The orchid group includes several hundred different genera and thousands of species, but most people are introduced to orchids through the Phalaenopsis genus, which are particularly good orchids for beginners. These are thick-leaved plants with elegant, arching sprays of bloom—the orchids featured in so many design magazines sitting on coffee tables across America.

Phalaenopsis orchids are rewarding plants. They are not demanding, and in the right conditions, they will display showy blooms for months.

There are about 60 true species of phalaenopsis orchids. These plants have been extensively hybridized, and there are thousands of hybrids, ranging from the stark, classic white hybrid moth orchid to jewel-like miniatures with clouds of yellow and candy pink blooms. New hybrids are developed constantly.