Today, orchids have become the rave in the "disposable houseplant market." Many orchid plants can be purchased for less than $10.

Few plants can match their exotic beauty, lasting quality and, in many cases, fragrance.

Why have houseplants? They look great, some of them smell great, and they have a calming effect on people. But there is something many of us are not aware of: the "sick-building syndrome."

Homes and offices can be full of germs and toxins. The build-up of chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene may cause building occupants to experience problems such as eye and skin irritations, respiratory discomfort, headaches and fatigue.

The EPA estimates losses can reach $61 million a year in employee absenteeism, medical costs, reduced productivity and lower earnings for people working in a "sick building."

Fortunately for us, many of these trace chemicals in the atmosphere can be absorbed and biodegraded by plant leaves, roots, the soil and micro-organisms.

So, if you want to increase your quality of life, surround yourself with beautiful orchids and other houseplants.

The most suitable orchids for growing indoors would be phalaenopsis (moth orchid), paphiopedilum (ladyslipper), dendrobium, cattleya and oncidium (popcorn orchid).

The phalaenopsis and paphiopedilum have very long-lasting blooms (up to three months) and can tolerate areas in your home or office that have only bright indirect light.

Dendrobiums (also lasting up to three months), cattleyas (terrific fragrance) and oncidiums (bright and cheery) require some filtered sunlight through a window, doorway or skylight.

Care for orchids is fairly simple.

Allow orchids to dry slightly between waterings.

Put them in the sink and give them a good soaking, and allow the excess water to drain before putting them back into their planters. Avoid letting the orchids sit a tray of water.

Remember that most orchids are air plants and don't like wet feet.

Don't forget to feed them. There are no excuses, not even for the laziest (or busiest) people. There are great timed-released fertilizers on the market today, with some having the ability to feed an orchid for up to a year.

Repotting should be done once every two years.

Organic growing media will start to break down and salts will begin accumulate, so if your orchid isn't doing well and it hasn't been repotted, it might need fresh media.

Many types of media work — rocks, cinders, bark, tree fern, etc. The most important thing is that it drains well.

Bug problems normally can be taken care of by first grooming the orchid, then spraying a little isopropyl alcohol.

Even with the best care, you may still experience difficulty in growing your orchids indoors. It could be that you just don't have suitable conditions. So after enjoying the plant's flowers, give it to someone with a yard.

If the plant looks really bad, don't hesitate to throw it out. After all, you would not hesitate to throw out a $40 flower arrangement that lasted one week, so why fret over throwing away a $10 orchid that lasted four times as long?

Think of all the benefits you enjoyed by having this beautiful, inexpensive piece of indoor decoration.