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Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts reveal the huge gardening mistake that is stopping your orchids from flowering
Many British gardeners enjoy keeping orchids in their homes thanks to their pleasant scent and ability to flourish in the UK's cooler climate. However, according to gardening experts, there is a mistake many people make which means the plants may never flower. Luckily, this mistake is very easy to rectify, and so frustrated orchid owners can finally enjoy their plant in bloom. It's all to do with how they are watered: when it comes to orchids, they take moisture from mist in the surrounding air - as opposed to taking it from water-soaked soil. As a result of this, it's easy to over water them, which is a common mistake made by orchid owners, according to the experts at DIY Everywhere. 'Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees and have adapted to receive moisture from the air rather than from soil,' they said. This means that soil which has a high water count can affect the plants. 'Overwatering can lead to root rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing the nutrients it needs to flower,' the experts explained. Being unable to absorb all the necessary nutrients means orchids are likely to suffer. And being nutrient starved can result in leaves turning yellow, developing black tips, and even falling off in the worst cases. But the experts at DIY Everywhere have suggested an easy way that plant fans can prevent this from happening. They suggest that after watering, people make sure that soil has thoroughly dried out before watering again. Alternatively, rather than pouring water into the soil, people can mist the plants with water. This is simple to do, by simply using a spray bottle filled with water. Another step keen gardeners can take is opting for the right kind of water for their orchids - the sensitive plants tend to fare better when water with an alkaline pH of between 5.5 to 6.5 is used. To achieve that, boiled or rainwater should be used, rather than water straight from the tap, which can contain too many minerals that are damaging to orchids. These include fluoride and chlorine. According to gardening expert Monty Don, there are a number of other things to bear in mind when trying to cultivate the plants. He has previously said: 'Orchids have something of a reputation for being demanding and even downright tricky, but in fact some are very easy indeed, and most are not too difficult if you get the basics right.' Ideally, the plants should be kept at 15-20°C at night and 20-30°C during the day, he said. They do not fare well if they are too cold, or too hot. He added: 'Orchids need light to trigger flowering, but they can scorch, so never put them on a south-facing windowsill – a west- or east-facing one is ideal, or set back in a bright room. Each flower spike can bear over a dozen flowers and will last for months. 'But once it is spent – and has not produced new flowers for a week or two – cut back the spike to the first node. This will stimulate a fresh side shoot, which will develop flowers.' When the roots spill out, it's time to repot them, he added. Gardeners should gently untangle the roots, before cutting off any shrivelled or damaged sections and shortening the healthy white roots to about 12cm. Should the plant fit in the same pot, it should be returned to it: if it doesn't fit, it should be moved to a slightly larger container. 'Use proper orchid potting compost, which contains very coarse bark chippings,' he added. 'Hold the plant in position and fit the bark chippings around the roots so that the plant is really firm.' When it comes to watering plants, he advised: 'The best way to water orchids is to soak them once a week, ideally with rainwater, then let them drain completely. Don't worry if they seem totally dry in between. However, as with many tropical houseplants, a daily misting is always beneficial.'
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners warned over huge orchid mistake that stops them from flowering
If your orchids are looking a little yellow or lacklustre, you could be making one very common and simple mistake - luckily experts advise there's an incredibly easy fix Orchids are a popular flower in British homes with their range of delicious scents – but there is one simple mistake that many gardeners make. Luckily, gardening experts say there's an easy fix. Many British gardens contain orchids as they're well suited to the climate. They generally prefer cooler evening temperatures and appreciate bright, indirect sunlight. However, a major mistake comes with how people water their orchids. These delicate flowers actually need to be watered in a specific way. A unique characteristic of orchids is that they prefer to receive moisture from mist in the air rather than from water-soaked soil. This means it is very easy to overwater them. DIY Everywhere writes: 'Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by orchid owners. Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees and have adapted to receive moisture from the air rather than from soil.' Soil with a high water content can therefore have a damaging effect. They warn: 'Overwatering can lead to root rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing the nutrients it needs to flower.' Once orchids become nutrient deprived, their leaves can start to yellow and form unpleasant black tips. In extreme cases, they can even begin to fall off, leaving you with a sparse, stunted plant. To avoid this, DIY Everywhere suggests allowing the soil, mulch or fertiliser to thoroughly dry out between watering. This helps to ensure the water is draining properly. Another solution is to water them via misting rather than pouring water directly into the soil. You can do this by simply adding water to a cleaned out spray bottle. Equally, be careful over the kind of water you are using for orchids. These sensitive flowers do not take well to tap water and instead prefer either boiled water or rainwater. This is because tap water often doesn't contain the right pH for many orchid species. Most orchids prefer an alkaline pH between 5.5 to 6.5. Tap water may also contain a high concentration of minerals like fluoride and chlorine. In too high a concentration, these can also be damaging to orchids. Other steps you can take to make sure your orchids are growing optimally is make sure they're receiving enough light. You should also shield them from draughts and sudden temperature changes. It's also crucial that orchids have access to sufficient air flow - especially if you're growing them inside. Ensure you place them by a well-ventilated area or near a fan.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
