Moth orchids are in flower virtually all year round with long sprays of rounded flowers in pink, white, cream or yellow, sometimes marked with dots or dashes.

Cymbidiums are more seasonal with “grassy” foliage and spikes of flowers in cream, yellow, green, pink or bronzy-brown, opening slowly and lasting a couple of months through winter.

A good plant can cost £15, possibly more, but it’ll last far longer than several bunches of cut flowers and you’ll still have the original for years to come if you look after it properly.

Orchids need good indirect light and room temperature but don’t treat them like “normal” houseplants.

Water once or twice a week, using filtered or boiled and cooled water, and allow to run through the pot and drain away
– it’s the kiss of death to let them stand in water.

Also don’t forget orchid feed but very little and not too often.