A final myth to dispel? Lewis stated that many visitors to his shop ask if orchids can be successfully grown in Utah. "There are many different orchids that grow well here, so choose the ones that tolerate our low humidity," he said.

"Our low humidity might cause some problems, but you can overcome those."

He explained that one easy way to add humidity is to make a pebble container by filling a leak-proof tray with gravel and then adding water to the tray. The water evaporates off of the rocks and increases the humidity. Other people will try to mist their plants to add moisture to the air.

When asked for the easiest-to-grow orchids, he named a few. His Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, were blooming profusely with various shades of lavender or white blooms. This orchid is probably the best suited to home growing and provides long-lasting spikes of interesting flowers.

The Paphiopedilum, or slipper orchids, are also a good choice. They tolerate normal home temperatures if they have plenty of bright light. The reward for growing these is exotic blossoms that are some of the longest-lasting available.

Dendrobium, or spray orchids, are common in the retail trade. They have large, well-developed water storage organs, or pseudobulbs, that resemble canes, and they need to be planted in porous, free-draining media.

The Oncidium orchids come from a large and diverse genus from the Americas. They come from amazingly diverse habitats that range from tropical sea-level areas to high elevations in the Andes Mountains. Choose these carefully to fit your growing environment.

His final recommendations are the compact cattleyas. They are true epiphytes and need well-drained mixes to grow well. They are some of the largest and showiest flowers of any orchids and will delight anyone who can bloom them successfully.

Best of all, many of these orchids are winter bloomers and are certain to chase the gloom from our long winter nights.

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Larry A. Sagers is the horticulture specialist, Utah State University Extension at Thanksgiving Point.