Exotic. High-maintenance. Luscious. Orchids have certainly earned a reputation as the supermodel divas of the gardening world.

But Mattapoisett resident Kim Barry says the negative press is hype, at least for many varieties. After 15 years of growing orchids, Barry insists they just need some love and affection. It also helps to have the right pot.

Barry, an artist and owner of Clay Trout Pottery, began cultivating orchids as a result of her mother and in-laws. After attending a Cape and Islands Orchid Society show with them, Barry said, “I got addicted.”

Since joining CAIOS, which members pronounce "chaos," Barry has been studying the best practices for making orchids thrive.

“Some of them are difficult to grow and need special climates,” admitted Barry, but she found five varieties that work for her, including the phalaenopsis and the dendrobium.

Barry also learned a lot from her father-in-law, an avid grower with a greenhouse. “I used to love to go over in the winter when things were blooming,” she said.

After he passed away, Barry inherited many of his orchids, which make up the 40 plants in her house and pottery studio.

One crucial aspect for growing the flowers, explained Barry, is having the right environment. As a potter, she has designed a number of vessels specifically suited to orchids.

“I gave pots to orchid growers to critique. They let me know what works and what doesn’t,” she said.

In addition to a generic orchid pot, Barry designed a small water pot for miniature orchids that simulates the rough bark of a tree, and “paph pots” made of black clay that prevents paphiopedilum orchids from drying out too fast.

For this year's show on January 12 to 13, Barry will display some of her work and orchids. She is also creating clay pots that will be the trophies for exhibitors.

With the best orchid growers in New England at the event, Barry is looking forward to soaking up more tips about cultivating the flowers. But, she won’t stress about it.

Since some varieties flower for three-quarters of the year, she said, “You get your money’s worth, even if you do end up killing them.”

The Cape and Islands Orchid Society's 24th annual show will take place January 12 and 13 at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, 35 Scudder Avenue. For more information, click here.