I define “easy” orchids as those that can be grown indoors in mild climates in homes that have the heating on during the daytime in winter.

Originally from tropical America, this widespread species was collected by the famous explorer Baron Von Humboldt in 1815. It grows in the ground or on rocks, and in cultivation can be used as a bedding plant. Grown this way in the tropics, it can assume very large proportions and become extremely tall. Its flower spikes carry numerous blooms in succession over a period of many months. The plant has a reed-type habit, flowering from the mature canes at any time. Its popularity has soared in recent years with the introduction of “compact” varieties, which bloom on shorter canes but will eventually grow much taller. The shape of the flowers gives rise to its common name of crucifix orchid.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5cm) across

Flower Spike: 1-1 1/2 feet (30-45cm)

Plant Height: 40 inches (1M) eventually

Pot Size: 6 inches (15cm)