Look in any gardening section of a book store or do a quick search on the Internet and this will give you an idea of just how much people love the Orchid. All around the world enthusiasts are trying to grow these beautiful plants.

Their natural habitat is a humid tropical climate, which gives us a bit of a challenge if we are trying to grow them in the Northern Hemisphere. Many people have risen to this challenge and despite the fact that some horticulturists even encounter reproduction problems, as their orchids fail to multiply, others have managed to cultivate thriving Orchid specimens.

So as you can see it is not impossible to grow stunning Orchids, even here in the Northern Hemisphere. Here are some essential tips that will heighten your success rate:

* Select the right orchids: Even though Orchids prefer tropical climates there are some varieties that are more adaptable than others. Phalaenopsis are becoming the most commonly kept orchids. They are now more available, as garden centres, D.I.Y. stores and supermarkets and florists are now selling them. They are reasonably easy to keep and maintain, and will survive, and thrive in your home, although they mostly require re-potting once a year.

* How well do you know your Orchid? Become familiar with your Orchid. Do some research and find out if your Orchids of thrives better the up in the air, down in the soil or a height in between. Your research will let you what elevation your orchid needs. Epiphytes, for example, are air-loving orchids that derive most of the nutrients necessary for their sustenance from the air. Terrestrials, on the other hand, derive their nutrients from the soil, and as such, are best left clinging to the ground. If you didnt do your homework you might not have known this, which would have disastrous effects on your Orchids.

* Lights Please: Not all Orchids are alike. Different orchids need different amounts of light. Some varieties, like Dendobriums, demand very bright lights. Other varieties, like Phalaenopsis that we mentioned earlier, can be grown with artificial light. If you want to have a blooming Orchid you need to know how and where you will keep them.

* Nice and Healthy: It is important that you keep the soil healthy at all times. Orchids, more than any other plants, demand the highest quality soil. Keeping healthy stunning orchids will require regular fertilization. There's no substitute for this. If your soil is not the best your Orchid will not survive.

* Dont drown them: How often do you water Orchids? There are no hard and fast rules. It all depends: the season, compost and local conditions all affect watering frequency. This may vary from every two or three days in midsummer to once a fortnight or less in midwinter. It is hard to say because each plant is an individual. Experience is the best judge and the only way to gain experience it is best to lift the pot and feel the weight. The light pots need water. If in doubt do not water until next time. The best time to water is in the morning so that surplus water has completely drained away by nightfall. Never, ever leave your orchids standing in water. Rainwater is preferential to tap water and should be warmed to the same temperature as the plants.

* Orchids need air. Enthusiasts have been saying it for years but in a way, Orchids are like humans. They'll choke with stagnant air. Make sure that their habitat is properly ventilated, but not too much, as this could ruin their blooms. When the weather allows, open vents or windows will give your plants the fresh air they need. In the greenhouse small electric fans can be used to move the air around and help keep leaf temperatures down in hot weather. Orchids, however, like humidity, and open vents or windows will dry the atmosphere. In the greenhouse water can be sprayed onto the floor and on the staging between the plants to raise humidity.

Following the tips above and by visiting will ensure that you'll have healthy, beautiful flowers come their season of blossoms. With a little knowledge of their cultural needs, anyone can keep these, and other orchids even in the Northern Hemisphere!