Can I save my orchids?

Q.I have a couple of orchids that gave up flowering several years ago and yet cling to life on a cool, lightly shaded windowsill. Can I bring them back to their original glory, or shall I bin them? Eleanor Kendall, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire

A.Ah, the familiar tale of the moribund orchid; I must confess to having a few of those myself. For such gorgeously exotic plants they are incredibly durable, remaining alive for years despite neglect. In the wild, many grow epiphytically, clinging to the branches and bark of trees, and they can sustain themselves through harsh times from nourishment stored in pseudobulbs. Bringing plants back to life is fun, so I would give them a go. Imagine the triumph when they make new flowers.

Orchids are usually bought in bloom and, given thoughtful positioning and reasonable care, they go on to flower a couple more times before needing attention. They ought to be repotted every couple of years, because their bark-based compost begins to decay, ted becoming waterlogged, and roots may rot. Feeding is important, too, for healthy growth and flowers.

A variety of orchids find their way onto our windowsills. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are common and they are easily identifiable by an absence of pseudobulbs, so their leathery leaves sit on top of the pot accompanied by thick, fleshy aerial roots. Yet these like medium light and warm rooms.