How should I take care of an orchid?

Matt James says: Older leaves – those at the base of the main stem – eventually turn yellow, wither away and die. However, you are right to be concerned about the discolouration of the new young leaves. Yellow leaves mean that the plant is suffering from either too much light, insufficient feeding, overwatering or stress caused by very low temperatures. Moth orchids are the toughies of the orchid world, but they do hate strong sunshine. A semi-shady windowsill is best for them, especially during the summer. Always ensure that the compost is damp but not waterlogged – orchids don’t like sitting in stagnant water.

As Moth orchids are quite greedy, add specialist orchid fertiliser to the watering can every month during the spring and summer months. Stop feeding them in winter and place the plant in a well-lit warm spot away from hot radiators.

Featured in the December 2011 issue of Real Homes