Orchids will be 'happy and healthy' in summer if you do expert's 20-minute task

In the summer, it all comes down to good watering, so it is important to have a plan to keep orchids happy and healthy. Westerlay Orchids has shared a simple and easy plan to keep orchids alive throughout a heatwave. They said: "Check to make sure your houseplant is in bright but indirect light.

"Direct light in the summer can burn the leaves. Keep your orchid away from air conditioning, too. This can rapidly dry out your plant." Next, check the roots of your houseplant.

How to water orchids in the summer

If they look green and the bark is dark and moist, watering can wait a few more days.

However, if they look grey and the bark is dry, then it is time to water them carefully.

According to the pros, orchids typically need watering around once a week in the summer, but this can be increased to two times if needed.

They explained: "Pour water onto the bark within the water-tight ceramic and let the water fill the container to the halfway mark.

"Orchids are more active during the summer, so add balanced fertiliser to their water once a month. They have minimal nutritional needs, so only use orchid-specific feed and don't overfeed them."

Let the plant soak for at least 20 minutes in the water, or until the roots are green.

Remove the houseplant from the water and allow the roots to fully dry, making sure to pour out the remaining water from the container.

Return the orchid to its decorative ceramic pot and repeat this once a week for a "happy and healthy" plant.

The experts added: "Orchids do not like direct sun; a humid climate with indirect light is ideal for a healthy plant.

"Leaf loss or withering leaves means there is too much light, causing the plant's chlorophyll to deteriorate; a healthy orchid has dark green leaves."