This ancient flower is one of the most popular plants cultivated today, and has amassed a wealth of symbolism throughout its history.

However, they are famously fussy. Everybody has a different tip, trick or close-guarded secret for keeping orchids alive you've probably heard of using icecubes as watering technique, or sunning the roots for example. With so much debate this beloved species, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.

We're here to cut through the noise and give you exactly what you need to keep your plant happy, healthy and continually blooming. All you need is the patience of an orchid

This is how to keep an orchid alive.

Julianne Robertson is a writer, content creator and gardener. She is qualified in horticulture and owns The Secret Garden micro-nursery, raising a variety of hardy perennial plants suitable for the Scottish climate. Her work has been featured in a range of print and online titles, including The Guardian, The People’s Friend, My Weekly, Platinum, Scotland Grows and Country Smallholding, and she is also the host of a podcast called The Scottish Garden Podcast.