I always thought orchids were difficult to look after but having been given one a few months ago, I realise that is not necessarily the case. Move them into a shadier spot during the summer.

My moth orchid has been flowering non-stop since April and is really beautiful. They need bright, but not harsh sunlight - as this can cause scorch - the best place for them is on an east- or west-facing window sill. Move them into a shadier spot during the summer.

It is important to maintain the correct moisture levels. Check the compost regularly and when it starts to feel dry, run tepid water through the pot until it runs out of the bottom. Too little water can result in leaves withering, but too much will lead to bud drop, yellow leaves that fall away, and root rot. To encourage growth, add liquid orchid feed to every fourth watering between late March and September. Increase humidity around plants by placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, and mist the leaves (but not the flowers) regularly. A flower spike can continue to bloom for up to three months. Once faded, cut the spike just above the second node (joint) beneath the spent flowers, and a flowering side shoot may develop. Moth orchids only need repotting occasionally, when they have outgrown their container or when the compost has started to disintegrate. Being piphytes (plants that in the wild cling to trees and rocks rather than grow in soil) they will usually sprout aerial roots. Always use specialist orchid compost (usually bark-based) which is available from most garden centres.