Garden Answers (UK)

Keep orchids alive

How can I look after this orchid that was given to me as a gift?

- CELIA GRANGE, MANCHESTER

This is a moth orchid (phalaenops­is). They’re easy to care for in a warm room in good light, but keep them out of direct sunlight. They might look a bit too snug in their pots, but they don’t generally need repotting for at least a year after purchase. The pots are clear because the roots of some orchids can turn green and perform photosynth­esis, which aids the plant’s growth. Water the plant once a week, allowing the compost and roots to almost dry out between watering. Don’t let the pot sit in water. Give it a feed at half the recommende­d strength (or use specialist orchid feed, £2.99 for 175ml) about once every two weeks. When you do repot, use a specialist, more fibrous, orchid compost.

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