If you've admired orchids from afar but are hesitant to commit to what you fear will be a demanding relationship with a finicky plant, here's a no hassle arrangement.

Orchids Aren't Difficult to Grow

Orchids are more popular than ever, and it’s easy to see why. The blossoms are intricate, colorful and exotic. And these days the plants are hard to avoid. Orchids are no longer available only through specialty nurseries, but can be found at your local supermarket or home supply store.

Although orchids are easily accessible, many people are hesitant to purchase them, convinced that the plants are difficult to grow. So before you wistfully pass by the next orchid display, here is a simple guide for those of you who have orchid reservations.

The Longest Lasting Bouquet Money Can Buy

Even if you don’t own a single houseplant, but do purchase the occasional bouquet to brighten up your home, consider this. When orchids bloom, most produce one or more flower spikes. These spikes are typically each an inflorescence composed of several flower buds that open first at the lowest point on the spike and progressively bloom to the tip (similar to how gladiolas bloom). The blossoms open over the course of weeks, and if the orchid has multiple spikes, the plant may bloom for months.

Think about the number of cut flower bouquets that you might buy over the course of two or three months. The price of a blossoming orchid generally ranges from $20 - $50. If, in that same amount of time, you spend as much on cut flowers, why not try an orchid instead?

Choosing an Orchid to Maximize Bloom Time

Although you can find orchids at supermarkets and home supply stores these days, it is still best to purchase an orchid from a plant nursery where they have most likely received better care.

Choose a plant with multiple flower spikes and mostly unopened blooms The gorgeous plants that are in full bloom at the store are nearing the end of their colorful show, and the blossoms will soon wither and die. Make sure that your select an orchid that is healthy. Avoid plants that have yellowing or black-spotted leaves, which could indicate stress or disease.

Easy to Grow Orchids

Even if you aren't sure if you are ready to commit to caring for the orchid as a houseplant once the blooms are gone, select and easy-to-grow species, just in case. Novice orchid growers should start with members of the following genera, since these are the simplest to grow and the most forgiving: Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, and Oncidium.

Orchid Placement

When you get your orchid home, you can place it anywhere that you would normally put your cut flowers. Most orchids need a good amount of sun to thrive long-term, but while they are blooming, they do best out of the direct sunlight, which can shorten the life of a blossom and possibly fade its color.

Donate Your Orchid

When your orchid’s flowers are spent, you can either keep the plant, and start learning the basics of long-term orchid care, or find it a new home. If you don’t want to take care of an orchid, give it to a neighbor or local botanical garden. There are a lot of orchid enthusiasts out there. You’ll find a taker for your flowerless orchid. And perhaps, after having an orchid in your home, you’ll instead find that you too have caught orchid fever.

Orchid Cultivation

Orchids have specific needs for humidity, temperature, air movement, growing medium and water. But don’t get overwhelmed, see the Suite101.com Orchid Article Series for all the basics. Orchids are generally very forgiving and it’s not difficult to keep them alive long enough to stumble upon the perfect combination that will reward you with a breathtaking floral display.

Additional Orchid & Gardening Information

Supplement your knowledge with one of the many excellent books and web sites devoted to orchids, including the American Orchid Society (AOS). If you are interested in learning more about gardening in general, see the Suite101 articles Growing Plants from Seed and Container or Backyard Garden.