My personal favorite, known also as the "Lady Slipper". These orchids are terrestrials and like to be a little moister and cooler. The like lows of 55 and highs of 80. There are some crosses that are available that can take more heat. As with many other orchids higher heat means more air movement. Do not let these get completely dried out between watering. DO NOT WATER AT NIGHT, this will cause rot in the crown and it will kill them! Paphs and similar do great in cooler climates northern greenhouses. The Paphiopedilum gets new growth at the base of the plant and should not be divided unless it has filled the pot. Re-potting should be no more often then every 2 or 3 years. The potting media for these are typically very small wood chips, I know of a few people that are using pure Sphagnum with fantastic results.

This is another very common orchid, it is also know as the "Moth Orchid". These can be grown inside with filtered or indirect light. These should not be watered at night. They typically bloom once a year in the winter or spring months. Low temperatures set the plant to bloom but do not let the temperature go below 55 degrees for a long period of time. When the temperature goes too low for these it will cause cell damage and the plant will usually not recover. When temps are below 55 the flowers will begin to drop. The Phals get new plants that come up from the side of the plant as well as by Keiki's that grow on the flower spike. The Keiki's on the spikes are great, just cut them off with a small piece of the spike with the small plant after it has roots an inch or two long and pot them.

This type of orchid likes strong filtered light. These also will lean toward the light when the light is not strong enough. They like large temperature swings, which causes them to want to bloom. They typically are in baskets and do not normally have a bark mix so they require watering more often. It is best to water your Vanda’s first and last. This is another plant that is not to be watered at night, late watering has been the death of a large number of these orchids. I try to keep my Vanda’s over 55 degrees and high in the 90‘s. I have had great success in my small greenhouse getting these plants to bloom often. Vanda’s also get Keiki's but they are usually on the side of the plant. These Keiki's can also be removed but more care is needed so that you do not damage the parent plant. As with all orchids make sure you sterilize the cutting tool in a flame prior to use.