festiveplants AN ORCHID IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS


Perhaps orchids are not traditionally the plant associated with Christmas, but their long, arching stems bearing sprays of beautifully marked, delicate-looking flowers look great in both modern and traditional settings. Moth orchids are widely grown and well-suited to life


indoors, requiring a minimum temperature of 16C. I bought one locally and kept it on an airy kitchen windowsill, where it flowered for four months until it finally needed a rest in November. These plants don't have a yearly cycle of producing


flowers, and can develop flower spikes at any time. Cool nights are important, so allow a dip of a few degrees. Once they've finished blooming, cut the flowered stems


back to just above a joint, two up from the base, using a pair of sharp secateurs. It should draw up another spike within a few weeks, although mine didn't show any signs of life for several months until a new branch appeared, producing a string of beautiful blooms. Their rambling roots spread across the surface of the pot


and out, searching for nutrients. The roots contain chlorophyll and therefore produce energy from light, so grow the plants in clear pots - it's also a good way to see if the roots are wet or dry. Trends are changing as people start to shy away from the


big, showy flowers to the more dainty, subtle and smaller- flowered types. Slipper orchids (Paphiopedilums), trendy in Victorian times with their waxy leaves and lip-shaped pouch at the front of the flower, are again becoming popular. The flowers are usually long-lasting and can remain in bloom for months. Some people have veered away from orchids in the past, fearing they may need a lot of maintenance. But these elegant plants, which originate from South-East Asia, are


actually tough old birds which don't like too much fuss. It's generally overwatering that kills them, and they are


becoming easier to grow as nurseries bring out new varieties. Most hybrids come from hot, humid forests and like a warm, tropical climate. It's a myth that they must be shaded, because they do


well on windowsills and flower more freely if given some sun. However, it's best to keep them out of direct sunshine in the summer - and don't make the mistake of moving them from somewhere very shaded into direct sunlight, or they will suffer leaf scorch. Some orchid-lovers mist the plants regularly, but they


really don't need to. Orchids should just be watered once a week by immersing


the pot into a bowl of tepid water until it's moist all through. Then lift the pot out and sit it on a draining board for a few minutes before putting it back into its permanent pot. The plant should be allowed to dry out between watering. Use a half-strength liquid feed for orchids. Add it each


time you water the plant, which you need to do more frequently in summer. Moth orchids should be repotted about once a year - you can buy specific compost for orchids from garden centres. It's expensive, but worth it as it has the right mix of nutrients. If you grow a cymbidium orchid indoors, be warned that it does not like being repotted and may not flower for several years afterwards if you do so. These orchids, which come in a wide colour range with spikes bearing up to 20 long-lasting flowers, normally flower from early winter to late spring. They are also good specimens for putting outside in the summer to brighten up your patio.


By Hannah Stephenson Best of the bunch - Holly


Its name alone conjures up images of Christmas - the bright red berries and rich green leaves taking pride of place in many festive wreaths and other decorations. But remember when buying a holly bush


that if you want berries, check on the variety you are buying because most types carry the male and female flowers on separate plants, so one of each is required for successful fertil- isation.


If you only have room for one, some


varieties are self-fertile and will produce berries, such as Ilex Aquifolium 'JC van Tol', which produces an abundance of bright red berries.


The names of some can be


misleading: 'Indian Chief' is female, while 'Silver


Queen' is a male variety. They will thrive in virtually any soil in sun or shade, although variegated types need a sunny spot.


To enter a draw to win a National Garden Gift Voucher simply send your name and contact details to: Monmouth Beacon, 56 Monnow Street, Monmouth, NP25 3XJ by December 14th. Usual competition rules apply


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