8 plants you can grow with just water and no soil from scratch
Taking care of plants can be time-consuming, but these houseplants only require minimal care and zero mess and still transform a space with their luscious blooms Every gardener knows that taking care of a plant can be a time-consuming task. If you're looking for a mess-free plant that just requires water to survive, these are the best plants to get started with, experts say. Now that the temperatures are rising and the summer is around the corner, plants need the attention for survival. However, some others require even much more care, and not everyone wants to deal with the mess of potting soil. Growing houseplants in water is a good option for those with busy schedules, as they only require water to thrive and survive, looking as good as new for weeks, if not months. Here are eight plants, as shared by DIY Everywhere: Peace Lily Peace Lilies are beautiful because of their white blooms and green leaves. As per their maintenance, just ensure that the plant's roots are covered in water, making sure that the crown is above the waterline. They also thrive the best when the sunlight hits them directly. Lucky Bamboo Associated with good luck and prosperity, Lucky Bamboo's don't need a lot of attention. To grow, just ensure the stalks are in a vase with at least an inch of water. Also, make sure the roots are submerged, changing the water every two weeks and away from the sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Photos Also known as the Devil's Ivy, this plant thrives in water and doesn't need a lot of care. For them to grow, simply cut a healthy vine with some leaves and put it in a vase with water. The water needs to be changed every couple of weeks, rinsing the roots for them to remain healthy. Spider Plant Spider Plants are known to be air purifiers, and are very easy to take care of. To do so, take a 'pup' and put it in a container with water. Just make sure that the base of the plantlet is well submerged and that the leaves are above the waterline, replacing the water every two weeks. Philodendron Philondendon are classic houseplants, and don't need sunlight to survive - just water. Cut the stem, leaving a few leaves and place in a jar with water. However, it's important to replace the water every two weeks and clean the container to avoid algae growth. English Ivy Versatile and elegant, English Ivy only needs a cool environment to thrive at their best. It's important to cut a section of the vine and remove several leaves before placing them on a vase. Change the water every couple of weeks, raising the roots for them to remain healthy and beautiful. Chinese Evergreen Chinese Evergreens are very low maintenance, and are perfect for beginners or those who aren't used to having the responsibility of having to take care of a houseplant. When placing them on a vase, cut the team by ensuring that the base is fully submerged in water. Wandering Jew Known for its vibrant purple and green colours, Wandering Jews also need minimal care. They add a pop of colour in any indoor space, and just need their water to be changed every two weeks.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners issue hydrangea warning over common task everyone gets wrong
If you're looking to give your precious hydrangeas a boost this summer, be careful not to make this one crucial gardening mistake - otherwise you risk ruining your flowers If you're growing hydrangeas in your garden you're no doubt looking forward to summer – when they come out in a full glorious bloom. But experts have warned that you need to be careful not to over-fertilise them with one popular nutrient. Hydrangeas are easily one of the UK's most popular garden plants. Their distinct halos of blossoms are instantly recognisable, as is their sweet floral scent. Even better, gardeners can choose whether they want them to turn out blue or pink. They're also famously easy to maintain, as they thrive in the mild British climate. One of the best ways to keep your hydrangeas lush is by fertilising them. Fertiliser is an organic compound that provides the soil with necessary plant nutrients. These are then absorbed through the flower's roots. In turn, they can promote faster and healthier plant growth, as well as encourage more blossoms. Hydrangeas are no exception and will produce a full cascade of blossoms if fed the correct diet. Three of their most crucial nutrients are phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. In particular, nitrogen plays a key role in photosynthesis, which is fundamental to a plant's survival. This is because it is a main component of chlorophyll – the tissue which allows plants to absorb light. A deficiency of nitrogen can severely damage your hydrangeas. It can cause old leaves to wither and turn yellow as well as stunt the growth of its flowers, ruining the look of your garden. Fortunately, if you notice your hydrangeas could use some perking up, it's easy to find nitrogen-based fertilisers. You can either pick them up at your local homeware store or order them online. However, be careful not to become overzealous with its application. Experts caution that too much nitrogen can have an adverse effect. Especially if your aim is to create more bountiful blooms. DIY Everywhere writes: 'One of the most common mistakes is over-fertilizing with nitrogen. While nitrogen is essential for plant growth, too much can lead to excessive leaf production at the expense of blooms. This results in lush foliage but few flowers.' Excess nitrogen can lead to a host of other problems, too. It can cause leaves to become thick and cupped, or even discoloured. It can also make them more vulnerable to pests and bug infestations. To avoid this, DIY Everywhere recommends buying a balanced fertilizer containing a mixture of ingredients. Equally, it's important to always follow the instructions on the applicator.
