MOTH ORCHID

bracts (large, modified leaves) complete with flowers, making them a bold addition to any home.

Caring for them couldn’t be easier – they simply need their central “cup” topping up with water every once in a while and they’ll do just fine. choice and comes in a huge range of colours – so you can match the flower to your friend’s home décor for an extra personal touch. Make sure they leave them in a clear pot, as orchids are also epiphytes and their roots (which are green) need access to light to survive. Many people are prone to overwater orchids. Remember, they need watering only when the roots change from green to a more silvery grey.

Azaleas naturally flower in spring but are “forced” to flower early so they can be sold as gifts at Christmas time.

Helpfully, they often come in a festive shade of red, too.

They favour a high humidity so providing them with the adequate conditions can be a little more difficult – a bathroom can be a good spot to put them.

Or you can try placing them on a tray filled with pebbles and water to help provide a little more humidity.

Azaleas also don’t like too much direct sunlight, so will do well in a slightly cooler spot such as a porch.

Most importantly, they are thirsty plants – so keep them well watered.

These vibrant red plants aren’t just for decorating with at Christmas time. They can be kept all year round if given the right care and attention.

Make sure to wrap it up in paper when you’re bringing it back from the garden centre, as these plants do have a tendency to wilt very quickly when they are exposed to our chilly December climate.

They originate from Central America, so a cosy living room is the perfect spot for a poinsettia, as long as they aren’t too near a radiator or a fire, where the fluctuations in temperature might cause it some distress.

And that’s all you need to know. Now you’re all set to pop down to your garden centre and pick up the perfect last-minute pressie – bringing Christmas joy and a beautiful living gift that will give benefit all year round.

You could even write out some simple instructions for caring for their new plant on a festive label, to help them get started.

Go on, there’s still time to give the gift of gardening this Christmas.