Orchids have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity as the lifestyle plant of the early 21st century. PAT HOLT discovers that these sculptured blooms are lower maintenance than traditionally considered...

ORCHIDS must be the ultimate stylish gift for Christmas.

They're just the thing for people who love flowers, for discerning friends with elegant homes and for hard-to-please people who seem to 'have everything' already!

There are various indoor orchids which flower throughout the British winter. The most common varieties are simple to look after and almost always come with cultivation instructions on the label.

The largest and most successful garden centres are already stocking up with easy-care orchids, ready for the Christmas rush.

Sue Robinson, who is house plant buyer for the Hillier Garden Centres chain, always buys plenty of those old Christmas favourites: poinsettias, cyclamen and azaleas - but she is also expecting to sell lots of orchids this year.

She said: "Recently, people have discovered orchids in a big way," said Sue. "They have become the fastest-selling house plant all year round.

"People have tried them and found they are not so difficult to keep after all. The fear has gone out of them.

"Our orchids are good value, easy to care for and a pleasure to own - a superbly grown product that virtually guarantees success.

"These days, many people are interested in design for the home and garden. We spend hours watching makeover programmes on television and we have become keen on instant solutions.

"Many of the plants to be found in the garden centres provide just that - fashionable, finished products to pop into our rooms.

"Tastes have changed. We were always a nation that preferred pretty, fussy plants. That chic, European look was not for us!

"But all that has changed. We are now loooking for those straight, simple lines that look so stylish and those big, structural plants which become such a feature indoors, as important as the pictures on the walls.

"They're very ecologically friendly, too. Plants produce oxygen and help to clear toxins from the air.

"They also seem to have a calming effect on people. Somehow they soften our interiors and help to create a tranquil atmosphere."

Particularly suited to modern, centrally-heated homes are the beautiful phalaenopsis orchids, which are available in many lovely colours with exquisite markings.

They often have pairs of petals which remind some people of the wings of a moth. In fact, they are sometimes referred to as 'moth orchids'.

Unlike cut flowers, they flourish in a warm atmosphere, with blooms that last for weeks without fading.

For a cooler house or a conservatory, cymbidiums are an ideal choice. They require cool, frost-free conditions (between 10C and 24C) and will reward you with gorgeous, exotically-marked flowers in unusual colours.

Most garden centre orchids should be watered about every seven to 12 days and only when the compost is dry. Generally, they will not require repotting for at least two years. If you do repot them, always use special orchid compost.

"These plants are really good value," said Sue. "Some last for years and flower each winter but, even if they don't, or if you're tired of them, it's also ok to throw them away after Christmas!"

PLACE TO VISIT TO SEE ORCHIDS:

Kew Gardens - The Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens is a huge, modern glasshouse with a wide range of exhibits, including a colourful display of orchids. Kew Gardens are open daily from 9.30am to 4pm at this time of year. For details and directions, please call 020 8332 5622.

Wisley - The Royal Horticultural Society's gardens has a large orchid house, which is always full of exotic blooms at this time of year. The gardens are just off the A3 north of Guildford. For information, please call 01483 224234.

Find out more:

Wessex Orchid Society tel 01329 285160 or visit www.wessex-orchid-society.org.uk