After having grown orchids for over 45 years and having lectured on how to grow them, I feel confident in giving you an answer.
Orchids in general are NOT hard to grow! BUT you have to realize just like every breed of dog is not suitable for apartment living, not every orchid is for everyone.
Lindsey hit it right on the head. You purchase orchids knowing what type of conditions you can provide. You shouldn't jump into orchids without doing some research first. If you jump in without having any idea of what this plant needs in terms of conditions your chances for failure increase significantly.
Among the easiest orchids to grow are Phalaenopsis, mottled leaf Paphiopedilums, and large bulbed Oncidiums.
The next easiest would be unifoliate Cattleyas, warmth tolerant Miltonia, and Dendrobium phalaenopsis types.
Orchids you should stay away from without some experience are Catasetums, Miltoniopsis, bifoliate Cattleyas, strap leafed Paphiopedilums, and Vandas.
Things that are for the very experienced are Madevallias, Dracula's, the old Odontoglossums, and cool orchids in general.
These groups that I have listed are just guidelines.
If you stick to the easier types, your odds of success is great. WE ALL want you to grow orchids and flower them. There is no quicker way to destroy your interest by purchasing something that you can't possibly grow due to your lack of knowledge or experience.
You would want a Yorkie for a small apartment, not a Great Dane!!!
You can't buy orchids on impulse and expect them to all survive.
