LOL, I used to think Orchids were "special" plants that would only live and thrive for really great gardeners. Mine are neglected! Truly neglected! They are left to dry out so bad that I'm surprised they do survive, but I've been growing them neglectfully for about 15 years now ... the foliage may not look so great but they still bloom pretty. I haven't bought any fancy, expensive orchids though ... mine come from Home Depot and Wal-Mart.