Gardener shares easy way to make orchid blooms last for months – and no, it’s not using fertiliser
WE ALL take pride in keeping our houseplants alive.
And while an orchid is easy to look after, its flowers can fall off in a matter of weeks, leaving a stick in the pot for months.
Thankfully, a gardening expert has shared a clever hack to make their blooms last for months instead of weeks.
Tony Le-Britton from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has shared one of his tips for ensuring orchid flowers "last longer".
And while many may have thought fertiliser was the key to success, it turns out to be a lot easier than feeding your plant.
In a video on YouTube, the houseplant pro suggested changing your orchid's position to get the flowers to last longer.
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He said: "Now, the best position for an orchid is somewhere bright.
"Most people like to have it within their home when it's flowering, which is absolutely fine and with less light, the flowers will probably last a little bit longer."
But if your orchid plant isn't flowering yet and you want it to grow more leaves, you need to place it somewhere sunny.
He suggested, "an east- or west-facing windowsill, a north-facing windowsill, or a position a couple of metres back from a south-facing windowsill is perfect."
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Tony continued: "If you can get a little bit of direct sun on its leaves, either early in the morning or in the evening, it's going to be most happy.
"Pop it in its bright position and within a few months you should see the start of a flower spike just emerging under one of the leaves."
During the winter months, plants can be placed in windowsills to get direct sunlight and encourage growth.
But in summer months, it is best to keep the plant away from direct sun as this can scorch the orchid's leaves.
Other plant experts from Stelrard have shared the houseplants that have few care requirements compared to other options.
Money trees were said to be one of the top options for people who are not green fingered.
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The experts told The Express: “Who says money doesn’t grow on trees? Well not literally with the money tree, but it is believed to bring good luck to whoever owns this plant.
Another low-maintenance plant which is very popular is Devil’s Ivy.
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The experts say they are very adaptable to different spots in your home, and do well indoors or in a shaded outdoor spot.
All they need is a little bit of indirect sunlight and some water whenever the soil feels like it needs some moisture.
