Orchids produce colourful blooms in diverse shapes and textures, often surviving several years - if not decades.
Peculiarities in the plant's origins make them highly sensitive to harsh weather conditions of Western countries, where they are most adapted to indoors.
Fortunately, even plants that show signs of struggle can acclimatise to their environment with some help from their owners.
The best way to revive the ornamental flower will hinge on the reason it is wilting in the first place, however.
Orchids thrive in humid conditions
GETTY
Dani Turner, customer experience director at online florist Bunches, spoke to GB News about some of the best hacks to protect the plant from drooping.
“Taking care of orchids in the chilly UK can sometimes be a bit of a test,” noted the expert.
“Orchids originate from Thailand and thrive in warm, humid climates so it’s important to place your plant away from drafts and cold spots.
“[The flowers] may sometimes arrive wilted if they do, simply immerse your Orchid stem in cool water for 10 minutes to help revive them.”
Though drooping leaves are often taken as a sign of dehydration, it can also indicate the plant has received an excess of water.
Overwatering will cause the plant's root system to start rotting and prevent it from passing on much-needed liquid to the leaves, causing them to wilt.
If flowers around the lower section of the plant start displaying signs of fading, their removal could encourage new growth.
“If you want to speed up the blooming process, remove any faded blooms from the bottom of the stem and this should encourage the upper buds to open,” explained Dani.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Orchids will thrive given the right conditions
PA
The expert continued: “Make sure your orchids are kept in temperatures of 10C and above, which can be a difficult thing in winter.
“Simply ensuring your plant gets some sunshine during the short days will help.
“When roots become tangled and overcrowded, it can disrupt their ability to take up water and nutrients, so please take care when untangling your orchids.”
Provided with the right conditions, some orchids can survive for up to 15 years, blooming multiple times per year.
