I have friends who grow and love orchids, but they always seemed incredibly hard to me. They seem a magic-plant that only experts can manage.

Are there easy orchids that are easier to try out?

Hi Lisa, Truthfully, I'm finding the Phals, Cattleyas and Dendrobiums (three of the most common found at the big box stores) are all very easy to grow. Sometimes you just get a dud though, ya know? I have two Phals (moth orchids) that just aren't pulling through too well, but all the others (even the half-dead, super-sale ones) are thriving. Don't be afraid to give them a shot. They are all beautiful, and very fulfilling to grow. Especially during bloom time! Jump in with both feet; don't be scared :) You'll be glad you did.

I've had the same two orchid plants for almost 20 years now (WOW! I just now figured that out!). They are not doing well. One of them has never flowered. The other flowers maybe every other year in around January/February. No flower stems coming up this year.

They look ratty. I'm thinking of just tossing them out. But then I look at them, they still have 4 leaves, the leaves are green, and therefore they must be alive. I can't just toss them. I don't know what kind they are but they look similar to the ones you can find in the flower section of most stores.