Gardening expert secret to keep orchids alive and to avoid 'killing them with kindness'

ORCHID care can be confusing. An expert detailed how to keep the fussy house plants alive.

The Home Depot describes how to care for orchids

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Orchids are hugely popular house plants. They have long, sturdy stems topped with bright flowers.

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Gardener Ellen Mary with orchids

Plant care: Orchid tips - expert secret to keep plants alive (Image: GETTY/ELLENMARY)

An orange orchid

Plant care: Ellen said dying orchids often come down to being overwatered or being left in water (Image: GETTY)

Ellen said dying orchids often come down to being overwatered or being left in water or moist soil.

"If you're watering them and leaving the water, the roots will rot," she warned.

"And, if you water them too often, the root rots as well."

She explained: "So, what I like to do is put the orchids in the bath once every couple of weeks, maybe at least three or maybe even every four weeks.

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    "I stand them in there and then I let the water completely drain away.

    "Then I put them back into their place.

    "But really, it's little watering they need.

    "You can give them a spritz of water spray from time to time but otherwise it is usually killing them with kindness."

    Infographic - how to know when to water your indoor plants

    Plant care: how to know when to water your indoor plants (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK)

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    The orchid is an interesting flower, especially its name. The family name for the plant, Orchic, literally means testicle in Ancient Greek.

    In Middle English, some orchids were called by an amusing name, a colloquial and now considered rather a rude name for a teste followed by the word "wort", which meant plant.

    They need little watering and don't enjoy direct right sunlight.

    Orchids generally are best placed behind a curtain that lets light through.

    Gardener Ellen Mary

    Plant care: Orchids generally are best placed behind a curtain that lets light through (Image: ELLEN MARY)

    Ellen Mary discussed November gardening jobs to get "ready for sowing and growing".

    There are still many plants that can be sown at this time of year.

    They include:

    • Tulips
    • Daffodils
    • Hyacinth
    • Bare-root roses and peonies