Enchanting and challenging Orchids

IN the final throes of the deep, dark winter months, we naturally yearn for warmer, far-off climes. But while we are hunkering down against the elements and Covid, we can still get a taste of the exotic by inviting orchids into our homes. February is peak flowering time, and orchids are guaranteed to deliver some much-needed joy.

Orchids have a reputation for being tricky and many people class them as definitely not for beginners. With delicate flowers that can be hard to regrow, strange roots protruding from pots, and sometimes confusing watering needs, they seem so fussy that it’s tempting to treat them