Humans have an innate connection to nature – a concept known called biophilia.

Studies have shown the biophilic connection we experience being surrounded by plants improves our mental state and may even slightly shorten hospital recovery rates. This connection has driven the desire for greenery throughout history, with the Victorians even renting rare houseplants to adorn their homes. However, just because we love houseplants does not mean we’re good at looking after them.

Many people struggle to keep their houseplants alive. While some may put the demise of their beloved plants down to not having “green fingers”, houseplants are much easier to care for than we realise. In fact, the most common reason houseplants die is because we love them too much. While you may religiously follow a plant label’s advice to water weekly, your home is in fact its own micro-climate. Where you put your houseplant has a huge impact on how much water it needs.

You also need to consider where your houseplant comes from. Understanding houseplant adaptions in their natural environments is the key to success.

Orchids are a go-to plant for gifting with their glamorous colours and elaborate flower patterns. This beauty often gives the impression they are hard to care for. This is true for some orchids, but not the species commonly found in supermarkets: the phalaenopsis or moth orchids. Moth orchids are super easy to care for, and they need........

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