'I've discovered a way to keep orchids alive for at least 20 years - it all boils down to how you pot them'

One user on TikTok recently suggested the approach could potentially extend an orchid's lifespan to two decades, offering hope to those who struggles to maintain the delicate plants.

Plant enthusiast Jessie (@plantwithjessie) highlighted the unconventional growing hack in a post captioned: "How to keep your orchid alive for 20 years".

She noted: "Orchids have a bad rep because they die so easily. But I figured out a way to keep your orchids alive for basically ever or at least 20 years."

Rather than using traditional growing mediums like bark or soil, orchids are placed directly in water and left there permanently.

Jessie suggested this method allows the plants to thrive more effectively than in conventional growing materials.

"I am so excited to keep all of our orchids alive together now because I hear that if you put your orchid in water and leave it there for eternity, it will thrive a lot more than it does sitting in bark or soil."

While the approach may seem counterintuitive, some experts agree that water culture growing techniques support long survival.

This is partly because the plant's succulent roots absorb moisture and nutrients from a water-based medium, facilitating their growth in water.

Understanding the seasonal nature of orchids is equally important for long-term care, however.

The plants naturally shed their flowers during the winter months, with blooms returning in the summer.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Gardeners told of 'weak spot' when caring for peace lilies - how to achieve 'lush flowering'
• The kitchen scrap to feed your plants now for a 'lower risk of damage' this winter
• Avoid leaving peace lilies in area of your house they ‘don’t like’ or flowering plant ‘could die’

"Orchids require bright light and they are also seasonal bloomers, which means the flowers fall off in the winter," reiterated Jessie.

Because the natural cycle is often misinterpreted as plant death, owners may unnecessarily dispose of their healthy orchids.

Jessie noted that while white orchids are her favourite species, they are particularly challenging to maintain.

The water-based growing method may offer hope for prolonging the lifespan of the popular plant, however.