Selecting an orchid for your home: This is talked about in more depth in the orchid care section. If you have a bright, sunny, warm location, choose: Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums or Vandas. If you have medium bright indirect light choose Miltonias.

Phalaenopsis are the easiest

If you have a shady location without much direct light choose Paphiopedilums (Ladyslipper orchid) or Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid).

Miltonia with droopy flowers

Choosing the best orchid in a store: Choose a plant with strong flowers. If your plant's flowers are already drooping, like the photo to the left, choose another plant. The photo above shows a flower with more strength. Often if a flower is drooping or weak it either doesn't have enough humidity around it or it has been in the store too long and is almost done blooming.

How to tell if an orchid flower is in good shape: Gently feel the petals and leaves of the orchid between your thumb and forefinger - if they are slightly hard, the orchid flowers are opening. Also, when opening, flower color is brighter and the flower has a different look. If the flower is old don't buy the orchid. The only time I would buy an orchid like this is if I don't mind waiting until it blooms again.

Orchid Tips Page 2 »

Books we recommend

Orchids Magazine - Great magazine, yearly subscription. This magazine is full of great articles, resources, information, photos and more.
Our Favorite Orchid care book, "Orchids" - Our favorite for the beginner! Very basic.
Taylor's Guide to Orchids - Very good book. Our choice for the beginner with need for an additional book other than Orchids (the book just above).
Orchid Growing for Wimps - Very good book for the beginner and this book is the most basic we recommend. Excellent!
The Orchid: From the Archives of the Royal Horticultural Society - Great resource book. Wow.