Caring for orchids

Moth orchids, or Phalaenopsis, can flower for months with the right care. Water with tepid water when the roots look silvery and the compost is nearly dry. Green roots generally indicate there’s still moisture. Water less often in winter and let excess water drain straight away.

Give it some humidity. The video shows misting aerial roots or standing the pot above water on a tray of gravel. Keep the base out of the water. If feeding, use a suitable dilute orchid feed as directed.

Look after the flower spike. Remove faded flowers. If the spike is still green, cut back to a healthy node below the spent flowers to encourage a side shoot. Once a spike has turned yellow or brown all the way down, cut it off near the base.