There are some kinds of orchids that can ‘flower themselves to death.’ – they put all their energy into producing flowers, then eventually they run out of energy and die.

The leaves of this orchid indicate neglect – lack of water, food, humidity and proper conditions. Yet, there is a profusion of beautiful blooms.

I bought this from a market stall in Leeds 18 months ago. It has been flowering almost continuously ever since. Despite my parents not looking after it properly in my absence, it keeps going. It’s actually doing better than some of the orchids I properly look after in Oxford.

Some plants are very different – unless they are given exactly the conditions they require, they won’t flower.

But, an orchid will survive just about everything except over-watering.