Orchids are among the most exotic and beautiful flowers in the world. No flowering plant has captured the attention or stirred passions, in quite the way orchids have: 20,000 or so wild varieties of orchids have been collected in almost every part of the world.

These amazing orchids range from the Arctic Circle to the southern tip of South America. They grow at sea level to the tops of mountains. Some live in trees, others on rocks or in the ground. Some live in bogs, swamps, forests and meadows.

The Phalaenopsis, or commonly known as the Moth Orchid, as the flower petals resemble the wings of a moth, is one of the easiest orchids to grow and have rebloom. Well-grown plants can flower often, sometimes with a few flowers throughout the year, though the main season is late winter into spring. Average home temperatures and conditions are usually sufficient.

Follow these few simple tips and you too can grow these exotic long-blooming flowers in your home!

LIGHT is easy to provide for phalaenopsis. They grow easily in a bright window, with little or no sun. An east window is ideal in the home; shaded south or west windows are acceptable. Artificial lighting can easily be provided.

TEMPERATURES for phalaenopsis should usually be above 60 degrees F at night, and range between 75 and 85° F or more during the day. Night temperatures to 55° F are desirable for several weeks in the autumn to initiate flower spikes. Fluctuating temperatures can cause bud drop on plants with buds ready to open.

WATER is especially critical for phalaenopsis. Because they have no major water-storage organs other than their leaves, they must never completely dry out. Plants should be thoroughly watered and not watered again until nearly dry. In the heat of summer in a dry climate, this may be every other day; in the winter it may be every seven to 10 days.

HUMIDITY is important to phalaenopsis. In the home, set the plants on trays of gravel, partially filed with water, so that the posts never sit in water.