(Photo compliments of The OrchidLady.com)

Isn't it a joy to buy a beautiful orchid? That joy can fade very quickly when the blooms start falling off of the plant and the leaves turn yellow! If you've made a desperate attempt to save your orchid only to see it die or fail to bloom again, I have excellent news for you! It is possible to keep your orchid(s) beautiful in the home. Knowledge is power. I discovered quite by accident a most wonderful guide to keeping orchids in the home while I was looking through books for sale at the Goodwill (a second-hand store). The book was originally written in German in 1991 and translated into English in 1993. Here's a little tidbit from the book you will need to know in order to keep your orchid(s) alive and well: An orchid needs care based on the type of climate from which it originates. Dr. Gustav Schoser shows and tells you in his book just how to do this for the different types of orchids available and for orchids that most of us would have to special order. This is not your usual potting, watering, and fertilizing routine advice. It's very specific and practical. It has lots of full-color photos and drawings to illustrate how and where to set up your orchid(s) for success. And yes, even with central heating! You won't need a greenhouse. Some orchids like it cool, other orchids like it warm. Where you place orchids in your home will depend on the requirements of the individual orchid. By the way, the Germans are some of the most impressive flower growers I have come across. You will find the link to this book below. I have taken the liberty to include a second book you will not regret buying, if you really love orchids! It has more than 250 pages and some of the most beautiful orchid photos I have seen (quite a lot of large, clear photos). It was written by orchid experts Brian and Wilma Rittershausen. Never see your orchids die again! By the way, these books make great romantic gifts!