The chilly season doesn't faze delicate orchids. You can grow these beauties in the Midwest.

For Beginners

Experts estimate there could be 35,000 or more varieties of orchids, plus countless hybrids.

Thanks to techniques that quickly reproduce orchids, you can buy beautiful, yet inexpensive, varieties at nurseries, garden centers and home-improvement stores.

With an investment of about $10 to $30 for a plant, plus an understanding of its needs, you easily can grow an orchid at home.

Orchids aren't difficult to grow, but each type has its own requirements.

Getting Started

It's best to start with an orchid that's easy to grow such as brassavola, brassia, cattleya, cymbidium, encyclia, epidendrum, oncidium or phalaenopsis.

Phalaenopsis is sometimes called a moth orchid. Early plant hunters in Asian rain forests, where phalaenopsis originated, thought the blossoms resembled colorful moths resting on tree branches.

These orchids sport low-growing leaves with flower spikes that can reach up to 3 feet tall. Many flower in winter and spring. Blooms can last weeks or months.

When the last flower fades, cut off the stalk just above the seconds node from the base of the plant. A second flowering spike likely will emerge.

Phalaenopsis grows in coarse material such as bark chips and soilless potting mix that's specially made for orchids. This variety likes plenty of light (but not direct sun) and does well in an east window or under an artificial grow light.

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