Growing these exotic flowers is as simple as understanding orchids. The first thing to realize is there are over thirty thousand varieties of orchids.

There are easy and complete guides that can help even the novice to understand orchids and grow beautiful orchids in your own home. These books explain everything from the recommended potting mixture and fertilizers to preserving and drying your orchids once you grow the orchids of your choice. There are even detailed instructions on how to sell orchids if someone wanted to start a business. Understanding orchids is easier than I ever imagined.

If you ever had any interest in growing orchids, you need to read this book. This will tell you what orchids to choose for your home or garden. Grow them on your windowsill, in a greenhouse, or in artificial light. There is an orchid for you.

A bright, sunny day usually gives about 10,000 foot-candles. A cloudy day may only give 1,000 foot-candles. You can use a light meter to measure the foot-candles at each window. There are also informal methods that will give a good estimate of the available light levels.

Both methods of estimating light levels will help you be successful in the care of orchids.

Cattleya must be easier for folks to grow because most of us do not enjoy the benefits of a greenhouse.