It can't be over-emphasized that when growing orchids the basic requirements for are always: a) Water, b) Light, and c) Nutrients.
Naturally this is true of most plants.
However, as is also the case of plants of varying families, the amount you provide each of the various kinds of orchids is what makes all the difference of success and non-success when growing the flower.
The orchid, in order to grow as it should, is highly dependent on the quality of light it receives.
If placed in the right location; natural sunlight is perfect; however there are times where natural sunlight is not adequate in the area you have available out-of-doors: with respect to this issue, you may need to take activities as to growing inside.
With regard to the level of light needed this is determined by the type of species of the flower.
It may be reasoned, however, since orchids are normally found in tropical locations; a form of diffused lighting is your best bet.
In other words, it is necessary you try replicating the condition where your flower originates as much as possible; and respective of the plant's requirements.
Does this mean if your orchid originates in the jungle you need to make your home or outside environment similar to a jungle? No, it merely means to think of how your plant receives light in its original environment and then you'll know how to supply light to it when growing it within your environment.
For instance, if the plant is terrestrial in nature, meaning it grows from the ground up and it originates inside a dense forest it is safe to assume sunlight is well filtered by all the branches and foliage in its path.
This softening effect suggests your tropical species orchid is not best grown where sunlight is bright.
Milder temperatures with a humidity factor and lighting that is less direct, in this case, are the ideal essentials in order to achieve successful growth.
Also, ideally your orchid is best off receiving twelve hours of softer lighting each day.
It has been found while most common tropical varieties of orchids do okay as to light streaming in from an eastern-side window' when noon time arrives the rays of the sun may prove a bit too much for the plant.
So if you are not home to remove the plant from the window you may want to play it safe and purchase grow lights.
Then find a location within the house where growing the plant is considered practical and install the lights.
The grow lights come with a timer so you can pre-program when the lights come on; and when they turn off.
This makes things much simpler for the grower who is busy with other matters away from home.
Other than the commonality of proper lighting, most orchids are not agreeable to over-watering.
Your species more than likely will do best to be watered when either a) the soil is somewhat moist; or b) when the soil dry all the way through.
The watering requirement once again will be pertinent to the orchid species and it is generally once of the two preceding scenarios (again dependent on orchid plant).
Naturally all plants do best when fed proper nutrients so it is a given you'll need to fertilize your orchids generally when you water (for most).
The ratio there again is dependent on species you select to grow and ratios are provided on the back of packaging of fertilizers intended for the purpose of growing orchids.
Also you needn't worry too much as a beginner in receiving information about the type of orchid you purchase from the community greenhouse.
Generally only certain varieties of orchids that do best in the region where you live are offered for sale.
Further the horticulturalist at the location can expound upon the knowledge you've attained here and respective of the type of orchid you purchase.