do not spray open flowers or you risk brown spots developing.

The best growing material for orchids should be a fine or medium orchid bark mix or New Zealand sphagnum moss. Soil should not be used.

Orchids should be planted in pots that have excellent drainage.

Your orchids need repotting on average every 1 to 2 years. It's best to repot after flowering but it needs to be carried out without delay if the bark or moss is showing signs of being decomposed or packed.

Use a specialist orchid feed which has the correct balance of nutrients. Use on a regular basis.

Rain water is preferable to tap water. Think about introducing a rain collection system in your garden. It's best to water orchids early in the day. Generally speaking orchids will require watering every 4 to 5 days but, naturally, in summer they will require more watering.

Would you like to grow the most beautiful orchids? Well, The Practical Guide To Orchid Care will guide you every step of the way from what to buy as your very first orchid to producing hybrids.