Orchids - they always seem such fragile, delicate plants and are expensive to buy, so if you make a mistake it's likely to be a costly one.

Yet these elegant beauties, which originate from South East Asia, are not as fragile as they may seem.

In fact, they really don't like too much TLC, says Phil Griffiths, conservatories co-ordinator at Kew.

"Most of them are pretty tough and they are getting easier to grow as nurseries bring out new varieties. Orchids don't like to be pampered and it is generally overwatering which kills them."

Most hybrids come from humid forests and like a tropical climate.

Trends are changing as people start to shy away from the big, showy flowers to the more dainty, subtle and smaller flowered types, says Griffiths.

Slipper orchids (Paphiopedilums), popular in Victorian times with their waxy leaves and lip-shaped pouch at the front of the flower, are again becoming popular.

The flowers are usually long-lasting and can remain in bloom for months.

Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are also widely grown and well suited to life indoors, requiring a minimum temperature of 16C (61F).

There are many myths about orchids - that they are difficult to grow and that they must be shaded.

"People think they should be shaded but they do really well on a windowsill and flower more freely if you give them some sun," says Griffiths.

But don't make the mistake of moving them from somewhere very shaded into direct sunlight or they will suffer leaf scorch.

"Another myth is about misting them. Orchids don't need misting. They don't want fussing over.

"They can be left without water for a week then submerse the pot in a bowl of tepid water until it is moist all through, take it out and leave it on the draining board until the excess water has come out, before returning it to its permanent spot. Then leave it for another week. The plant should be allowed to dry out between watering."

Griffiths advises putting a half strength feed in with the water each time you water the plant.

Once they've finished flowering, use a pair of sharp secateurs to cut the flowered stem back to just above a joint, about three joints up from the base.

It should draw up another spike within a few weeks.

These plants don't have a yearly cycle of producing flowers and my develop flower spikes at any time of the year.

Moth orchids should be re-potted about once a year - you can buy specific compost for orchids from garden centres and while it is expensive, it's worth it, says Griffiths.

It you are growing a cymbidium orchid indoors, be warned that it does not like being repotted and may not flower for several years afterwards.

These orchids, which come in a wide colour range with spikes bearing up to 20 long-lasting flowers, normally flower from early winter to late spring.