What is it about Orchids? They are one of the world's most beautiful flowers and have a dedicated following. One Orchid enthusiast was quoted as saying that Orchids are like potato chips. You can't have just one; you start with one on the kitchen windowsill, then you've got them lining every window in the house. You map out orchid nurseries to visit on your vacation, and your birthday and Christmas wish lists contain nothing but orchids and potting supplies.

But having such an admiration for Orchids does not come without a price. The fact is that orchids are notorious for being one of the most difficult flowers to grow. Just speak to any Orchid enthusiast and you will instantly be intimidated by the prospect of having to care for them. You will find that it is not an easy undertaking. Caring for Orchids requires skill, proper knowledge, and most of all, a deep commitment to see them develop to their full potentials. Are you up to the challenge?

If you are then your new hobby of caring for Orchids really is going to be very rewarding. This is the reason why a lot of gardeners and horticulturists have become addicted, in a manner of speaking, with caring for orchids. This is what another Orchid enthusiast has to say: "Once you get interested in orchids, it's easy to get bitten by the orchid bug," says Debbie Dillon-Townes of Newport News, Va. "There's nothing more exciting to the orchid hobbyist than watching buds open into gorgeous or fragrant flowers."

Here are some tips to help you to nurture and care for your Orchids:

* Good quality soil: Good quality soil is essential. Delicate Orchids are very fussy and your success depends on the quality of your soil. Even if you do have good soil, you must remember that over time it deteriorates, especially in confined environments such as planters and pots. It is imperative that you regularly apply fertilizers on your soil to maintain its quality.

* Location, Location: You cant just plant Orchids anywhere. Some orchids need to be perched in an elevated spot. Why? Because these orchids, which belong to the Lithophyte family, gain all of their nutrients from the air. If they are confined to a low area your Orchid will wither and die. Most orchids, like Epiphytes for example, cannot bear stagnant air. They need a moderate breeze to keep their leaves most. You will save yourself a lot of frustration and heartache if you position the Orchids in the right location from the very beginning.

* Let there be light: Orchids thrive in a lot of lighting. Their photosynthetic processes depend on the quality of light they will be receiving. Some orchids, like Cattleyas, are light hogs. They need lots and lots of natural sunlight. Other orchids, like the Phalaenopsis, can live with artificial light.

* Waterlog at your peril: Over-watering is an orchid plant's number one enemy. They hate to be over-watered or worse still sitting in water. Orchids already have great water retentive properties. If you are overgenerous by feeding them with more water than they can handle may prove fatal for them. The water will rot their roots and they will die.

* Keep them warm: Remember, Orchids are exotic. They have originated from tropical climates and prefer humid weather. Some orchids require so much humidity (around 70%) that they should be kept in green houses with artificial heating systems during the colder months. Keep them warm and cosy.

Orchids never fail to add so much beauty to any environment once the flowers are in full bloom. Caring for orchids may be a little too difficult, but ultimately, your hard work will pay off in a fulfilling manner once you get to witness the wonderful sight of their blossoms.

Follow these simple rules and you will be rewarded with stunning blooms and scents. Given the right climatic and cultural conditions, growing orchids is something anyone can do.